Edmund Optics® Expands Executive Team in Japan


June 30, 2009, Barrington, NJ, Edmund, Optics (EO), the preferred provider of optical components, announced the appointment of Timothy Paul Kennedy to the position of President, Edmund Optics Japan.

Kennedy replaces veteran Isao Wakasa, who pioneered the development of the EO sales location in February, 1994 and recently retired in May, 2009. With Kennedy's impressive background in both optical engineering and sales, he is aggressively developing new customers in Japan. "EO is dedicated to maintaining and building an even stronger presence by investing in manufacturing and marketing operations in Japan. We are a global company and our Japanese relationships and marketplace are a major part of Edmund Optics," said Tim Kennedy.

Kennedy's responsibilities include sales, marketing, and operations strategy for the Tokyo team, as well as regional participation in the strategic sales growth for all of Asia. He brings five years of experience directing the sales & marketing team at EO Singapore, including the development of the Korean office, multiple Asian websites, and a fully translated Japanese Master Source Book. Kennedy has a BS in Optical Engineering from the University of Arizona and speaks English, Mandarin and is quickly becoming fluent in Japanese, allowing for quick assimilation into his new role.

"We are incredibly impressed with Tim's ability to work with customers from basic technical applications to complex vision system solutions for applications such as flat panel inspection. He likewise has done an excellent job teaching others the EO team management structure and culture, allowing us to truly create a global operation focused on the same mission. He is both a rising star in the EO executive team as well as an accomplished engineer, and I look forward to continued sales growth in Japan under his leadership," stated Robert Edmund, CEO.

New General Manager, New Manufacturing Plant, EO Akita, Japan

Toshio Horii was appointed General Manager, EO Akita, Japan after the completion of EO's acquisition of this plant at the end of December 2008. Previously known in Japan as Saito Optics, this new manufacturing division of Edmund Optics is highly regarded as a premier facility for precision grinding and polishing of spherical optics. EO has also made substantial investments in the plant's metrology, automated centering, and cleaning technology. A formal ceremony took place to honor the Saito and Edmund families in early April, with EO staff and local officials joining in the celebration. Over 120 people attended the event at Marushime Ceremonial Hall in Jumonji city Akita prefecture.

Horii who is a native of Akita brings over 20 years of manufacturing experience both in the US and Japan working for US precision broadcast T&M, LCD, Auto mobile, Semiconductor and Robotics firms. Toshio Horii holds a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Nippon Electronics College. "Horii's focus will be to further develop the factory's optical manufacturing capabilities, concentrating in the next months on training the staff on innovative manufacturing techniques and production planning with the goal of satisfying the growing needs of EO's customers," stated Walter Czajkowski, VP Global Manufacturing.

The Akita facility's spherical expertise combined with the assembly strengths at EO Shenzhen and outstanding prism and coating technology at EO Singapore make Edmund Optics one of the premier global manufacturers of optical components.

About EO:
Edmund Optics® (EO) is a leading producer of optics, imaging, and photonics technology for R&D, electronics, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, biomedical, and military markets around the globe. EO is the world's largest supplier of off-the-shelf optical components. Customers can purchase items by contacting EO at 1-800-363-1992, via the new interactive catalog, the website at www.edmundoptics.com, or requesting their print catalog.

Company Contact:
Marisa Edmund
Vice President, Marketing
Edmund Optics, Inc.
101 East Gloucester Pike
Barrington, NJ 08007 U.S.A.
Phone: 1-800-363-1992
Fax: 1-856-573-6295
email: medmund@edmundoptics.com

Editorial Contact:
James Liolin
Lion Associates
550 Mamaroneck Avenue
Harrison, NY 10528
Phone: 914-670-0138
Fax: 914-670-0596
email: jliolin@lionadv.com

All Topics