Panasonic and Miller Form Strategic Alliance for Expanded Robotic Welding Solutions


November 2, 2010 - Rolling Meadows, IL - Panasonic Factory Solutions Company of America announced today that it has entered into a strategic alliance with Miller Electric Mfg. Co. Within the agreement, robotics produced by Panasonic Welding Systems Co., Ltd., a division of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC), will be integrated with Miller products and distributed to the North American market through Miller as part of a complete automated welding system.

"We are excited about this new business model with Miller," said Tom Gebhardt, president of Panasonic Factory Solutions Company of America. "The combined vision, technology, and expertise of Panasonic and Miller provide the industry with a singular source of substantiated strengths in automation, integration, and customer satisfaction". Koichiro Masai, president of Panasonic Welding Systems Co., Ltd. says, "This may be the first step for further collaboration between the two companies."

"Miller has engaged with a global technology leader to bring to market a comprehensive robotic welding automation solution," said Mike Weller, president of Miller. To augment this business, Miller has created Miller Welding Automation, a business unit dedicated to delivering and supporting the new Miller system. The new Miller Welding Automation facility will be located in Carol Stream, Illinois.

The debut of this strategic alliance was announced officially at FABTECH 2010, North America's largest metal forming, fabricating, finishing and welding event, at the Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia.

About Panasonic Factory Solutions Company of America

Panasonic Factory Solutions Company of America, a North American source for electronic assembly equipment (SMT), software and technical support, provides total business systems solutions for electronic semiconductor and packaging companies in the global marketplace through one provider. The company is a unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, which is the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC).

For additional information:

Panasonic Factory Solutions Company of America,

5201 Tollview Drive,

Rolling Meadows, IL 60008.

PFSAmarketing@us.panasonic.com

PH: 847-637-9600.

www.panasonicfa.com

About Miller Electric Mfg. Co.

Miller Electric Mfg. Co., headquartered in Appleton, Wis., is a leading worldwide manufacturer of Miller brand arc welding products and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW).

CONTACT:

Kristin Serna

Panasonic Factory Solutions Company of America

PH: 847-637-9600

FAX: 847-637-9601

PFSAmarketing@us.panasonic.com

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