Jenoptik Expands in Japan

Together with its longstanding partner Kantum Electronics Co. Ltd., Jenoptik is expanding its presence in Japan. Jenoptik Laserdiode Japan Co., a joint venture that previously specialized in the sale of diode lasers, is being renamed Jenoptik Japan Co. Ltd., to take effect immediately; it will include more Jenoptik products.

In 2005, the two partners formed a joint venture for the sale of diode lasers in Japan. In that collaboration, Jenoptik held slightly more than one-third of the shares. In the new enterprise, Jenoptik will become the majority shareholder with nearly two-thirds of the shares, while Kantum Electronics will hold the balance. Jenoptik Japan Co. Ltd., based in Yokohama, currently employs six people.

“We are following the model that we have successfully developed in Korea and India over the last two years and are taking another important step forward in our process of internationalization in the growth market of Asia,” said Jenoptik Chairman Michael Mertin, who is currently visiting Jenoptik’s customers and partners in Asia. “It is important to have direct access to the market. We are simultaneously extremely pleased and proud of the fact that we are continuing the successful, longstanding collaboration with Kantum Electronics.”

At the beginning of this year, Jenoptik had already added solid-state lasers and laser processing systems to the product range in Japan and expanded relevant local customer service. The sales team and customer service for diode and solid-state lasers have been increased. In the coming year, the optical systems division also plans to increase its forces in Japan.

“The expanded product range and new service structures provide us with a good starting basis for the company’s continued development,” said Itaru Kubo, president of Jenoptik Japan. 2010 was the “Year of Asia” for Jenoptik, with an upward trend in sales.

In March of this year, Jenoptik opened a laser application center in the South Korean city of Pyeongtaek (Province of Gyeonggi, 70 km south of Seoul); approximately 3.4 million euros were invested in this enterprise, predominantly in 2009. In China, the new building in the Shanghai Pudong Kangqiao industrial zone was officially opened in May. It will house training and presentation rooms primarily for the industrial metrology division.

In 2010, Jenoptik increased its sales in Asia compared with the previous year. In addition to sales that Jenoptik generated from OEM customers in Asia, direct sales of 36 million euros were also generated in this fastest-growing economic region. At the end of the third quarter, 2010 sales had already totaled 34.5 million euros compared with 24.5 million euros in the same period in 2009.

“We see great potential for Jenoptik’s products and technologies in Asia. Our direct presence will enable us to service the market intensively and with all divisions. This allows us to support our demanding customers in the best possible way with the innovation power and technology of our company and to influence the dynamics in these markets,” said Jenoptik Chairman Dr. Michael Mertin.

For more information, visit: www.jenoptik.com