OKI Expands Scale of Reed Switch Production
Raises production capability by 50%
TOKYO, April 21, 2010 -- OKI Electric Industry (TSE: 6703) today announced that OKI Sensor Device, a wholly-owned subsidiary that designs, manufactures, and sells reed switches(*1) plans to expand its production space by 50%. Furthermore, the expansion will make it possible to increase annual production also by 50%. The new facility will come online in October 2010.
Production processes has been handled at two different manufacturing facilities. By integrating them into a single facility in Kofu City, the company is seeking to enhance productivity and expand market share in response to demand from various sectors experiencing significant current growth, including the automotive industry.
OKI Sensor Device currently holds the world's leading share in the reed switch market, manufacturing 300 million reed switches annually. Reed switches are turned on/off by electromagnetic induction, which brings contact points together. These devices are currently used for various applications, including IC testers, home security equipment, and home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and rice cookers. Their scope of application continues to expand.
Recognizing the need to enhance production efficiency and increase capacity to meet the growing demand, OKI Sensor Device has decided to consolidate its two production facilities located in Yamanashi Prefecture. The company will transfer and integrate sealing process(*2) procedures to the Kofu City facility, expanding the total floor space of the facility by around 1,300m² (by 50%) and achieving an integrated production line.
"The upgraded facility will manufacture reed switches through an integrated process which shortens lead time," comments Tetsuya Takayashiki, President and CEO of OKI Sensor Device, "allowing us to boost production capacity from 300 million to 400 million units annually by the end of fiscal 2012. The integrated manufacturing process will also dramatically reduce environmental impact."
Moving forward, OKI Sensor Device plans to meet a diverse range of customer needs by enhancing production systems, reliability, and functionality, in addition to reducing device costs and dimensions.
About Oki Sensor Device Corporation
- President
- Tetsuya Takayashiki
- Address
- Tachihi Bldg. No.7 4th Fl. 6-1-1, Sakae-cho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo, Japan
- Number of employees
- 100 (As of March 31, 2010)
- Establishment
- October 1, 1996
- Capital
- 200 million yen (Investor: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. 100%)
- Business
- Design, production, and sales of reed switches and modules with embedded reed switches
Glossary
- *1 :Reed switch
A reed switch consists of a pair of ferrous metal reeds enclosed in a hermetically sealed glass envelope. North and south poles are formed on the reeds upon the application of a magnetic field, and the reed switch operates through magnetic attraction. When the magnetism is removed the reed switch returns to its original position due to the elasticity of the reeds.
- *2 :Sealing process
A process used to form reed switches by inserting a reed at either end of the glass envelope, and then sealing the ends through application of heat.
About Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd., Japan's first telecommunications manufacturer, was founded in 1881 and is headquartered in Tokyo. OKI, through its info-telecom systems and printer operations, seeks to provide top-quality products, technologies, and solutions to its customers. Its various business activities function synergistically to realize exciting new products and technologies that meet a wide range of customer needs in various markets. Visit OKI's global web site at http://www.oki.com
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- Press Contact:
- Public Relations Division
Phone: +81-3-5403-1247
- * Information in the press releases is current on the date of the press announcement, but is subject to change without prior notice.