1 in 3 installed EDM machines is a Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation’s EDM division once again achieved a record result in the 2005 business year (1 April 04 – 31 March 05). EDM machine sales, which had already stabilised at a high level in 2004, increased by more than 20% in 2005. This brought Mitsubishi Electric’s world market share up to 30%, maintaining the company’s position as the unchallenged number one in the world ranking.

This new growth was made possible by increased demand from the motor industry and the consumer electronics sector, and by the successful introduction of the high-quality FA-S series of universal precision wire EDM machines. These increased sales boosted Mitsubishi’s world market share from 26% to 30%.

Mitsubishi EDM systems currently have a market share of significantly more than 40% in Japan, 28% in China, 31% in the rest of Asia and 27% in the USA. The company’s market share in Europe is currently around 15%.

Manufacturing capacity at the main Nagoya works in Japan and the MDI works in China was already stepped up radically last year when demand and new orders started to increase. Thanks to this timely action and other measures the company was able to cope with the very high increase in demand and deliver all ordered machines punctually.

Currently 80% of Mitsubishi’s wire EDM machines are manufactured at the main works in Nagoya, the remaining 20% at the MDI works in China.

The further expansion of the company’s world market share has already begun, building on both the current product series and new developments. The successful result of the 2005 business year is also making it possible for Mitsubishi Electric to step up research and development investments, including work on future EDM products.

Nearly a third of all EDM users choose systems from Mitsubishi Electric – this is both gratifying and a motivation to do even better in the future, for the benefit of present and future customers.

Nigel Bunt, Director of HK Technologies said ‘that this was important news for the UK Market where we have seen positive growth in sales. The growth in UK sales has enabled us to expand our application and sales team to benefit from the new developments provided by Mitsubishi Electric.  This news plus the addition of OPS – Ingersoll to the HK portfolio, enables HK Technologies to offer a complete range of EDM and High Speed Milling machines to the market.’

For more information contact:
Kate Sims
Tel: 01788 821708
Fax: 01788 562808
e-mail: kate.sims@hktechnologies.com