Managing Automation - March 2009 - (Page 12)

news managingautomation.com maonline Go online for daily news updates in perspective Alliances, Executive Appointments, Mergers & Acquisitions, Products expand beyond its roots as a tech supplier to the semiconductor industry. “Silicon Valley is shifting to Solar Valley,” said Dan Estrada, vice president of sales and business development at Eyelit, based in Toronto with an office in San Jose. Eyelit, whose Manufacturing Management suite of software spans manufacturing, intelligence, quality, and other functions, has signed up several noteworthy customers in the solar Dan Estrada market. One is Solyndra, a Fremont, CA-based manufacturer of photovoltaic devices for the commercial rooftop market. Another is A123Systems of Cambridge, MA, which makes lithium ion batteries using nanoscale electrode technology. A123, which has been funded by such companies as General Electric, Motorola, and Procter and Gamble, will use Eyelit’s software in five factories in China. Last month, Eyelit signed CaliSolar, a metallurgical-grade silicon solar cell provider. Eyelit’s strategy of attacking the solar market has drawn praise from industry analysts. “I think Eyelit has done something very smart focusing on solar,” said Julie Fraser, an analyst at Cambashi. “Solar companies can make a lot of gains in quality and, therefore, in efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Eyelit fits the mind-set — and the pocketbooks — of the industry.” Even as it seeks to establish a foothold in the emerging solar market, Eyelit is attempting to expand geographically as well. Estrada said the company recently opened an office in Shanghai as part of a process of establishing a presence, including lining up value-added resellers, in the Asian market. This effort follows a push into the European market, where Eyelit has partnered with VARs in Germany and the United Kingdom. “The plan is to go beyond two in Europe,” Estrada said. “We’re even talking with an Indian integrator.” As the company strives to grow both vertically and geographically, Estrada said he’s mindful of the tough economic climate but confident based on Eyelit’s performance. In fiscal 2008, Eyelit grew roughly 40%, he said, and recorded its 12th consecutive profitable year. The outlook for 2009 is cloudy, however. “It is tough to say,” Estrada said. “We did see a pullback on the semiconductor side. But we will see a bit of growth. It is possible for us to add six solar companies this year.” — David R. Brousell OTHER INDUSTRIES OUTSPENT AUTO ON ROBOTS IN 2008 W hile North America’s robotics industry was not spared last year by the worldwide economic tsunami, increased demand from industry sectors outside automotive provided a bright spot in what was otherwise a disappointing year. The Robotics Industry Association reported recently that the sale of robots in North America fell 21% in 2008, compared with the prior year. The sharpest decline occurred in the fourth quarter, when orders slid 26%, the trade group found. In the first half of the year, orders fell 23% year-over-year. According to RIA, a total of 12,557 robots were ordered in North America in 2008, compared with 15,856 in 2007. “2008 was extremely difficult for our members, and 2009 likely will be a very rough year as manufacturing companies throughout the world deal with the global economic crisis,” said RIA Executive Vice President Jeffrey Burnstein. Largely to blame is the struggling automotive industry, which traditionally has provided the lion’s share of demand for robotic equipment. In 2008, orders from automotive OEMs and their suppliers dropped 37% year-over-year, RIA found. But despite the dark clouds that have stalled over the automotive space, robot makers remain hopeful. “In times of rising energy costs and environmental awareness, the demand for smaller, more economical, environmentally friendly, and lower-cost cars is becoming increasingly important,” said Tammy Mulcahy, vice president, Robot Products, North America at ABB, who serves as chair of RIA’s Statistics Committee. 12 March 2009 http://www.managingautomation.com http://www.managingautomation.com/summit http://www.managingautomation.com/agenda http://www.managingautomation.com/summit

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Managing Automation - March 2009

Managing Automation - March 2009 Contents Take 1 Sober Outlook, Cost-Cutting Techniques Dominate at Automation Conference Sale Canceled, i2 Searches for Its Focus Accenture Unveils a Service for the Factory Floor Solar Is Bright Spot for MES Player Eyelit Other Industries Outspent Auto on Robots in 2008 Integrators to Play a Bigger Role at ILS Technology Notes Deep Dive Supply Chains Reader Poll Technology Directions Expert Q&A User Resources Special Report Transformation Product Scan Advertiser Index Next

Managing Automation - March 2009

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