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Universal Commemorates 100th Anniversary at IPC APEX EXPO 2019
January 18, 2019 | Universal InstrumentsEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Universal Instruments will commemorate its 100th anniversary at the IPC APEX EXPO 2019 held at the San Diego Convention Center on January 29–31. The company will exhibit on booth 2308, highlighting a flexible solutions portfolio for complex server and automotive assembly. Also on the booth, Universal will feature its new IQ360 Factory Software Suite – a suite of a la carte smart factory modules designed to control, monitor and improve all aspects of factory operations for maximum productivity.
The Universal Instruments and Metal Company was formed in 1919, manufacturing wire and metal products and producing its first commercial product, "Nu-Hed" safety pins. Eager to grow its business opportunities, the company transformed into a precision machine, tool and die operation, delivering to companies such as IBM.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the quickly expanding Universal Instruments achieved breakthroughs in the fields of electronic component preparation and sequencing, leading to the development of the industry’s first automated assembly systems for printed circuit board production. Universal again partnered with IBM, providing comprehensive solutions for axial lead component circuit board assembly.
Today, with a lineage of more than 50 years, Universal is the longest-standing company in the electronics assembly space. Universal is also the only US-based electronics assembly solutions provider.
On the booth at APEX, Universal will demonstrate its FuzionOF high-speed automation platform, extra-capacity FuzionXC2-37 Platform, and Uflex modular automation platform, which combine to form powerful solutions to challenging server and automotive applications. Also on the booth, the company will unveil its IQ360 Factory Software Suite. Comprised of Design & NPI, Material Management, Production Control, and Monitoring & Analytics modules, IQ360 offers individual capability bundles that can be purchased as needed to meet specific factory requirements, providing a true “connected factory” production environment.
“We’re honored to be celebrating our 100th anniversary here at APEX,” said Universal Instruments Vice President of Marketing, Glenn Farris. “As the pioneers of electronics assembly, it’s rewarding to see how the industry has grown, and how technology innovation from Universal has delivered leading-edge products to meet its ever-changing needs.” Farris continued, “We’re eager to share our server and automotive solutions on the booth and are confident that manufacturers will recognize the differentiation and value we offer. We’ve also strengthened our solutions offering with the introduction of IQ360, and I know our existing and prospective customers will appreciate the comprehensive capabilities and modularity of this product in their quest to build the smart factory of the future.”
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