Universal Celebrates Milestone 100th Anniversary

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Universal Instruments will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a company-wide party at its Conklin, NY corporate headquarters on November 15, 2019. At the event, company executives will reflect on Universal’s proud past as the longest-standing electronics assembly equipment provider, as well as share their vision for an inspired future. Special guest, New York State Senator Fred Akshar, will also be on hand to speak at the event.

Universal Instruments traces its roots to the Universal Instruments and Metal Company—a safety pin manufacturer founded in 1919. Through time, the company discontinued safety pin production and transformed into a precision machine, tool and die business. By controlling costs during the Great Depression, Universal continued to grow through World War II, when the company’s tool and die talents were called on to meet the needs of the state’s small arms manufacturers. This work continued until the 1950s, when Universal Instruments entered the electronics assembly equipment manufacturing industry.

Universal Instruments first built electronic circuit assembly equipment for through-hole components in the 1960s. For nearly three decades, Universal flourished while producing axial, radial and DIP insertion equipment. The company’s through-hole enhancements continue to this day, enabling Universal to hold nearly half of the global market.

The global electronics industry burgeoned with the transition from through-hole to surface mount components in the 1990s and Universal responded with another industry first. In 1992, the company introduced the GSM Platform—a modular surface mount assembly machine that pioneered today’s prevailing platform concept. With an installed base of more than 5,000 machines, Universal’s GSM quickly became the industry standard and market leader in the flexible fine pitch arena.

Today, Universal offers the industry’s most comprehensive solutions portfolio, including through-hole, surface mount, advanced semiconductor packaging, and automation equipment, as well as factory control software to optimize all aspects of operations for maximum productivity and a true “connected factory” production environment.

“Not many companies make it to the century mark. It’s a great accomplishment and truly a testament to the special talents and work ethic of our employees,” said Universal Instruments President and CEO, Jean-Luc Pelissier. “We’ve been able to adapt to the market throughout the years by establishing strong relationships with our customers, understanding their needs, and developing and delivering the right solutions for their current requirements while preparing them for what’s to come. We maintain that same approach today and are working closely with the best companies in their respective markets to align our roadmap with the technologies that will drive the future.”