Hitachi Withdraws from Chip Mounter Business
Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation has resolved to withdraw from the chip mounter business, which is part of the Electronic Device Systems segment.
Within the Hitachi High-Tech Group, the wholly owned subsidiary Hitachi High-Tech Instruments Co., Ltd. (Hitachi High-Tech Instruments) has been responsible for the development, manufacture, and servicing of chip mounters and peripheral equipment since 2003, while Hitachi High-Tech has been responsible for sales, strengthening the foundation of the chip mounter business, as well as increasing the competitiveness of the products. However, this sector has been experiencing a harsh business environment for some time, affected by a slump in the PC and digital appliance markets and slowing growth in the high-end mobile devices market.
Hitachi High-Tech has been conducting continuous structural reforms in the chip mounter business but, determining that it would be too difficult to improve its performance, the company made the decision to withdraw from the business.
This decision impacts both Hitachi High-Tech and Hitachi High-Tech Instruments.
Hitachi High-Tech aims to complete its withdrawal by the end of March 2015 and has signed an agreement on the transfer of the assets to Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. Hitachi High-Tech will also cooperate with Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. to provide servicing for the products.
The impact of this business withdrawal on Hitachi High-Tech’s operating results is currently being examined. If any material impact on operating results is to be expected, Hitachi High-Tech will announce it promptly upon confirmation.