ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. and EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. announced today a strategic alliance agreement to integrate EXFO's automated manufacturing subsystems and test systems into ATS' turnkey custom and standard automation solutions to better meet the specific needs of optical component and systems manufacturers.
EXFO has assembled key building blocks in the automated optical component manufacturing process such as optical test stations, nanorobot photonics alignment systems, and ultraviolet and infrared light-based curing technologies. ATS has developed expertise in automation, integration, optical path engineering, precision machine building, control software, as well as test and measurement systems.
The combined solutions will allow optical component and systems manufacturers to significantly increase yields, reduce costs, improve productivity, and lessen human intervention on the production floor, claim the companies.
"This strategic alliance is a natural fit for both companies," said Klaus Woerner, President and CEO of ATS. "EXFO's core competencies in optical testing, precision alignment and light-based curing combined with our in-depth knowledge of automation will produce turnkey automated solutions based on ATS' standard platforms adapted to the unique requirements of our manufacturing clients."
Under terms of the strategic alliance, ATS and EXFO will jointly generate business leads, establish training programs for end-users, share marketing strategies and forecasts, as well as validate product development initiatives. The agreement is non-exclusive, but it should lead to close co-operation on a range of opportunities, particularly as applied to fiber optics.
ATS designs and produces turnkey standard and custom automated manufacturing and test systems. For further information, visit the company's Web site at www.atsautomation.com.
EXFO (Quebec City), which derives its name from EXpertise in Fiber Optics, designs and manufactures fiber-optic test, measurement, and automation solutions for the global telecommunications industry. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.exfo.com.