On January 2, 2017, diverse electronics technologies developer Panasonic (Osaka, Japan) signed a contract to acquire all shares of TeraDiode (Wilmington, MA), a global supplier of high-brightness direct diode lasers for industrial use.
High-precision and -quality laser processing technology has become increasingly important to meet the demand for light-weight and high-rigidity characteristics, along with high design flexibility and high productivity in the automotive and other industries. TeraDiode's high-brightness direct diode laser, with its proprietary wavelength beam combining technology, is projected as a next-generation laser that realizes such demand from a wide range of industrial markets.
The two companies began a strategic alliance in 2013 to quickly meet such market needs and succeeded in launching the world's first direct diode laser welding robot system. That year, Panasonic obtained from TeraDiode exclusive sales rights for direct diode lasers used for welding in major countries in the Asian region, and both companies have been closely collaborating in product development, manufacturing, sales, and service to expand the use of direct diode laser technology worldwide.
Under the agreement, TeraDiode will be a 100% subsidiary of Panasonic so that Panasonic will be able to drive the further growth of both companies' laser processing businesses by integrating TeraDiode's cutting-edge direct diode laser technology and know-how with its own.
The two companies will further develop direct diode technology jointly and strengthen the laser processing business as a new core business of Panasonic in the factory solutions field, thereby accelerating its growth.
For more infromation, please visit www.panasonic.com/global and www.teradiode.com.