The Motoman operations, headquartered in Dayton, OH, will form the Motoman Robotics Division of Yaskawa America. The Yaskawa Electric America operations, headquartered in Waukegan, IL, will form the Drives and Motion Division. According to Yaskawa America chairman and CEO, Gen Kudo, the new name will allow the company to fully exploit Yaskawa's position as the world's largest manufacturer of AC drives, motion control products and industrial robots.

"The global economy is recovering, and we believe this is the perfect time to combine the brand name strength of Yaskawa and Motoman," Kudo says. "Using the name Yaskawa on a global basis will strengthen our corporate identity and emphasize the strong global connection between drives, motion control products and robotics. Yaskawa Electric Corporation in Japan, which is globally recognized for innovative engineering and quality products, has always used the company name of Yaskawa. This brand recognition, plus Yaskawa's powerful sales and manufacturing presence in Asia, Europe and the Americas will enable Yaskawa America to more effectively market our broad product lines."

Both the Drives and Motion Division and the Motoman Robotics Division will continue to operate as independent divisions, retaining the same management structures and operating in the same geographical regions currently in place. The better alignment of the divisions is intended to provide measurable benefits to customers. "Our customers will enjoy the synergies of closer collaboration with our sister division," says Jody Kurzhalts, president and COO of the Drives and Motion Division.

"Our combined capabilities will lead to more innovative products," says Steve Barhorst, president and COO of the Motoman Robotics Division. "We are particularly excited about the prospects for developing advanced controls technology utilizing the expertise and experience of both divisions."