Nikon Acquires Avonix Imaging

Nikon Americas Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Nikon Corp., has purchased the U.S. company Avonix Imaging (Maple Grove, Minnesota), which since 2015 has been a strategic X-ray computed tomography (CT) equipment manufacturing partner to Nikon Industrial Metrology Business Unit (IMBU). As part of the acquisition process, Avonix Imaging LLC has become Avonix Imaging Inc.

As a long-established imaging inspection services provider that uses systems from Nikon for both X-ray/CT 3D and 2D inspection, Nikon says Avonix has a wealth of technical expertise using X-rays to investigate the interior as well as the exterior of industrial components. Much of this knowledge has come through joint development projects with Nikon and, in particular, through the manufacture of cabinets and manipulators used in large-envelope CT systems sold by Nikon IMBU worldwide.

“Merging the respective strengths of our companies will reinforce our position as market leader in 3D and 2D X-ray inspection and measurement,” says Tadashi Nakayama, corporate vice president, general manager of the IMBU. “It will massively enhance our ability to deliver best-in-class, next-generation solutions to manufacturing industry.”

In the run-up to making Avonix a wholly-owned subsidiary, Nikon says it worked intensively with them to develop and build new X-ray CT systems with medium to large inspection envelopes. “We recently launched a new model that realizes the largest imaging area for a single-piece cabinet in the industry,” Nakayama adds. “Work on expanding this revolutionary machine series and other new products is continuing apace."

Nikon and Avonix have been successfully working together for the past eight years to jointly develop, build, sell and provide services relating to CT systems for large-scale inspection.

“Nikon’s proprietary rotating target X-ray sources and proven software combined with our expertise in the design of configurable systems, controls, and product handling create a customized experience for our clients, which can contribute to their efficiency and profitability,” says Brian Ruether, Avonix co-founder and co-managing director.

Together, the two companies aim to further advance the development of new products going forward, while enhancing the business by leveraging the customer experience, especially in the automotive and aerospace industries.

“The historical collaboration between Nikon and Avonix has been rooted in the goal of mutual success for all involved, including partners, vendors and, of course, our customers,” says Jeff Diehm, co-founder and co-managing director of Avonix. “It is no coincidence that the goal of mutual success is at the heart of Avonix’s ACE Core Values (authenticity, competency and empathy). The merger will result in enhanced value through the release of new and innovative products. We are excited to take our long-standing strategic relationship to the next level.”

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