Mitutoyo announces alliances with Mapvision, TAG Optics

Jun. 20, 2016 – Mitutoyo Corp. has announced alliances with Mapvision Ltd. and TAG Optics Inc. for the purpose of “enhancing added value to [its] vision and in-line measurement products.”

Mitutoyo and Mapvision say they have entered into a strategic alliance, where Mitutoyo will acquire roughly 10 per cent of issued shares with investment of newly subscribed shares. In the alliance, Mitutoyo will be able to sell and provide services of Quality Gate, Mapvision’s in-line inspection system, through Mitutoyo’s global network. According to the company, Quality Gate measures complex welded assemblies within 30 seconds and can contribute to reduced downtime in smart factories.

Meanwhile, TAG Optics, a developer of tunable focus lenses, and Mitutoyo say they are entering into a strategic partnership which will include “comprehensive technological alliance and cooperation.”

The partnership, centred on the use and development of TAG Optics’ TAG Lens for precision measurement applications will include the joint development of the technology for inclusion into Mitutoyo’s optical product systems portfolio. In addition, the partnership will facilitate Mitutoyo’s eventual acquisition of a controlling interest in TAG Optics, the parties say.

“The addition of the world’s fastest focusing lens, the TAG Lens, to our portfolio of high precision optics will enable us to create new innovations in metrology and continue to provide our customers with world leading systems,” said Toru Nakagawa, president of Mitutoyo Corporation.

The partnership is expected to generate “significant synergies” for both companies, including product enhancements, and new development and manufacturing capabilities, they add.