New Omron Americas headquarters opens in Chicago

Sept. 29, 2014 – Omron recently opened its new Americas headquarters featuring a state-of-the-art Automation Centre in Hoffman Estates, Ill. Just 30 miles from the heart of Chicago, Omron designed the facility to give customers access to engineering and technical resources in one centralized location.

The Automation Centre also serves as a university-style laboratory where customers can collaborate, test and explore solutions. Omron’s newest investment in the Americas is an advanced design with multiple working platforms, including: robotics, electro-mechanical motion control, advanced sensing and safety.

“We want to help customers improve their process and be more profitable,” says Matthew Trowbridge, director of marketing, Omron Automation & Safety. “Using real-world simulations, customers can test solutions with currently available technologies or explore custom hardware and software options. With access to the engineers and technicians who develop and support the processes, customers experience a one-of-a kind collaboration that maximizes their time and efforts so they can leave with answers to their most difficult applications.

“In one day, they will gain confidence and understanding to begin implementing machine design changes through our real-world simulations, testing, training and optimization, all on fully functioning automation equipment,” Trowbridge adds. “The Automation Centre acts as a machine laboratory that gives customers the chance to see things work in real time.”

In the first month of operation, more than 100 customers from across North and South America will travel to Chicago to visit the centre, including engineers from as far away as Argentina.

“The Automation Centre in Chicago epitomizes our mission to be a company that fully understands the problems that can happen on a production line,” says Nigel Blakeway, CEO, Omron Automation and Safety. “We are committed to engaging with our customers using proven methods and steps to find solutions. This Automation Centre is the realization of that commitment.

“Additionally, with our new Automation Centre, Omron provides engineering support, hands-on training with skilled technicians, customer support, technology and sales support — everything you need in one place,” says Blakeway.