UIC strengthens commitment to Asia region with new appointment

UIC strengthens commitment to Asia region with new appointment

Keywords: Electronics industry

Universal Instruments Corporation has announced the appointment of Eric Kan to the position of Vice President for Asia, enhancing the company's commitment to this major growth area (Plate 1).

 Plate 1Eric Kan

The appointment of Eric Kan, effective from 27 June, is aimed at extending Universal's presence in the expanding Asian marketplace. Asia, and in particular China, has long been identified as being of high strategic importance to the future growth strategy of Universal. This appointment will increase the level of local executive authority for the company in Asia, a measure that will both safeguard and drive its future development here.

Based out of Shekou, Kan will assume direct line management responsibility for all Asian functions incorporating sales, service and manufacturing operations. Kan, a US-educated Taiwanese Engineer-turned General Manager, boasts particular expertise in the fields of industrial and technical sales, marketing,product development, finance and human resources. In his new post, Kan will report directly to Universal President Ian deSouza, and will also join the company's executive committee. “I am extremely pleased to be able to welcome Eric to Universal”, claims deSouza. “His keen sense of sales, service and operations as it relates to major systems at customer locations will be a valuable asset to Universal”.

Universal's continued investment in Asia reflects the domestic growth of the electronics manufacturing services sector, original design manufacturers and the consistent progression of the market for mid-range component placement and production equipment. While this area is of strategic importance to the global electronics market as a whole, this is particularly true for Universal. Sales in Asia currently represent a large proportion of the company's worldwide revenues,a trend destined for further growth as the area develops.

As a consequence, Kan's 25 years' extensive corporate experience in North America and Asia further develops Universal's strong foundation as it strives to capitalise on these markets. Previously, Kan held the position of Managing Director for the Asian operations of US engineering and service company, Welding Services Inc. Prior to this, he also held General Management and Executive positions with ABB and Honeywell in China, the US, Taiwan and Singapore. deSouza adds, “For Universal, Eric's proven and highly successful track record speaks for itself. His impressive experience in a market of such strategic importance to Universal”.

For more information, visit the web site: www.uic.com