History

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Universal Instruments traces its roots to the Universal Instruments and Metal Company, a safety pin manufacturer founded in 1919. Through time, the company discontinued safety pin production and made a transition to a machining and tool and die business. By controlling costs during the Great Depression, Universal Instruments continued to grow through World War II, when the company's tool and die talents were pressed to meet the needs of the state's small arms manufacturers. This work continued until the 1950s, when Universal Instruments entered the electronics assembly equipment manufacturing industry.

Universal Instruments first built electronic circuit assembly equipment for through hole components in the 1960s. For nearly three decades Universal Instruments flourishes by the production of Axial, Radial, and DIP insertion equipment. In 1993 Universal Instruments acquired Dynapert Through Hole assembly machine business that opened the Southeast Asian markets. Enhancements in the through hole world continue to this day, and Universal Instruments holds nearly half of the global through hole market.

The global electronics industry burgeoned with the transition from through hole to surface mount components. In the early 1990's Universal Instruments developed a modular platform-based surface mount technology machine - the GSM Platform. With an installed base of over five thousand machines, Universal's GSM Platform is widely accepted and has evolved into an industry standard and the market share leader in the flexible fine pitch arena. In addition to the GSM platform, Universal strengthened its’ surface mount product portfolio by entering into a strategic partnership with Sanyo Electric, Japan. That relationship now continues with Hitachi High Technologies through the distribution of the 4797 HSP and Quadris machines for chip-shooting.

Today, Universal’s core products include the Genesis Platform, the ultimate for high-speed placement and flexible fine pitch; AdVantis placement technology for the mid-range market segment; Polaris Assembly Cell for Oddform assembly or light mechanical and back end assembly; Dimensions line software to manage manufacturing activities and deliver true control over manufacturing profitability; and industry-leading support and services worldwide to help our customers achieve maximum efficiency and productivity.

To maximize cultural as well as logistical closeness to our customers, Universal Instruments has grown its’ infrastructure and now employs more than 1,150 people and operates in more than 30 countries. Machine design and production facilities in Binghamton, NY and Shekou, China are home to dynamic engineers and managers, selected for their skills, energy and commitment. Sales and service offices worldwide deliver the ultimate in value through proactive, sophisticated machine and process support.

For more information, contact a Universal Sales Rep.