Westec2000: Okuma Opens West Coast Technology Center

OKUMA - Okuma America Corporation (Charlotte, NC) is pursuing its goal of opening satellite technology centers, which will provide service and support to customers and distributors on a regional basis. Modeled after the Okuma Technology Institutes located at HQ in Charlotte, NC, the satellite centers will be industry-specific filling the needs of users in the region, explains Kent Shigetomi, president and CEO.

The first of these satellite technology centers, located in Torrance, CA, will open in conjunction with the Westec2000 show. The West Coast Technology Center will also serve as the operation base for Okuma's new West Coast distributor, Joachim Machinery West. Joachim is a 25-year veteran of Okuma machine tool sales and service.

Shigetomi outlines goals of the new regional facility:

• Focus on jobshops and specific markets, such as die/mold, aerospace, and automotive
• Emphasize quality
• Strengthen service Okuma's service and service parts network
• Develop Okuma teamwork and improve efficiency
• Create industry-specific regional technology centers in partnership with Okuma America distributors

About Joachim Machinery

Since 1975, Joachim Machinery has established an excellent reputation for customer service and support working with a client list of more than 1000 customers, including a number of Fortune 500 companies. Joachim Machinery has an installation base of more than 1800 machines.

Leadership is provided by owner Joe Joachim, who once worked on the shopfloor himself.

Joachim Machinery awards include ISO 9002 certification, as well as Okuma America Distributor of the year, President's Award, Partnership Award for 25 years of service, and other milestone recording recognition.

Joachim Machinery West, 980 Knox Street, Torrance, CA 90502; phone: 800-783-1130

Okuma America Corp, 12200 Steele Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28273; phone: 704-588-7000