Nikon 2000 Annual Report Download - page 9

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MICROSCOPES AND MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
Sales of biological microscopes faltered both in Japan and the United States, despite the launch of new
models of the ECLIPSE series, which uses CFI60 infinity optics. In industrial microscopes, the recovery in
semiconductor-related demand helped boost demand for stereoscopic microscopes, particularly in Asian
markets. The year saw the launch of the NEXIV VMH-300N computerized numerical control video
measuring instruments, which boasts the highest measuring precision of any machine in its class. However,
overall sales of measuring instruments fell below the level of the previous year in view of slumping demand in
Western markets.
In October 1999, Nikon spun off surveying instruments operations as an independent company, Nikon
Geotecs Co., Ltd. This move was designed to improve management efficiency, raise the market
responsiveness of operations, and thereby improve earnings.
OUTLOOK
The Nikon Group is responding to rising stepper demand by boosting production capacity–for example,
cleanroom facilities have been expanded at both the Kumagaya Plant and at Tochigi Nikon Corporation. In
addition, to support higher sales and service the projected increased in demand for steppers in the fast-
growing Southeast Asian market, Nikon established a local sales and customer service support company,
Nikon Precision Singapore Pte Ltd in May 2000.
NRM-1000 ECLIPSE E200NSR-S204B
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