Since its establishment in 1968 Hitachi Via Mechanics has been engaged in manufacturing, marketing and service activities in the areas of electronic parts manufacturing systems, on which the leading-edge electronics equipment industry is based; factory automation (FA) equipment and systems for a broad range of machining and manufacturing tasks; and arc welding and cutting systems that are indispensable to industry, always making important contributions to this sector of industry. In its main product area, printed circuit board (PCB) drilling machines, Hitachi Via Mechanics has over 70% of the Japanese market and close to 50% of the world market, indicating the high level of customer support and confidence the company has gained. The factors behind this are leading-edge technology, solid customer-support capability, and a global reach. Another major strength is the company's broad-based research and development program and marketing activities, carried out in association with Hitachi, Ltd. and the members of the Hitachi Group.