2011 was a solid year for the company, and 2012 looks to be an exciting one. We have a number of exciting new product introductions coming in the first quarter, and our customer base in test, inspection and measurement is expanding rapidly. Sales of production systems also have increased.
The introduction of the Akila X-ray systems has been very successful while we have some very exciting new developments in solder paste inspection and AOI. Marantz's 9 camera AOI system and Island semi-automatic work cell have had a tremendous reception.
While the European economic crisis has clouded the forecast, the return of some business from China due to increased labor costs and a rise in the value of the RMB Yuan in particular is strengthening the North American interconnect assembly industry.
We have hired several new technologists as well as support staff and will continue to expand our infrastructure and service capabilities into 2012. Christopher will continue to increase our customers' value proposition and provide solutions, the best technologies, and the support necessary for our customers to thrive.
