Omron Expands Executive Roles for Nigel Blakeway

SCHAUMBURG, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Effective April 1, 2014, Omron Corporation (Kyoto, Japan) expanded the executive roles for Nigel Blakeway, appointing him as CEO of OMRON ELECTRONICS LLC Industrial Automation Company for the Americas. This new role is in addition to his responsibilities as Omron Corporation Executive Officer, and Chairman, President and CEO, OMRON MANAGEMENT CENTER OF AMERICA, INC. The change positions Blakeway to guide sales activity in the Americas, Omron’s region of steadiest growth, in the flagship Industrial Automation business unit which contributes 38% in annual sales.

Expanding Customer Value

“Over the past several years, Omron has invested heavily to support customer-facing activities throughout the Americas, including a significant expansion of sales and application engineering staff in Mexico and Brazil,” observes Blakeway. ”This positions Omron to successfully bundle our wide range of products and expertise to offer customers appealing values and business efficiency. A good example can be found in recent ‘re-shoring’ activities where manufacturers had set up plants in China and other countries, and now they want to reestablish manufacturing in the Americas. With Omron’s help manufacturers are able to fully replicate production lines in a shortened timeframe to take advantage of market changes. Through global infrastructure and well-trained channel partners who deliver excellent service, Omron has become everything they need in an automation solution provider.”

Growth and Target Markets

“To place Omron on a sustainable growth track, we have expanded and restructured our Business Development Group,” said Blakeway. “In addition to helping find new opportunities within Omron’s established target industries that include automotive, packaging, semiconductor manufacturing, they are applying the company’s global automation expertise to support manufacturing of home appliance and ceramics, as well as infrastructure projects in water treatment and detention. Their work delivers a steady stream of revenue opportunities for our channel partners to help them flourish while making their customers more competitive and successful.”

Management Strategy for Success

“The key to our future success in the Americas and what will help the Industrial Automation business achieve its growth target of 50 percent of corporate revenue is our drive to diversify our customer base, support regional differences in product, and application of expertise in local machinery design conventions,” explained Blakeway. “Also of high importance is to personify Omron’s ability as a complete solution provider who delivers excellent performance to our customers. This more intimate and global approach comes out of my experiences working with Omron’s Electronics Components business in a wide range of sales and management roles, in locations throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas. Unlike top management at other companies, I make frequent visits to our sales offices, providing encouragement and gentle direction as needed, so everyone becomes familiar with my face and voice. Omron employees know that I am not some stranger sending messages from afar. That familiarity allows me to clearly articulate how we will achieve the Industrial Automation business’ vision: ‘Bring innovation to manufacturing and enrich the lives of people around the world.’”

MEDIA CONTACTS:
To request an interview with Nigel Blakeway, contact
Chris Nelson | 612.237.4443 | [e-mail]
Mark Traxler | 847.285.7176 | [e-mail]

About Omron Automation and Safety

Headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, OMRON Corporation is a multi-billion-dollar, diversified company with business units producing industrial automation products, electronic components, healthcare equipment and ticketing systems. Omron Automation and Safety is a global leader providing complete automation solutions for industrial applications. The Pan-American headquarters is located in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, USA.

To learn more about Omron Industrial Automation, contact:
In USA, Tel.: 866-88-OMRON. E-mail: [e-mail]
In Canada, Tel.: 866-98-OMRON. E-mail: [e-mail]
In Mexico, Tel: [phone]. E-mail: [e-mail]
Internet: www.omron247.com