Machine Tools Shipment Delayed by Shortage of Key Components

Taipei, May 16, 2006 (CENS)--Taiwan' s leading manufacturers of machine tools saw product delivery procrastinated because of the insufficient supply of such key components as computer controllers from Japan-based Fanuc Corp.

At present Fanuc accounts for approximately 70% of the computer controllers consumed by Taiwan' s machine-tool manufacturers. Recently, Fanuc temporarily suspended its supply of computer controllers and servomotors because of the relocation of its server plant, which has dragged on the shipments of Taiwan-made machine tools.

The first-tier manufacturers who have been affected by the insufficient supply of Fanuc-made computer controllers include Goodway Machinery Corp., Taiwan Takisawa Technology Co., Awea Mechantronic Corp. and Leadwell CNC Machines Mfg. Co. Some second-tier manufacturers in this line see 10% up to 20% of their products waiting on the production lines for final assembling.

Edward Yang, chairman of both Goodway and Awea, noted many domestic manufacturers of machine tools are affected by the insufficient supply of computer controllers because Fanuc didn' t inform them of its tentative supply suspension of computer controllers as a result of plant relocation.

Failing to secure sufficient supply of computer controllers, Goodway said 5% of its shipments have been affected and another 20% are waiting for the key component on the assembling line. The company currently is capable of assembling 100 lathes per month. To weather the annoyance, the company has negotiated with Fanuc to hasten supply of computer controllers.

Taiwan Takisawa noted it have been enjoying substantial growth in orders received over the past three years. But the company also felt a crunch in the supply of servomotors from Fanuc over the past two months. At present, the company needs several dozens of X- and Y-axis servomotors per month to facilitate its production.