Haas Automation reports a record year

Sales of Haas CNC machine tools remained strong throughout 2012, with December yielding a near-record 1,512 units sold. Total sales for the year exceeded 13,000 machines – an increase of 6% over 2011. "It was an incredible year; our best year ever," said Bob Murray, general manager, Haas USA. "And we owe a lot to our international customers. We will continue investing in our growing international markets to ensure that all Haas customers receive the high-quality products and world-class service they deserve." All Haas products are built in the company's 1 million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Southern California. They are distributed worldwide, through a global network that strives to provide the industry's best sales, service, and support. Currently, there are more than 170 Haas Factory Outlets (HFO) in more than 50 countries worldwide, with more planned for the future. "Our growing HFO network allows us to provide Haas customers around the world with local access to Haas products, sales assistance, replacement parts, and factory-trained service personnel," according to Mr Murray. "This commitment to serving our customers is one of the driving forces behind Haas Automation's global success." Nick Remington, managing director, Haas UK, commented: "We installed over 500 machines last year, a new record. Market conditions remain tough for manufacturing, but confidence is growing. "With near on 1,000 Haas machine sales in the past two years in the UK alone, Haas UK now has over 6,500 machines working at over 2,500 locations. Customers recognise the necessity to invest in the latest technology, and I believe they are now, more than ever, viewing the overall package of what a supplier is capable of providing and that is why we are winning more market share. "Every year we invest large sums in our award-winning back-up service. Not only do we have 32 strategically located engineers driving Mercedes Vito vans carrying £30,000 worth of common parts each, we are proud to report that we are within a 1.5 hour travel radius of 95% of our customers." "We will usually fix a problem in one visit, because there are over 430 different common parts on each van, and this is a key factor in driving our sales."