Minato Electronics chosen for engineering expertise and sales credentials, as growth in interactive applications for publi public use demands Zytronic’s robust an c and reliable PCT™ touch sensors

India, Greater China, Japan and Australia, servicing growing demand for advanced touch sensitive computing solutions.

Yokohama-based Minato Electronics is a designer and manufacturer of advanced technology solutions, founded in 1951 and with over 20 years experience of building touch sensor systems. As falling prices for flat panel displays drive increased take-up of digital signage, as well as demand for touch panels for public and frequent-use systems, Minato will combine its systems-level knowledge with the advantages of Zytronic's range of PCT touch sensors to deliver outstanding user experiences and increase market share.

“We are delighted to partner with Zytronic to apply PCT-based touch to the huge number and variety of opportunities now emerging, particularly in user information systems located outdoors,” says Takeyasu Yanase, General Manager, Minato Electronics Inc.

PCT touch sensors combine the ease of use and durability of conventional capacitive touch sensors with enhanced ruggedness and high optical clarity allowing indoor and outdoor use. By embedding sensing elements within a laminated front panel, PCT allows touch functions to continue even if the surface is heavily worn or scratched. Toughened glass can be used to increase protection against malicious damage, and large screen sizes up to 82 inches can be supported using Zytronic’s proprietary 64-channel controller. PCT sensors also transmit illumination from the display efficiently, for maximum readability in ambient conditions ranging from bright direct sunlight to night-time darkness.

“We sought a distributor with high technical capabilities as well as a strong position in Japan, which is a rapidly growing market for advanced digital signage and high-tech systems for public access,” says Mark Cambridge, CEO, Zytronic Displays Limited. “Minato Electronics and Zytronic create a powerful team to deliver innovative solutions, and we are looking forward to exciting results.”

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Zytronic designs and manufactures a range of technologies that optimise the performance of electronic display applications. The company’s principle products include award-winning touchscreen technologies, optical filters for enhanced performance and protection, and special filters to minimise electromagnetic emissions. In addition, the company can offer complex shaped glass composites for specialised applications.

Zytronic products are used in electronic displays for information kiosks, web phones, ATMs and gaming machines, as well as by military, computer, telecommunications, medical and lighting OEMs, and are available from its network of worldwide distributors.

The company is headquartered at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Blaydon, Tyne & Wear in the UK. In addition to ISO-approved manufacturing, this facility is responsible for ongoing product development in composite technology and is home to Zytronic’s team of lamination, material science and electronics specialists.

About Minato Electronics Inc.

A JASDAQ listed company, Minato has been developing and manufacturing hardware & software for FPDs (Flat Panel Displays) Test Systems, ROM Programmers and Touch Panels based on advanced technologies since 1954. Minato are proud to have been supplying innovative value-added products to a wide variety of applications in the electronics industry.

Minato IR touch panel products are widely used in banking ATMs, ticketing machines, information kiosks, gaming/amusement machines, and also in large screen size display applications, such as digital signage, broadcasting and education. Minato offers a full range of touch panel sizes from 10-to 103-inches and is now able to offer the Japanese market projected capacitive touch sensing solutions in partnership with Zytronic.

The company has several offices throughout Japan, and is headquartered on the outskirts of Yokohama city where Minato’s team of electronics specialists, software engineers, sales and marketing and administration staff are able to provide an efficient, fast and convenient service to its customers.

For more company information, visit Minato Minato’s web site at: www.minato.co.jp

Contact details for editorial enquiries:

Sheila Dean, Zytronic

Whiteley Road, Blaydon on Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE21 5NJ, UK

Tel: +44 (0) 191 414 5511 Fax: +44 (0) 191 414 0545

Email: sheila.dean@zytronic.co.uk

Contact detail for Minato Electronics Inc.

Jun Yamaguchi, Sales Dept. of Touch Panel Division

4105 Minamiyamada-cho, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama, Japan

Tel: +81-45-592-5546, Fax: +81-45-591-9389

Email: touch@minato.co.jp

Contact details for sales enquiries:

http://www.zytronic.co.uk/about-zytronic/reps-and-distributors?article=61

Issued by:

Nicky Wheaton/ Birgit Schöniger, Pinnacle Marketing Communications Ltd, Prosperity House, Dawlish

Drive, Pinner, Middlesex, HA5 5LN, UK

Tel: +44 (0) 20 8869 9449 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8868 4373

www.pinnacle-marketing.com

January 2009 Ref: ZY122/A