CONKLIN, NY – Universal Instruments says its global market share grew  4% in 2012, boosted by double-digit gains in North America.

In North America, the SMT and through-hole placement equipment OEM's share grew to more than 25% last year, the company said today.

Overall, it was a down year for most surface mount process equipment, especially placement machines and screen printers.

The company’s automation business sales increased 35% year-over-year in 2012. The firm says it also doubled its sales in the solar market.