BUFFALO GROVE, IL – Panasonic Factory Solutions has opened its cloud9 Innovation Center here, highlighting its foray into integrated, turnkey solutions for assembling electronics products.

The Cloud9 Center highlights multiple total manufacturing line solutions combining Industry 4.0 functionality, hardware and software, and process expertise and support.

“The opening of cloud9 is a game-changer for us,” explained Faisal Pandit, president, Panasonic Factory Solutions Co. of America. “We have expanded our total line solutions capability and it’s now about the entire process, the entire line. We have partnered with over thirty complementary technology suppliers and brought them together in cloud9. On top of that, PanaCIM, our enterprise-level manufacturing software, allows us to integrate the entire line and offer a single solution to our customers.”

Panasonic said the cloud9 name for the Buffalo Grove, IL-based Innovation Center reflects its aim for seamless cloud-based IoT manufacturing connectivity.

Over 50 manufacturers attended the grand opening, experienced 12 dedicated technology demonstrations, learned about future new product and technology introductions, and attended three in-depth manufacturing technology seminars during the two-day event.

“The cloud9 Innovation Center truly allows any customer to dive deep into specific applications or see everything Panasonic Factory Solutions brings to the table,” said Shawn Robinson, senior surface mount technology product manager, “Even though you may not see the Panasonic name on the smart phone you use, the electric vehicle you drive, or the TV you watch, Panasonic manufacturing equipment and software is critical for countless manufacturers in the US and around the world in assembling the products that consumers enjoy every day.”

“Manufacturers are moving out of the dark ages and recognizing the benefits of an integrated production floor,” said Ben Khoshnood, president of material handling equipment supplier Inovaxe, a Panasonic partner. “Connected factories, like the emulation within cloud9, are the future. Guests were able to see how integrated material management will improve changeover, reduce costs, and enhance material movement within a connected factory.”

Register now for PCB West, the Silicon Valley's largest trade show for the printed circuit industry, taking place Sept. 13-15 in Santa Clara: pcbwest.com