30th November 2006

PANalytical Direct Sales & Support Opens in Mexico

PANalytical (Almelo, The Netherlands), the supplier of analytical instrumentation and software for X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), will conduct its business in Mexico directly as a PANalytical entity under the aegis of Spectris Mexico, instead of through its agent - PONA.

PONA and PANalytical have worked together over the past 13 years. Throughout this time the two companies have enjoyed a special relationship, with PONA concentrating, amongst other products on PANalytical business. The strength of this association is reflected in the new organization with all PONA employees joining PANalytical Mexico.
An agreement stipulating the transfer of all PANalytical business from PONA to the newly set up organization was signed by Mr. Polo Navarro, President of PONA, and Gjalt Kuiperes MSc, Regional Director Americas of PANalytical BV, Oct 20, 2006. Mr. Gjalt Kuiperes commented: "with this merger of two long lasting partners PANalytical will be able to offer the best of two worlds to its existing and potential customer base in Mexico. With all PONA employees joining the new PANalytical Mexico team we will have a seamless transfer even to the extent of continuing the telephone numbers".

The change in organization follows years of rapid growth in PANalytical's business in Mexico: the company's traditional business areas of research and industry, as well as the cement, steel, petrochemical and semiconductor sectors, have been extremely active.
Also, Frans Schaeken, a cathode assembler in PANalytical's X-ray tube factory in Eindhoven, was recently awarded the prestigious ‘2006 Ir. Noordhof Prize’ in recognition of his exceptional craftsmanship in engineering.

This Dutch prize, named after the late VP of Philips, is designed specifically to award and promote excellent craftsmanship. The criteria are tough indeed. Besides being a craftsman, candidates must have been active in their profession for at least 10 years. In addition to being a team player, a contender must also be recognized by colleagues as a mentor and coach.

Commenting on the award, Maarten van Andel, GM of PANalytical's tube factory said: "I am pleased to add my congratulations to Frans on this exciting success. Everyone at PANalytical knows that he meets all the required criteria, and more. We value very highly the skills and achievements of all of our teams and are delighted when individual effort and achievement is recognized so publicly. In addition, this prize also honours the skill of our whole team, as Frans himself promptly remarked on receiving the trophy”.

Web: www.panalytical.com