Established in 1980 and acquired by Teledyne Technologies in 2011, Teledyne DALSA designs, develops, manufactures, and markets digital imaging products and solutions, in addition to providing semiconductor products and services. Headquartered in Waterloo, Ont., its core competencies are in specialized integrated circuit and electronics technology, software, and highly engineered semiconductor wafer processing. The company manufactures digital imaging equipment and provides semiconductor wafer manufacturing. The company’s digital imaging cameras, sensors, and related components are used in semiconductor and electronics inspection, postal and document scanning, life sciences, machine vision and industrial, aerial and satellite, and other applications. Its silicon wafer foundry facility specializes in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices and CMOS processes. In 2011 Teledyne bought DALSA for C$341 million (U.S. $355 million).
At Teledyne DALSA, digital cameras are the main industrial product. The biggest challenge posed by manufacturing cameras is managing the supply chain. There are many different parts that are used in the production of cameras; therefore, many suppliers and vendors are needed. Because customers are looking for a short lead-time, it is imperative that the supplies used for the cameras are delivered quickly. In addition to timely delivery, reasonable prices and no quality issues with the products are factors in the supply chain, as well. The company’s relationship with many of its vendors is mostly long distance. As a result, most conversations are held over the phone. Monthly visits to suppliers and vendors that are located at far away, ensures the rapport between the company and its suppliers.
Teledyne DALSA proudly boasts about its corporate culture being a cultural mosaic. Many of its employees are from different nationalities, which segues into a multicultural workplace. The commonality is to work-well together.
“It’s nice to work with so many different kinds of people; there’s no barrier. It affects me personally because my coworkers are smart and enthusiastic, which makes my job more enjoyable. In this type of diversity, I have learned from others in ways that I would not have thought of. If I worked in an environment where everyone was the same, then my job would be monotonous,” said Gareth Ingram, EVP & General Manager, Teledyne DALSA Digital Imaging.
Seeking geographical growth in Asia (primarily China) is the company’s focus. There is an increase in wealthy Asians, where their needs are for more technologically advanced products. Asian manufacturers are seeking digital cameras for their factories because the cameras can see what the human eye cannot. Teledyne DALSA’s desire is to tap into this market and expand its products throughout the Asian manufacturing region
The customer base for DALSA has changed over the past 5 years. Customers are looking for CMOS (complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor) instead of CCD (charge-coupled device) technology. A CMOS sensor uses less power with high speed and allows more integration on the chip. The biggest challenge anticipated in the next year is executing goals set forth for the upcoming year. Knowing that customers demand more for less, Teledyne DALSA has structured its products to be more CMOS based to meet with the demand.
Teledyne DALSA
Filed Under: ELECTRONICS • ELECTRICAL, Power Electronic Tips, Vision • machine vision • cameras + lenses • frame grabbers • optical filters