IBM Japan Ltd plans to join forces with Omron Tateisi Electronics Co, Toyo Engineering Corp and Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd in another of its Japanese joint ventures to pursue key vertical markets. This time the target is computer-integrated manufacturing, and the aim is initially to form a project team to design and market integrated systems to manufacturers next year. If the effort shows promise, the four will cement their relationship by forming a joint venture company. The special skills IBM is seeking in the partnership are in programmable controllers from Omron, fibre optic local area networks with interfaces to machine tools from Sumitomo, and plant construction, engineering and fitting out from Toyo.
