JENA, GERMANY -- Jabil Circuit, Inc. (NYSE: JBL) announced today that it is branding its world-leading optics business as Jabil Optics to reflect an integrated approach to research, process development and deployment. The move consolidates Sypro Optics, acquired from Carl Zeiss in 2006, and Kasalis, acquired in May of 2015, with the former Jabil Embedded Camera Group (ECG) under a new Jabil Optics umbrella. The Jabil Optics brand consolidates Jabil’s advanced optical solutions to global customers. At this important inflection point, Jabil is celebrating past accomplishments in Jena, known as the “Optics Valley,” and planning future breakthroughs in technologies such as miniaturized projection systems for consumer electronics and active alignment for camera module assembly.
Jabil Optics is capitalizing on several macro trends, notably the use of Internet Protocol (IP) cameras in connected sensors, and the continued proliferation of feature-rich consumer electronic devices.
“The market for Jabil Optics – particularly embedded camera modules and projection systems – is very bright, thanks to continuing advances in consumer electronics and the huge potential of the Internet of Things,” said Irvin Stein, senior global business unit director, Jabil Optics. “Successful execution of projection systems in consumer electronics is just one aspect of our successful strategy. We are confident that consolidation of our optical activities under one brand will drive synergies and enable us to respond even more rapidly to customer needs and market changes.”
Albrecht Richter, site director, Jabil Optics Germany, noted, “Jabil’s early interest in projection systems and the acquisition of Sypro Optics 10 years ago exemplify our understanding of the market potential for optoelectronic design and manufacturing. As miniaturization becomes a central theme for customer innovation, we will leverage our experience and technological resources to expand this market advantage.”
Miniaturization & More
Jabil has anticipated many optical trends and developed compelling innovations over the past 10 years to address them. For example, recognizing the potential value of rear projection systems, Jabil developed the smallest smartphone implementation of a Pico-projector in 2008. In another example, Jabil developed an automotive Head Up Display (HUD) for a Tier 1 automotive supplier in 2012.
The acquisition of Kasalis advances miniaturization efforts by enabling higher accuracy in assembly. The Kasalis process for precision placement of lenses and sensors through active alignment is essential for sub-micron accuracy. As the consumer electronics, security and automotive industries demand ever-smaller camera modules and projection systems, Jabil Optics continues to lead.
Aligning with Technology Trends
Several trends are propelling Jabil’s growth in the optics arena. The Internet of Things, which is connecting smart devices, sensors and machines, is generating demand for camera modules and projection systems. Technology research firm, Gartner, predicts by 2020 there will be sensor-based IP cameras embedded in nearly every household object [1] including washers, dryers, coffee machines and home security systems. This forecast is supported by statistics on embedded cameras in smartphones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, automobiles and gaming devices, where cumulative average growth is estimated at 20 percent [2].
In addition, because cameras and projection systems are typically part of a larger system, Jabil Optics is benefiting with demand from existing Jabil customers in core vertical markets including consumer, automotive and infotainment.
For decades, Jabil has been providing advanced innovative product design and breakthrough materials technology manufacturing for some of the world's most well-known and successful brands. Founded in 1966, Jabil celebrates a major milestone this year – 50 years in business. Leaders in mobile, consumer electronics, automotive and security rely on Jabil Optics to deliver advanced optical design services, supply chain management and precision high-volume manufacturing.
About Jabil
Jabil is an electronic product solutions company providing comprehensive electronics design, production and product management services to global electronics and technology companies. Offering complete product supply chain management from facilities in 28 countries, Jabil provides comprehensive, individualized‐focused solutions to customers in a broad range of industries. Jabil common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol, "JBL". Further information is available on Jabil's website: jabil.com.
1 Market and Markets Global Forecast 2014-2020
2 Global and China CMOS (Camera Module) Industry Report 2015