AVX, a recognized leader in the global passive electronic component and interconnect products industry, is at the forefront of technology, design, manufacturing and supply.
AVX enjoys significant competitive advantages including the benefit of global manufacturing and distribution provided by 20 manufacturing facilities in 12 countries. This assures customers of the most efficient balance of demand and production capability in response to their just-in-time inventory requirements. With major research and development centers in five locations around the world (United States, Northern Ireland, England, France and Israel), AVX has fostered customer relationships involving the design and technology for new and advanced products to fulfill their special end product requirements.
We serve a broad range of markets including: communications, networks, automotive, consumer, military, industrial and medical sectors. In automotive, we are contributing toward new technologies for safety, engine control, infotainment and chassis control. In medical, AVX Advanced products are critical for implantable devices that regulate and stimulate the heart, bring sound to the hearing-impaired and sight to those with vision problems. AVX research and development has anticipated and adapted products that help fuel the explosive growth in communications technology.
AVX continues to invest heavily in R&D with many patents granted, and new applications submitted in fiscal 2006. Our strong technology base was further expanded by these innovative new products. AVX is set apart from the competition by our broad array of specialty product offerings that include unique ceramic and tantalum capacitors, connectors, resistive components, varistors, and our portfolio of thick and thin film technologies from capacitors to integrated passive devices. In addition AVX also has the advantage of the partnership with Kyocera Corporation of Japan and the wide breadth of products, as well as technology, that they offer. AVX enjoys a balance between high volume commodity products and the increasingly innovative Advanced Products offerings.
We are constantly Anticipating, Adapting and Achieving and our employees are dedicated to maintaining the premier position that AVX holds in the industry. In this challenging high tech environment, these valuable, experienced and knowledgeable assets of AVX continue to stay focused on and provide enabling technology to our customers.