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PLUG PULLED ON PRONTO
Listed under: News
Published: Friday, November 05, 2010
Philips winds down two-way touchpanel product range
The announcement was made in a statement issued by Philips to its distribution partners, which read as follows:
“In December 2009, Philips announced the intention to relocate some of its existing remote control activities in Leuven, Belgium to Asia. At the same time, the intention was communicated to investigate alternative strategic options for the Pronto business, as this activity no longer fits with the Philips strategy. Following thorough research, no suitable partner was found for the acquisition of these activities. As such, Philips confirms today [October 29th] that it will discontinue the Pronto product line and related activities.”
The move comes as something of a surprise, considering that several new additions to the Pronto range - including the TSW9500 in-wall touchpanel, a new version of the ProntoEdit Professional configuration software and CRX Control Processor - have been either previewed or launched by Philips Pronto trade partners in recent weeks.
AWE Europe, exclusive distributor of the Philips Pronto line in the UK, released a statement in response to the announcement, noting that, “AWE had no prior knowledge of this decision and is both surprised and disappointed by the Philips decision to close such a successful division, especially with the recent exciting product and software development paving the way for a strong future.”
In terms of provision for existing Pronto dealers and users, a Philips Pronto representative told SVI that, "Together with the existing consumer care organisation, a structure will be set up to safeguard the warranties and other obligations related to the Pronto products”.
AWE Europe will continue to provide technical and service support in the UK. The company went on to state that, “Philips have confirmed their commitment to providing spare parts for the product lifetime and are already working towards creating sufficient spares reserves. Stocks are currently available, and AWE will fulfil confirmed customer orders on a best effort basis. We strongly encourage customers to place orders for their confirmed requirements for the remainder of 2010 to help with this process.”
Contact: +44 (0)1372 729 777
www.awe-europe.com
“In December 2009, Philips announced the intention to relocate some of its existing remote control activities in Leuven, Belgium to Asia. At the same time, the intention was communicated to investigate alternative strategic options for the Pronto business, as this activity no longer fits with the Philips strategy. Following thorough research, no suitable partner was found for the acquisition of these activities. As such, Philips confirms today [October 29th] that it will discontinue the Pronto product line and related activities.”
The move comes as something of a surprise, considering that several new additions to the Pronto range - including the TSW9500 in-wall touchpanel, a new version of the ProntoEdit Professional configuration software and CRX Control Processor - have been either previewed or launched by Philips Pronto trade partners in recent weeks.
AWE Europe, exclusive distributor of the Philips Pronto line in the UK, released a statement in response to the announcement, noting that, “AWE had no prior knowledge of this decision and is both surprised and disappointed by the Philips decision to close such a successful division, especially with the recent exciting product and software development paving the way for a strong future.”
In terms of provision for existing Pronto dealers and users, a Philips Pronto representative told SVI that, "Together with the existing consumer care organisation, a structure will be set up to safeguard the warranties and other obligations related to the Pronto products”.
AWE Europe will continue to provide technical and service support in the UK. The company went on to state that, “Philips have confirmed their commitment to providing spare parts for the product lifetime and are already working towards creating sufficient spares reserves. Stocks are currently available, and AWE will fulfil confirmed customer orders on a best effort basis. We strongly encourage customers to place orders for their confirmed requirements for the remainder of 2010 to help with this process.”
Contact: +44 (0)1372 729 777
www.awe-europe.com
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