Aug 19 2014
Cognex Corporation today announced that the company has shipped its one-millionth vision system. The Cognex In-Sight® vision system was purchased by Medtronic, the world’s largest medical technology company.
Cognex Corporation CEO Robert Willett delivers the company's one millionth shipment to Ron Wilson, Medtronic VP of Operations and GM, Tempe Campus. (Photo: Business Wire)
The In-Sight vision system was hand-delivered to Medtronic’s Tempe, Arizona facility by Cognex CEO, Robert Willett, on Monday, August 11, 2014. In addition to delivering the system, Mr. Willett also presented a $10,000 donation to the Foundation for Blind Children, a local charity supported by Medtronic that helps individuals with blindness or low vision live more independently.
“We are delighted to mark our one millionth shipment by making this donation to the Foundation for Blind Children,” said Mr. Willett. “By sharing our success, we honor the many people who have contributed to it: our customers, whose trust and support have helped Cognex reach this milestone; the Cognoids who invent, produce, sell and support our industry-leading technology; and our distribution partners and vendors around the world who help our products reach the companies that need them.”
William Harding, Medtronic Distinguished Technical Fellow within Healthcare Innovation, stated, “As the owner and SME for Medtronic's global vision sensor initiatives, it has always been my pleasure to collaborate with Cognex, where their products are used throughout all of our major manufacturing areas around the world. Cognex’s $10,000 donation to Foundation for Blind Children, with support from Medtronic, further reinforces the shared vision of our two organizations, which touched many positive points for me personally and professionally.”
Cognex Gives $1 Million Dollars to Employees
Cognex also recognized the efforts of its employees with a worldwide champagne toast celebration on Wednesday, August 13, 2014. During the employee celebration, Cognex Chairman and Founder, Dr. Robert J. Shillman, held a raffle to give away $1 million.
“Cognex has a tradition of celebrating milestones with a champagne toast,” said Dr. Shillman. “To mark our one millionth shipment in a memorable way, we wanted to let every employee know that we value their contribution to the company’s success, so we divided up the $1 million prize and gave every full-time employee a surprise $1,000 bonus on the spot. When Cognex wins, we all win!”