Accuray Rolls Out Comprehensive Customer Service Program in Japan
Company Strengthens its Commitment to the Japanese Market and to Supporting the
Growth of the TomoTherapy? System Worldwide
SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 20, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Accuray Incorporated
(ARAY), the premier radiation oncology company, announced today the extension of
its industry-leading Emerald Service Program for the TomoTherapy? System, which
provides equipment protection and product updates that improve clinical uptime
and enhance technology utilization, to customers throughout Japan. As part of its
ongoing commitment to strengthening customer service globally, Accuray will now
interact directly with TomoTherapy customers in Japan to provide Accuray's higher
level service programs in the Japanese radiation oncology market.
"We are dedicated to helping advance radiation oncology treatment in Japan and
this is a significant move toward ensuring that our current and future customers
throughout the country benefit from the highest quality customer service," said
Euan S. Thomson, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Accuray. "We
have seen clear traction for both the TomoTherapy and CyberKnife Systems in Japan
and believe that by managing the service program directly, we will be able to
increase touch points with our customers, hear about their needs first hand and
reaffirm their confidence in our products."
Japan is a global leader in the adoption of innovative medical technology and an
important market for Accuray. The TomoTherapy System received Shonin approval
from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) in December 2004,
and the first TomoTherapy System was installed in 2005. Both Accuray systems have
gained widespread acceptance and presently there are 26 TomoTherapy Systems and
25 CyberKnife? Robotic Radiosurgery Systems in use in Japan.
Previously, Hitachi Medical Corporation provided service and support for
TomoTherapy customers in Japan. With the roll out of the Emerald Service Program
in Japan, Hitachi Medical Corporation will transfer the regulatory approval and
service business to Accuray. The move to take service in house demonstrates
Accuray's continued commitment to delivering superior service for TomoTherapy
customers and provides new opportunities for growth and further market
penetration for both the CyberKnife and TomoTherapy Systems in Japan. Accuray
forecasts that the transfer of the service business from Hitachi Medical
Corporation to Accuray will drive an increase in service revenue with expected
revenue of $5 to 5.5 million dollars over one year.
Accuray and Hitachi Medical Corporation will continue to partner on sales and
distribution, enabling Accuray to benefit from Hitachi Medical Corporation's deep
territory penetration in the Japan's radiation oncology market. Accuray expects
the relationship to also provide opportunities for future growth of the
TomoTherapy business globally.
The Emerald Service Program combines best-in-class product service offerings with
guaranteed uptime for unparalleled reliability and customer satisfaction. The
Emerald Service Program was extended to the TomoTherapy System in the United
States in 2011 and the program is now available to customers in Japan. |
