Hitachi plans U.S. MRI laboratory

Citing continued strong sales, Hitachi Medical Systems Americahas announced plans to establish an MRI research and developmentlaboratory at its U.S. headquarters in Twinsburg, OH.

The group will develop new technologies, advanced clinicalapplications, and hardware and software enhancements, accordingto Sheldon Schaffer, HMSA vice president of marketing. Researchwill involve superconducting and permanent magnet technologies.

The company will recruit five engineers to staff the new facility,which will complement Hitachi's existing R&D operations inJapan.

HMSA, a joint venture between Hitachi and Summit World Trade,sells Hitachi MRI systems in the U.S.