Star Micronics Snapshot
Founded in 1950 as a maker of wristwatches and camera parts, Star Micronics has grown into a provider of computer printers; visual card reader/writer systems; automatic lathes and other machine tools (generates the most sales); and precision components for communications, automotive, and medical applications. The company's micro audio components (including speakers, buzzers, receivers, and microphones) are used by mobile phone manufacturers; they may be used in digital music players or game devices, as well. Star Micronics still makes wristwatch components, though the segment has become a smaller part of overall company revenues. The company gets more than 80% of its sales outside of Japan.