DECEMBER 2--Mark Williamson, director of Firstsight Vision, a vision-components supplier in the UK, was recently elected new chairman of the UK Industrial Vision Association (UKIVA). Mark replaces Richard White of Kane Computing, who stepped down after two years in the job to pursue diversifying business interests.
Mark has had a distinguished career in the vision industry. Having worked for DataCell from 1989 reaching the position of sales director, he moved across to Active Imaging in 1994 when this business was formed by DataCell, eventually becoming director and general manager of UK operations. In 1997 Mark left to found Pinnacle Vision, a new breed of vision distributor providing leading technology and vision development expertise. This company rapidly grew in three years to £1.8 million, with turnover doubling every year. In January 2001, Pinnacle Vision merged with Vortex Vision, the other major components distributor in the UK to form Firstsight Vision.
Mark can claim membership in the UKIVA for more than 20 years through his associations with DataCell, Pinnacle Vision, and Firstsight Vision. Mark aims to continue to raise the profile of the UKIVA as a central resource in promoting industrial vision to industry. He said, "The rate of development in imaging technology has been phenomenal over the last few years. The emergence of certain intelligent imaging techniques that do not fit the traditional vision model is extremely interesting, and I can see the UKIVA broadening its remit to welcome companies involved in these technologies as members. I also aim to further develop the services of the association for members, making UKIVA membership a serious tool to delivering competitive advantage."
