Hirata Corp. engages in the manufacture and sale of manufacturing line systems, industrial robots, and logistics equipment. It operates through the following divisions: Automotive-Related Production Equipment, Semiconductor-Related Equipment, and Home Appliance and Other Production Equipment. The Automotive-Related Production division manufactures engines, transmission systems, and automotive components such as computerized control systems, sensors, air compressors, and brakes. The Semiconductor-Related Equipment division deals with the manufacture and sale of silicon wafer transfer equipment, flat panel display (FPD) production equipment, and vapor deposition equipment. The Home Appliance and Other Production Equipment division markets household electric appliances such as vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, logistic-related equipment such as stockers, conveyors, and tire-related production equipment. The company was founded on December 29, 1951 and is headquartered in Kumamoto, Japan.