GR-3, the precise positioning receiver introduced in 2006 by Topcon Positioning System (TPS), recently won an International Forum Product Design Award 2007, a prestigious design award, in Germany. This seal of fine design presented to winners of an IF award is at once an endorsement of their design competence and a decision-making aid for consumers. A developer and manufacturer of positioning equipment, Topcon Positioning Systems began working on the GR-3 in 2003 with Whipsaw, an industrial design and engineering consulting firm in San Jose. Easy to hold because the battery packs are positioned to serve as a handle, the GR-3 has a "quick-snap" pole mount, reducing the likelihood of damage while affixing it to or removing it from a range pole. The top is square, so it does not roll if leaning against a wall. The unit is weatherproof and offers ruggedness and balance plus dual, external battery packs.
Topcon Corporation has entered into a basic agreement on management integration with Sokkia Company Ltd. at a board of directors meeting held March 16, 2007. The management integration will be implemented through an acquisition of Sokkia's shares by Topcon, as a result of which Sokkia will become a subsidiary of Topcon Corp. Details of the management integration will be announced by Topcon once it approves the management integration after obtaining the clearance from the Fair Trade Commission of Japan. Topcon manufactures and distributes surveying instruments, ophthalmic and medical instruments, industrial instruments, and optical devices. Sokkia manufactures and distributes surveying and measuring instruments.
