TOKYO -- Industrial robot maker Fanuc enjoyed an uptick in earnings last fiscal year, but it has yet to regain its highs from last decade as investments -- primarily in robots to make its robots -- aimed at tapping Chinese growth have failed to pay for themselves as quickly as hoped.
The manufacturer logged its first net profit growth in three years for the fiscal year ended in March, with a 28% jump to 94 billion yen ($866 million), amid growing demand for industrial robots. Its operating profit margin returned to double digits at 20.4%, outpacing rivals Yaskawa Electric and ABB, thanks to a strong focus on automation and a pared-down product lineup.
