Nikon Instruments has begun direct sales and technical support for bioscience microscopes, confocal systems and digital imaging products in the southern California and Rocky Mountain territories
These regions were previously served by AG Heinze.
"Nikon Instruments is extremely grateful for the superb service and support that Mr Heinze and the entire AG Heinze team has provided over the years," said Lee Shuett, executive vice president, Nikon Instruments.
"This change has been carefully coordinated with Mr Heinze to facilitate a smooth and seamless transition for our loyal customer base.
"We look forward to continuing to provide the same quality of service directly from Nikon".
"Heinze has been a valued dealer for Nikon Instruments for over 50 years," said Hajime Kosowa, division manager, Nikon Instruments.
"With this change, Nikon Instruments announces the establishment of a new industrial direct sales department, the AGH Industrial Department, named to honour AG Heinze's commitment to Nikon and its customers".
Nikon Instruments began distribution on 1 April, 2008, following the retirement of Greg Heinze, president of AG Heinze.
The former AG Heinze territory now directly serviced by Nikon consists of southern California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, and Idaho.
Additionally, Nikon Instruments will retain most of the AG Heinze sales representatives to support customers' measuring, biomedical and imaging requirements.
Nikon Instruments will also open a new southwest regional office in Orange County, California.
This office will provide a base of operations for the new direct sales team, regional sales administration staff and customer service personnel.
