Fluroware Inc

05/01/1997

Fluoroware Inc., Chaska, MN, a maker of material handling equipment, is suing its former long-time Japanese distributor, Dainichi Shoji K.K. for allegedly using Fluoroware trade information to manufacture wafer carriers. Dainichi denied the charges, calling them "malicious slander." About a year ago, Fluoroware notified Dainichi that it would discontinue their nearly 30-year-old distribution agreement as of January 31, 1997. A Fluoroware spokesperson said "imitation" Fluoroware wafer carriers have popped up on the market under the Dainichi name in the past year. O. Sugiyama, Dainichi`s international department manager, said Fluoroware`s move was, "done for the sole purpose of excluding Dainichi from the Japanese marketplace and directly offering Fluoroware`s products to Dainichi`s customers." Under the lawsuit, Fluoroware charges Dainichi with breach of contract, unfair competition, interference with customer contractual relations, and misappropriation of trade secrets.