BRIGHTON, MI — April 2026 — Horizon Sales, a leading manufacturers’ representative and distributor to the electronics industry, is pleased to announce a new partnership with LPKF Laser and Electronics, a global leader in precision laser technology. Through this partnership, Horizon will represent LPKF’s laser depaneling systems and laser stencil cutting solutions, expanding its portfolio of high-precision equipment for electronics manufacturing.
For more than 30 years, Horizon Sales has partnered with manufacturers to solve production challenges, streamline processes, and integrate advanced technologies. By adding LPKF’s laser depaneling and stencil systems, Horizon continues to provide Midwest manufacturers with solutions that enhance precision, improve yield, and support efficient production from prototyping through full-scale manufacturing.
Precision Laser Solutions for Electronics Manufacturing
Laser Depaneling Systems
• High-precision PCB depaneling with no mechanical stress
• Material Processing flexibility
• Clean edge quality ideal for sensitive components and advanced assemblies
• Flexible processing for complex board geometries
Laser Stencil Systems
• High-accuracy laser cutting for SMT stencils
• Consistent aperture quality for improved paste release and print performance
• Fast turnaround for prototyping and production stencil needs
“LPKF is a recognized leader in laser processing technology, and we’re excited to bring their depaneling and stencil solutions to our customers,” said Josh Casper, President of Horizon Sales. “These systems allow manufacturers to increase precision, reduce defects, and improve overall process control in critical areas of electronics assembly.”
With LPKF’s laser depaneling and stencil technologies now part of its offering, Horizon Sales continues its mission of connecting manufacturers with solutions that drive efficiency, reliability, and innovation—making complex processes simpler and more effective.
For more information, visit www.horizonsales.com.
PHILADELPHIA, PA — April 2026 — FlashPCB, a leading provider of quick-turn PCB assembly, has promoted Matthew Belknap to Production Manager, following his recent start with the company earlier this year.
Belknap joined FlashPCB as an Assembly Assistant and quickly took on a larger role in day-to-day operations. As Production Manager, he now oversees workflow on the production floor, helping keep quick-turn builds on schedule, improving coordination between teams, and supporting process improvements as volume increases.
Before joining FlashPCB, Belknap operated his own fabrication business, Belk Labs LLC, where he worked on a range of custom manufacturing projects. His background includes hands-on experience in fabrication, welding, and design, along with technical skills in engineering, AutoCAD, and programming—bringing a practical, problem-solving approach to production challenges.
“Matthew has a good feel for how to keep production moving while still paying attention to the details,” said Thomas Castner, CEO, FlashPCB. “That balance is important for us, especially with the pace we run at. He’s already helping us tighten up processes and stay ahead of demand.”
FlashPCB specializes in quick-turn PCB assembly, with a streamlined process that includes automated design rule checks, rapid bill of materials generation, and fast quoting. This approach allows customers to move from design to production quickly, while maintaining visibility and control throughout the process.
The company supports a wide range of industries, where speed, flexibility, and consistent quality are critical. With Belknap in this role, FlashPCB is focused on maintaining that pace while continuing to improve efficiency on the production floor.
Based in Philadelphia, FlashPCB provides dependable PCB assembly solutions for customers working on tight timelines.
For more information, visit www.flashpcb.com.
Atlanta – ECIA is pleased to announce that Leigh Shelnutt is joining the Association. Leigh is an association management professional with experience in member services, recruitment, certification program management, and operations. Her work focuses on driving membership growth and strengthening member engagement.
“Leigh brings valuable membership experience in her previous role with a national healthcare organization, where she oversaw the full member lifecycle, supported professional certification initiatives, and coordinated member programs,” explained Stephanie Tierney, Director of Marketing Communications and Member Engagement. “I look forward to working with Leigh to advance ECIA’s mission and creating a strong momentum growing membership and engagement at ECIA.”
Leigh is currently completing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Management, from Western Governors University, with an expected graduation in December 2026. She lives in Comer, Georgia, with her wife and a farm full of animals.
PHILADELPHIA, PA — April 2026 — FlashPCB, a leading provider of quick-turn PCB assembly, is pleased to announce the addition of Adam Broeckert, EIT, as Manufacturing Engineer.
In this role, Broeckert will support FlashPCB’s production operations, working closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and ensure high-quality output for customers requiring fast, reliable PCB assembly. He will play a key role in supporting design for manufacturability (DFM), troubleshooting production challenges, and helping scale operations as demand continues to grow.
Broeckert brings a strong background in systems and vehicle engineering from his previous role at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he supported the United States Postal Service’s Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV) program. His experience includes coordinating and executing test programs, contributing to engineering design solutions, and working directly with manufacturing teams to evaluate progress and performance.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Alabama, where he graduated summa cum laude, and is certified as an Engineer in Training (EIT).
FlashPCB specializes in quick-turn PCB assembly, offering a streamlined process that includes automated design rule checks, rapid bill of materials generation, and fast quoting to help customers move from design to production with speed and confidence.
“Adam brings a strong mix of engineering fundamentals and real-world program experience,” said Thomas Castner, CEO, FlashPCB. “His ability to work across design, testing, and manufacturing will be a valuable asset as we continue to grow and support our customers’ timelines.”
Based in Philadelphia, FlashPCB supports a wide range of industries with fast, dependable PCB assembly solutions designed to meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.
For more information, visit FlashPCB.
WOOSTER, OH — April 2026 — RBB, a trusted leader in electronics manufacturing since 1973, has expanded its facility by 3,500 square feet to support continued growth and increasing customer demand. The added space provides flexibility to streamline workflow and prepare for future capacity increases, including the potential addition of another SMT line. It also allows for better organization of existing operations, such as relocating inventory and material storage to improve overall production efficiency.
“As demand continues to grow, it’s important that we stay ahead of our customers’ needs,” said Carrie Guenther, Sales & Marketing Manager. “This expansion gives us the room to enhance our operations today while positioning us for additional SMT capacity and future growth initiatives.”
RBB offers a full range of PCBA services, including surface mount and through-hole assembly, inspection, testing, and box build. The company supports both prototype and production volumes, working with customers across industries that require consistent quality and reliable turnaround.
The facility expansion creates space for future equipment and process improvements, helping RBB maintain efficient throughput as volumes increase and positioning the company to take on new programs.
Prestwick, UK. Etek Europe has been appointed as the official distributor for GKG, a globally recognised manufacturer of advanced SMT solder paste printing solutions. The agreement gives Etek Europe’s customers direct access to GKG’s impressive range of printers, including the flagship G-Tera and GL-Star platforms, two of the most capable and highly regarded systems in the electronics manufacturing market today, as well as solutions for large-format printing and specialised applications.
The partnership marks a significant expansion of Etek Europe’s already comprehensive product offering, reinforcing the company’s position as a trusted partner for electronics manufacturers seeking best-in-class capital equipment, supported by expert technical service. GKG’s printing systems are relied upon by manufacturers worldwide for their speed, accuracy and consistent repeatability across both high-mix and high-volume production environments.
We’ve been researching the right printing partner to complement our equipment range and offer class leading levels of innovation and GKG ticked every box. Their systems deliver a level of precision, throughput and automation that our customers demand, and the G-Tera and GL-Star are genuinely impressive machines. We’re excited to bring them to our market and look forward to supporting our customers with the full GKG range.
Bruce Seaton, Business Development Director, Etek Europe
Featured Systems include the:
G-TERA | High Speed SMT Printer
The G-Tera represents the new generation of automatic solder paste printing, combining a 3.0-megapixel LIGHT-Bolt CCD vision system with an upgraded conveyor and an enhanced printing mechanism. Cycle times are reduced by up to 40% compared to previous GKG platforms, making it one of the fastest and most productive printers with industry leading levels of automation and a host of new innovative features.
GL-Star | Fully Automatic SMT Printer
The GL-Star combines high-resolution machine vision with a precision servo drive system for fast, repeatable alignment. All key print parameters, including print height, squeegee pressure, stroke speed and cleaning cycles, are controlled digitally and adjustable at the touch of a button. Automatic stencil positioning, motorised clamping and stencil lock combine to deliver consistent, high-quality prints with minimal operator input.