HORSHAM, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aegis Software, a global provider of manufacturing execution and operations software for diverse manufacturing industries, today announced that it has signed a partnership with STPGroup to expand its support of the French electronics market. STPGroup, specializes in the distribution, manufacture and integration of industrial production equipment, and will become a representative of Aegis’ FactoryLogix MES Platform in France.

FactoryLogix and STPGroup equipment both use the IPC CFX (Connected Factory Exchange) standard from the Global Electronics Association, making it easier for manufacturers to connect their entire factory without extra integration headaches. It’s a clear example of how working together can simplify life on the shop floor.

“Thanks to our joint customers, we were quickly convinced of the synergies between the two offers and our business philosophies, and our common goal, above all, to help our customers make their factories more efficient, sustainable and competitive,” explains Julien Vignard, Managing Director of STPGroup. “What began as a focus on better inventory management has grown to include assembly, quality, and complete product traceability.”

This partnership is part of Aegis Software’s ongoing growth in France. The next steps include hosting joint events where electronics manufacturers can see firsthand how Aegis Software and STPGroup can help improve their operations and competitiveness.

“We’re excited to partner with STPGroup,” said Daniel Walls, Managing Director Europe with Aegis Software. “FactoryLogix will strengthen their offering by giving customers easier access to a powerful MES platform that drives efficiency, ensures quality, and provides full traceability. This partnership reflects our commitment to helping electronics manufacturers in France operate more efficiently and stay competitive.”

Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, is introducing the LPKF CuttingMaster 2240 Cx, an advanced automated laser depaneling system designed to be fully inline, to maximise efficiency and reduce costs in high-volume PCB production.

Developed by LPKF Laser and Electronics SE, the CuttingMaster 2240 Cx represents a major advancement in laser depaneling technology. The system eliminates the need for circulating workpiece carriers, simplifying automation and lowering operational costs while maintaining LPKF’s hallmark precision and reliability. Its integrated clamping device and product-specific fork handling and unloading capabilities streamline the depaneling process and reduce equipment complexity, enabling manufacturers to achieve higher throughput without additional floor space or capital investment.

Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group, said: "The CuttingMaster 2240 Cx is an impressive example of how automation continues to advance in electronics manufacturing. By removing circulating carriers and integrating intelligent handling, LPKF has developed a solution that provides both technical excellence and operational efficiency. In practical terms, it means that the CuttingMaster 2240Cx can be placed inline without the pain point of carrier handling. We are proud to support its introduction to the UK and Irish market and to help our customers adopt technology that drives productivity and process reliability. We already have customers utilising the Cx design as the initial stage of a final assembly process combined with collaborative robots."

The system operates as either a standalone unit or as part of a fully integrated production line. Its LPKF CircuitPro software automatically generates optimal process data from layout files, ensuring consistent cutting quality and repeatable performance. Compatibility with robotic handling systems and standard SMEMA and OPC UA interfaces allows for easy integration with existing automation solutions, providing manufacturers with a flexible, scalable approach to production line design. Combined with a powerful laser source and advanced Tensor Technology, the CuttingMaster 2240 Cx delivers precise full contour or tab cut depaneling while maintaining a compact footprint.

The system will be launched at Productronica 2025 in Munich, where it will be demonstrated as part of the Fraunhofer IZM production line. Visitors will have the opportunity to see its automated capabilities in action and understand how it addresses the growing demand for high-performance, cost-efficient depaneling solutions in the electronics manufacturing sector.
If you would like further information or to make an appointment to view the system at Productronica contact Altus-www.altusgroup.co.uk

Vernon Hills, IL – October 2025 – Fuji America Corporation is proud to announce the promotion of Chris Dayney to Technical Marketing Manager. Based in Crossville, Tennessee, Dayney has more than 30 years of SMT industry experience, including nearly three decades with Fuji America.

Over the course of his career, Dayney has built a reputation for technical excellence and a hands-on approach to customer success. He spent 25 years as Instructor and Training Team Leader, where he helped shape Fuji’s training programs and customer education initiatives, before moving into his most recent role as Regional Sales Manager. His deep process knowledge and practical insight have made him a respected voice among both colleagues and customers.

In his new role, Dayney will lead Fuji America’s technical marketing efforts, creating premium content that connects Fuji’s technology leadership with real-world manufacturing challenges. His work will include technical papers, training videos, and educational materials designed to inform and support engineers, process specialists, and decision-makers across the SMT industry. He will also continue to serve as a technical resource for the company’s national sales team.

Before joining Fuji, Dayney worked with Siemens Energy and Automation and served 12 years in the U.S. Navy and 8 years in the Army National Guard. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Southern Illinois University (SIU) and an Associate of Science in Electronics from the University of Phoenix.

“Chris has been instrumental in advancing Fuji’s customer education and technical support for many years,” said Tom Zabkiewicz, Executive Vice President of Fuji America. “This new role allows him to share that expertise more broadly through high-value, technical content that supports our customers, sales team, and the wider SMT community.”

For more information about Fuji America Corporation’s technical leadership and industry-leading SMT solutions, visit www.fujiamerica.com.

WESTFORD, MA – [October 17, 2025] – BTU International, a leading global supplier of advanced thermal processing equipment for electronics assembly, today announced plans to expand its manufacturing operations into Singapore. This strategic expansion is designed to mitigate risk, reduce tariff exposure, and enable BTU’s Shanghai facility to increase production and add new product lines for non-tariff-restricted markets.
BTU International will begin shipping reflow ovens from Singapore effective October of 2025. The expansion diversifies BTU’s production footprint, optimizes global capacity, and strengthens its ability to deliver industry-leading reflow ovens to customers worldwide.

“Global trade dynamics require proactive strategies,” said Rob DiMatteo, Vice President and General Manager at BTU International. “By expanding into Singapore, we are safeguarding our customers from tariff-related cost increases while leveraging the region’s advanced infrastructure and skilled talent pool. This move also allows our Shanghai facility to focus on producing more product lines for non-tariff-restricted markets,” added DiMatteo.

This expansion will mitigate risk and tariff exposure for BTU’s global customers, maintain competitive pricing and product availability, improve lead times through optimized regional logistics, and support sustainability goals with modern, energy-efficient facilities.

BTU International remains committed to delivering the same level of innovation and reliability customers expect. The expansion will not affect product specifications, performance standards, or service quality.

To learn more about BTU International visit www.btu.com.

About BTU International

BTU International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amtech Group (Nasdaq: ASYS), is a global supplier and technology leader of advanced thermal processing equipment in the electronics manufacturing market. BTU’s high-performance reflow ovens are used in the production of SMT printed circuit board assemblies and in semiconductor packaging processes. BTU also specializes in precision controlled, high-temperature belt furnaces for a wide range of custom applications, such as brazing, direct bond copper (DBC), diffusion, and sintering. BTU has operations in Westford, Massachusetts, and Shanghai, China, with direct sales and service in the U.S.A., Asia and Europe. Information about BTU International is available at www.btu.com.