MALMÖ, SWEDEN – At the beginning of 2023, the expansion project in the Malmö factory in Sweden was finished and the factory area was expanded approximately by 2,000 m². Now, the new lines have been up and running for six months, and the results have been promising. With the new factory layout, the Malmö factory has been able to shorten lead times and be an even more attractive partner to their customers.
At the beginning of 2023, the expansion project in the Malmö factory in Sweden was finished and the factory area was expanded approximately by 2,000 m². The expansion was driven by the need to increase the final assembly area and the capacity for box-build. In addition, the new production area got a fresh coat of paint and a new ESD floor. A new dining area and restrooms were built during the technical installations of new lines.
Now, the new lines have been up and running for six months, and the results have been promising. The employees have been excited to work in the new uplifted environment, and with the new factory layout, the Malmö factory has been able to shorten lead times and be an even more attractive partner to their customers.
Throughout the expansion project, LEAN tools have played an important role. The tight cooperation with the Global Technology Team after finishing the project and nominating Heidi Åshammer to a new Lean Specialist role ensured that LEAN methods have been utilized also after finishing the construction work.
“I am proud of the work that we have done so far – from the first analysis of making current and future diagrams to designing layouts and implementing balanced lines onto our new floor design”, says Heidi. “To complete the new layout of the final assembly area, we started with production analysis to define the ideal technical requirements so that we can meet the customer demand. In addition, we designed the new workflow to be as efficient as possible. We have continued improving our production by utilizing LEAN tools”.
In the expansion project, the focus has been on continuous improvement and engaging the whole team in developing the practices, as highlighted by Heidi: “Every team and operator needs to engage in fulfilling the customer need and thinking how we can work smarter in different production phases”.
The future of the Malmö factory looks very promising. The factory plans to resume their continuous improvement path towards the Dream Factory and enjoy the results along the way.
CHELMSFORD, MA – Brooks Automation is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Balderson as the Senior Director of Sales & Marketing. With a rich background in sales, marketing, and business growth, Balderson brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.
Balderson is a highly accomplished sales and marketing professional, renowned for his track record of success in driving business growth, developing high-performing teams, and achieving company-wide benchmarks. With a strong focus on customer-centric strategies and market analysis, he has consistently delivered outstanding results throughout his career.
As the new Senior Director of Sales & Marketing at Brooks Automation, Balderson will play a critical role in shaping and executing the company’s sales and marketing strategies. Leveraging his exceptional communication skills and negotiation prowess, he will work closely with the team to drive revenue growth and expand market reach.
“We are delighted to welcome Andrew to our team,” said Rob Sullivan, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Brooks Emerging Automation Solutions. “His proven leadership abilities, strategic mindset, and global perspective make him an ideal fit for this role. With his extensive experience and deep understanding of customer needs, we are confident that Andrew will drive our sales and marketing efforts to new heights.”
Balderson holds an MBA with Distinction from the University of Bradford, School of Management in Bradford, England. His academic background, combined with his practical industry experience, positions him as a strategic planner capable of driving innovation and growth on a global scale.
“I am honored to join Brooks Automation, a company renowned for its commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Balderson. “I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at Brooks Automation and leveraging my skills and expertise to drive sales and marketing initiatives that deliver exceptional value to our customers and propel the company forward.”
For more information about Brooks Automation or its collaborative robots, visit https://www.brooks.com/cobots
NORTH BILLERICA, MA – BTU International, Inc., a leading supplier of advanced thermal processing equipment for the electronics manufacturing market, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with ANS-answer elektronik-Service- & Vertriebs GmbH (ANS-answer elektronik) as its reflow oven distributor in Germany.
ANS-answer elektronik is a highly respected provider of electronic components and services, offering comprehensive solutions to customers across various industries. With a reputation built on expertise, reliability and exceptional customer support, ANS-answer elektronik has established itself as a trusted partner in the electronics manufacturing market.
“BTU is proud that we have been selected by ANS as their new reflow oven supplier,” said Oliver Wehner, European sales manager for BTU International. “This partnership will further expand our presence in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. “ANS will be able to offer complete SMT lines as well as standalone reflow soldering ovens and provide excellent local support to our existing and new customers. This is perfect timing to coincide with our new Aurora reflow oven platform launch.”
“We are very pleased to get the opportunity to add the BTU reflow soldering systems to our portfolio,” said Sebastian Glitsch, general manager of ANS. “The BTU systems are known for superior thermal performance, high reliability, and extremely low maintenance requirements. We have been successfully selling assembly automation throughout Europe for nearly 30 years and have long been one of the full-range suppliers. With excellent technology and superior service, we meet the highest requirements of our well-known customers. All systems are available for evaluation in our fully equipped demonstration center.”
This partnership represents a strategic development for both BTU International and ANS-answer elektronik, combining BTU’s cutting-edge reflow oven technology with ANS-answer elektronik’s extensive network and market knowledge in Germany. BTU’s reflow ovens are renowned for precision, flexibility, and energy efficiency, delivering superior results in the reflow soldering process while meeting the most demanding industry standards.
The collaboration between BTU International and ANS-answer elektronik will bring enhanced value to electronics manufacturers in Germany. Customers can expect top-of-the-line reflow ovens accompanied by ANS-answer elektronik’s technical expertise, on-site support and responsive customer service. This partnership will drive increased efficiency, productivity and competitiveness in the electronics manufacturing sector throughout Germany.
To learn more visit www.btu.com
NEW BRITAIN, CT – MicroCare, LLC, a leading provider of innovative cleaning, coating, and lubrication solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Venesia Hurtubise as the Vice President of Technology & Compliance. In this newly created role, Hurtubise will be responsible for driving the company's technological advancements and ensuring regulatory compliance across its global operations.
With over a decade of experience in the industry, Hurtubise has a proven track record of delivering strategic solutions and spearheading technological advancements to enhance operational efficiency and product quality. Her strong background in compliance will also play a vital role in ensuring MicroCare maintains its commitment to meeting industry regulations and standards.
Hurtubise previously served as a MicroCare Technical Chemist since 2014. During her tenure she was the 2017 MicroCare “Meeting the Challenge” award winner for her hard work and dedication to our MicroCare customers. In 2019, Hurtubise was also one of Products Finishing Magazine’s 40-Under-40 rising stars in the metal finishing industry.
"We are thrilled to appoint Venesia Hurtubise as our VP of Technology & Compliance," said Tom Tattersall, CEO of MicroCare, LLC. "Her experience will be instrumental in driving our ongoing commitment to innovation and regulatory excellence. We are confident that Venesia's leadership will propel MicroCare to new heights as we continue to expand our global footprint and deliver exceptional solutions to our customers."
Throughout her career, Hurtubise has successfully led cross-functional teams, implemented technological advancements, and built strong relationships with industry partners. Her strategic vision and collaborative approach make her a valuable addition to the MicroCare executive team.
"I look forward to leveraging my expertise to drive technological advancements that will not only enhance MicroCare's product portfolio but also contribute to the success of our customers and the industry as a whole," said Hurtubise. "Ensuring compliance will be a top priority, as we strive to maintain the highest standards of quality and safety across all our operations."
Hurtubise holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and forensic science and a master’s degree in green chemistry, from Imperial College in London, England. She also earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Connecticut and is admitted to practice law in Connecticut. Hurtubise is recognized by critical cleaning professionals for her contributions to the industry and has been a featured speaker at numerous conferences and seminars.
SUWANEE, GA – ASMPT continues to see high demand for its new DEK TQ L stencil printer, and today announced another successful event showcasing the ground-breaking print technology. From June 16-19, the company held an invitation-only technology seminar in its Barueri, São Paulo facility in Brazil, welcoming top EMS and OEM customers for in-depth demonstrations of the award-winning platform.
With a feature set designed for high-reliability processing of the most demanding applications – from mobile to automotive to 5G infrastructure – the DEK TQ L offers assembly specialists a high-efficiency, high-accuracy platform that delivers on all fronts. A robust machine, the DEK TQ L provides electronics assembly leaders in Brazil with the perfect balance of performance, durability, and open automation communication protocols.
“Being competitive in today’s PCB assembly sector means finding efficiency at every opportunity,” explains ASMPT General Manager, Brazil, Cesar Takamine. “Brazil is the electronics export gateway for Latin America and the US; product quality is the expectation and cost-competitiveness required. DEK TQ L helps our customers achieve these goals, and the Road Show program demonstrated how this technology can help meet those objectives.”
A platform that goes beyond
A team of ASMPT engineering, applications, and business development staff hosted each session, where customers were able to dive deep into their specific applications and discuss capabilities of the equipment aligned with unique requirements. Attendees were impressed with DEK TQ L’s print quality and speed statistics, boasting wet print accuracy of +/- 17 µm @ 2 Cpk and a core cycle time of 6.5 seconds. Moreover, the unmatched technologies that allow full-shift, non-stop production were highlights of each customer session.
Engineered in a comparatively small footprint, DEK TQ L integrates big-impact features like high consumables capacity and a dual-access cover that enables on-the-fly paste replenishment with no machine stop required. The DEK TQ L can run continuously, for up to eight hours or more, without assistance. Other technologies like Smart Pin support, high-speed understencil cleaning, automatic paste management, universal All-Purpose Clamping, and seamless open communications integration combine to make DEK TQ L the leading platform for high-reliability, cost-effective printing performance. “While efficiency is essential, cost-competitiveness cannot come at the expense of quality,” says Takamine. “Customers at the event emphasized this point, and were amazed by DEK TQ L’s thoughtful engineering and ability to bridge this gap, taking stencil printing and continuous production to a new level.”
For more information about ASMPT’s DEK TQ L, visit www.smt.asmpt.com
SHENZHEN, CHINA & SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Avary Holding (Shenzhen) Co., LTD, a top global printed circuit board supplier, has successfully transformed its supply chain planning processes by implementing Blue Yonder’s supply planning solution.
Avary Holding is engaged in the design, research and development, manufacturing, and sales of various kinds of printed circuit boards. These finished products and components are widely applied to numerous types of communications, computing, and consumer products. To increase its supply chain efficiency, the company turned to Blue Yonder.
Thanks to Blue Yonder’s supply planning solution, Avary Holding has:
"Digitalization of the supply chain has become one of the important means for companies to enhance their competitiveness and strengthen their market advantages. The launch of this supply chain digitalization project marks a milestone. As the market continues to evolve, we will also continuously improve our operations through supply chain optimization and innovation," said Charles Shen, chairman, Avary Holding.
“Blue Yonder’s Global Professional Services is proud to have implemented this solution for Avary Holding. We look forward to meeting their needs on future projects,” said Ari Sengupta, senior vice president and general manager, Blue Yonder Global Professional Services.
“By implementing Blue Yonder’s solution, Avary Holding has been able to support its growth strategy and transform its business. The solution allows them to scale as their business grows deliberately. We look forward to continuing our work with them as they continue their transformation,” said Antonio Boccalandro, president, APAC/LATAM, Blue Yonder.