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.