Press Releases
Austin, TX– February 9, 2026 – ROCKA Solutions, a trusted North American manufacturer and distributor of high-quality consumables for the electronics manufacturing industry, is proud to announce the launch of its 2026 Rockin’ Roundtable webinar series, beginning with a live, interactive discussion designed to break away from the traditional webinar model and deliver meaningful, real world insight for the SMT community.
Unlike standard webinar-based presentations, the Rockin’ Roundtable format replaces slide decks and sales pitches with an open, candid conversation among respected industry experts. The discussion is shaped in real time by audience participation, encouraging attendees to bring their real process challenges, questions, and scenarios to the table.
The first session, Get Off Autopilot in 2026: Discussing What Really Drives SMT Printing Performance, will focus on the interconnected decisions that impact SMT printing outcomes, from consumables and stencil design to cleaning chemistry and process validation. The goal is to challenge long-standing assumptions and help manufacturers work smarter, not harder, in 2026.
The roundtable panel features industry voices from across the SMT ecosystem, each recognized for their technical depth and hands-on experience:
- Justin Worden, ROCKA Solutions
- Elias Malfavon, Metal Etch Services
- Debbie Carboni, KYZEN Corporation
- Chrys Shea, Shea Engineering
Throughout the discussion, panelists will explore how small, often overlooked process decisions can have a significant impact on yield, consistency, and long-term performance.
By the end of the session, attendees will gain insight into:
- Evaluating SMT processes using test vehicles rather than risking live production
- Why consumables such as stencil cleaning rolls deserve the same scrutiny as capital equipment
- How stencil design, coatings, and fabrication technologies affect print quality and yield
- How to properly qualify cleaning chemistry as a complete system, including process, materials, and paper selection
- How supplier-driven qualification and validation can reduce risk, save time, and eliminate unnecessary trial and error
“This series is about changing how these conversations happen,” said Justin Worden, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at ROCKA Solutions. “We want to talk openly about how decisions are made on the production floor and how teams can challenge the habits that no longer serve them.”
The Rockin’ Roundtable series will continue throughout 2026 with sessions focused on practical, engaging discussions across key SMT process areas.
Register now to reserve your spot: https://meet.zoho.com/mfrq-ahd-pzv
ROCKA Solutions is a North American manufacturer and distributor specializing in high-quality consumables and equipment for the electronics manufacturing industry. With a product portfolio that includes stencil rolls, nitrile gloves, router bits, splice tape, wipes, and inspection solutions, ROCKA delivers reliability and value to customers across the Americas. The company prides itself on being more than a supplier; it is a partner dedicated to helping manufacturers improve process performance while reducing overall costs.
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is one of the world’s most important and renowned centers for fundamental physics research. In its large-scale experimental facilities, scientists investigate the fundamental building blocks of matter and the underlying laws of nature. Some of the most complex technical systems ever built are used for this purpose.
As part of a joint project, SEHO is currently working with CERN on a prototype system for a key process step in the production of non-insulated coils made from high-temperature superconductors. These superconductors are considered as a key technology for high-performance, highly compact magnetic coils that will enable unprecedented magnetic field strengths in future particle accelerators, while also increasing efficiency. The project is part of the MuCol (Muon Collider) program coordinated by CERN and thus makes an important contribution to the development of the next generation of accelerator technologies.
SEHO contributes its many years of experience in the precise handling of liquid solder and in the design of stable, reproducible process sequences. A particular focus in on the controlled and process-reliable application of flux – a decisive quality factor for reliable metallic joints and the functional integrity of the superconducting components. With this combination of process expertise and system engineering competence, SEHO supports CERN in taking the step from experimental development toward a robust, industrial-grade prototype solution.
The on-site exchange at CERN was not only to align technical details, but also to develop a shared understanding of the entire process chain – from material science requirements to system-level implementation.
SEHO is pleased and proud to be part of this international project and to contribute its technologies in an environment where cutting-edge research and industrial manufacturing expertise are closely linked. www.seho.de
PENANG, MALAYSIA - JANUARY 2026 - ViTrox aims to be the World’s Most Trusted Technology Company in providing innovative, advanced, and cost-effective automated Machine Vision Inspection Solutions for the semiconductor and electronics packaging industries, is pleased to announce the appointment of Juan Alfaro as Mexico Sales and Support Manager, effective 1 January 2026.
In this role, Juan will strengthen ViTrox’s presence and customer support capabilities in Mexico and the broader Latin American region, handling the full solutions of SMT PCBA, including SPI, AOI, AXI, and ARV, supporting the company’s continued growth and commitment to delivering high-quality inspection and automation solutions to customers.
About Juan Alfaro
Juan brings over 15 years of experience in the SMT and electronics manufacturing industry, with extensive regional leadership experience across Mexico and Latin America. He has a proven track record in sales development, customer engagement, system installations, training, and technical services, working closely with customers to enhance manufacturing efficiency and quality.
Throughout his career, Juan has progressed from Field Service Engineering roles to General Management and Regional Management positions, providing him with strong technical expertise as well as strategic leadership capabilities. He possesses a deep understanding of SMT manufacturing processes and automation, with hands-on exposure to technologies including AOI, SPI, selective soldering, routing, reflow ovens, and other automation equipment.
Juan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering and has established strong relationships within the Mexican SMT and EMS market, enabling him to effectively support customers and partners across the region.
“We are excited to welcome Juan to the team,” said Carlos Ponce, Business Development Director for the Mexico Region at ViTrox. “His expertise across the SMT manufacturing processes and automation and deep understanding of the Latin American market will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our customer engagement and expand ViTrox’s footprint in the region.”
ViTrox’s commitment to strengthening its team and capabilities in the Latin American region is further reinforced with the addition of Juan Alfaro. His leadership and market expertise are expected to play a key role in delivering ViTrox’s full suite of SMT PCBA solutions while ensuring continued customer success across this important region.
Peoria, Arizona, USA – HyRel™ Technologies, a global provider of high quality, quick turn semiconductor modification solutions, announces the appointment of Horizon Sales as Rep in the U.S. Midwest as well as Florida.
“Horizon offers Hyrel Technologies a rare blend of proven experience and fresh momentum in the Midwest region,” states Joshua Casper, Owner and Sales Manager at Horizon. “Our team has spent years building trusted customer relationships, and we are confident Hyrel’s innovative manufacturing services will translate into a reliable resource for years to come.”
Dave Trail founded Horizon Sales more than 30 years ago when he recognized, early on, that Surface Mount Technology (SMT) was poised to revolutionize the industry. Since then, Horizon Sales has been the Midwest’s trusted source for electronics assembly and soldering equipment. Headquartered in Brighton, Michigan, Horizon Sales has grown into a leading manufacturer’s representative and distribution group representing cutting-edge products and also providing outstanding support and service to clients.
About HYREL
HYREL is a worldwide provider of high quality, quick turn semiconductor modification solutions serving the military, space, automotive, energy and commercial markets to companies seeking to improve product reliability. HYREL is known for their Quick Turn Precision capability and rapid turnaround. For more information, visit hyrel.tech, or Tel. 480-253-1295.
OSAKA, JAPAN – The board of directors for EMS provider SIIX Corporation has approved a formal business collaboration with Hagiya New Techno Co. Ltd. The strategic partnership is designed to strengthen domestic production capacity and meet the surging demand for high-precision electronic assembly in the automotive and digitalization sectors.
As the global automotive industry shifts toward CASE (connected, autonomous, shared, and electric) technologies, the demand for sophisticated PCB manufacturing and substrate implementation has reached an all-time high. This collaboration allows both companies to address the reshoring trend by combining their technical expertise and manufacturing footprints.
Key Objectives of the Collaboration
Resource Optimization: The organic sharing of production capacity and resources to improve overall operational efficiency and scale.
Knowledge Integration: Combining Hagiya’s on-site responsiveness with SIIX’s global experience in automotive-grade quality management and production technology.
Supply Chain Resilience: Strengthening business continuity planning (BCP) and risk diversification specifically within the Greater Kanto Region.
Cost Leadership: Implementing joint component sourcing initiatives to reduce material costs and pass those efficiencies on to global customers.
Through this synergy, SIIX and Hagiya New Techno aim to provide a robust, high-tech manufacturing alternative that meets the rigorous standards of the modern digital economy.
For more information, visit www.siix.co.jp and https://hagiya.biz-web.jp.
LAKEVILLE, MN – ITW EAE is pleased to announce an extension of its partnership with IPP, expanding their role to include representation and distribute Electrovert soldering and cleaning equipment. This enhancement builds upon IPP’s existing representation of ITW EAE’s Vitronics Soltec soldering equipment, further strengthening the collaboration between the two companies. IPP has been a long-standing and trusted partner since 2009, marking more than 15 years of successful cooperation.
“We are delighted to extend our cooperation with IPP for the UK & Ireland market by appointing them as our official dealer for the Electrovert wave and cleaning range of equipment,” said Frank van Erp, EMEA Sales Director for ITW EAE. “Over the years, IPP has consistently demonstrated values that align closely with our own – a strong technical sales mindset, high ethical standards, transparency, and a proactive approach to problem – solving. We are confident that our existing customers will continue to receive exceptional support as we guild on our successful partnership.”
“Having worked with Vitronics Soltec part of ITW EAE, for over 20 years, and being involved in many solder wave projects, IPP are delighted to add the Electrovert wave and cleaning equipment to the IPP portfolio,” said Jack Daly, managing director for IPP. “The Electrovert range adds more quality solutions for our customer, while enjoying the same level of support and customer service that they have come to expect from IPP, as the leading distributor of Electronics Manufacturing equipment in the UK and Irish markets “.
IPP has been a trusted provider of products and services to the electronics industry for over 40 years. Serving many of the leading global electronics manufacturers across the UK and Ireland, IPP attributes its sustained growth to strong relationships with both clients and suppliers. With extensive experience in the volume electronics manufacturing environment, the IPP team offers deep technical knowledge and highly responsive engineering support, making equipment sales and service a natural fit for the organization.
