TEMPE, AZ – Benchmark Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: BHE), a global provider of engineering, design, and manufacturing services, today announced the appointment of David Valkanoff as the company's Executive Vice President (EVP), Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately. Valkanoff will lead Benchmark's worldwide manufacturing operations in the United States, Mexico, Asia, and Europe. He will be instrumental in driving operational excellence and lean methodologies across the entire product lifecycle for its customers.

"I look forward to leveraging the diverse perspective that Dave brings to Benchmark. His extensive experience in Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) and precision machining, coupled with his global experience running manufacturing for a large original equipment manufacturer (OEM) like Carrier, makes him uniquely qualified to help Benchmark continue our journey to further optimize our operations and deliver for our customers," stated Jeff Benck, president and CEO at Benchmark. "With Dave's wealth of expertise, I am confident he will add tremendous value to Benchmark as we continue on our growth strategy."

With more than 30 years of global operations experience in the aerospace and defense, industrial, automotive, semiconductor, and electronics sectors, Valkanoff joins the company from Carrier Corporation, where he was the vice president of operations for its refrigeration segment. His prior experience includes executive roles at TPG, Celestica, Visteon, and Nissan, among others. While at Celestica, Valkanoff supported the communications, aerospace and defense, enterprise and cloud solutions, renewable energy, health tech, and semiconductor equipment market customers. He was also the executive sponsor of their Lean Six Sigma initiatives globally. Valkanoff holds a Master of Business Administration from Central Michigan University and a BA in Economics and Management from Albion College.

"Benchmark is a world-class engineering and manufacturing partner to some of the world's most innovative brands," said Valkanoff. "The company's unwavering dedication to customers, passion for innovation, and comprehensive solution offering is impressive. I am excited to join Benchmark and leverage the expertise of its talented team to propel our growth."

To learn more about Benchmark's executive team, please visit https://www.bench.com/leadership-team 

REDDITCH, UK – Altus Group, a leading supplier of capital equipment for the electronics industry in the UK and Ireland, is excited to announce the latest addition to its portfolio, the innovative AQUBE MV 3 One multitool developed by Kolb Cleaning Technology. The system is specifically designed to provide lower volume productions with multiple cleaning processes, providing a cost-effective alternative to purchasing several machines for each process in PCBA production.

This fully automatic system offers process-safe fine cleaning for screens, stencils, PumpPrints, and other flat products. Moreover, with an optional function package, it is also suitable for PCB assembly cleaning too. The AQUBE MV 3 One quickly and thoroughly eliminates contaminants such as SMD paste, SMD adhesive, conductive materials, flux, oil, grease, or dust. Its efficient configuration with two tanks and two independent circuits, along with ClosedLoop water treatment, ensures short throughput times, making it the economically perfect choice for smaller quantities of different cleaning materials.

Joe Booth Altus CEO said: “In the electronics industry, the importance of cleaning processes cannot be overstated. Altus understands this critical need and are pleased to add the AQUBE MV 3 One multitool to the portfolio.

“This innovative multitool optimises productivity while minimising costs, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking to maximise efficiency. With its intelligent design and cutting-edge features, the AQUBE MV 3 One streamlines the cleaning process for various processes through PCBA production, ensuring the highest level of cleanliness by eliminating contaminants.”

One of the standout features of the AQUBE MV 3 One is its intelligent connectivity, which allows seamless integration into Industry 4.0 environments. This feature enables networking for traceability, remote control, remote maintenance support, bidirectional machine-to-machine communication, machine-to-product communication, and integration into comprehensive monitoring systems. With its retractable touch screen and integrated industrial PC, the system offers state-of-the-art connectivity for advanced operations.

The Kolb AQUBE MV 3 One also offers a range of other key features that enhance its performance and versatility. Its two-tank system with two separate circuits ensures efficient cleaning processes, while the fully automated 4 Step process (cleaning, MediumWipe, rinsing, and CWA high-performance compressor drying) guarantees optimal results. The system’s vertical rotor system, equipped with ASYNCHRO spray rotors, ensures thorough wetting without any blind spots. Additionally, the integrated condensate recovery in the process chamber further enhances efficiency.

Designed for optimal productivity, the AQUBE MV 3 One boasts short cycle times offering the flexibility to use a cleaning/rinsing medium instead of water allowing for water-free operations. It also incorporates an EDGELESS design and VARIccess maintenance access, providing the highest capacity and easiest maintenance on the smallest footprint. Its robust construction enables it to withstand high temperature cleaning up to 80 °C, expanding its applications to a wider range of industries.

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