CRANSTON, RI – AIM Solder, a leading global manufacturer of solder assembly materials, is proud to announce its membership with the International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI). This strategic alliance underscores AIM Solder’s commitment to advancing the electronics manufacturing industry through collaboration and innovation.

iNEMI, a not-for-profit consortium, brings together the world’s leading electronics manufacturers, suppliers, associations, government agencies, and universities. Its mission is to forecast and accelerate improvements in the electronics manufacturing industry, addressing technology and infrastructure gaps through high-impact projects and proactive forums. iNEMI implements a global agenda, focusing on eliminating technology and infrastructure gaps through collaborative projects and industry forums. For more information, visit www.inemi.org

“Joining iNEMI aligns perfectly with our mission to offer innovative and reliable product solutions to the electronics industry,” said Tim O’Neill, Director of Product Management at AIM Solder. “We are excited to collaborate with other industry leaders to drive advancements and support the development of cutting-edge technologies.”

As part of iNEMI, AIM Solder will engage in various projects focused on critical areas related to solder materials, electronics manufacturing, sustainable electronics, and more. These initiatives will not only benefit AIM Solder’s product development efforts but also contribute to the overall progress of the global electronics manufacturing landscape.

TAMPA, FL – TAGARNO, a renowned Danish manufacturer of high-quality digital microscopes, is thrilled to announce significant strides in expanding its presence and customer service capabilities in the United States. In a strategic move to bolster their U.S. operations, TAGARNO has recently relocated its headquarters from Atlanta, Georgia, to Tampa, Florida.

This relocation comes four years after TAGARNO successfully launched its U.S. subsidiary in 2020, initially partnering with a logistics center in Atlanta specializing in helping European companies establish themselves in the American market. The new headquarters in Tampa marks a pivotal shift towards enhancing direct customer interactions and support.

The Tampa location is now home to a larger, dedicated TAGARNO team, equipped to assist customers throughout their entire purchasing process. This expansion is set to dramatically improve service delivery, ensuring that all customer inquiries and orders are handled with unprecedented speed and efficiency. Notably, TAGARNO strives towards shipping orders within 24-hours from the time of order placement, a testament to their commitment to customer satisfaction and logistical excellence. Further the operation has been extended with an in-house post sales service, support and repair department.

As TAGARNO continues to grow and innovate, the company is dedicated to providing its customers with the highest quality products and services. The move to Tampa represents more than just a new office—it highlights TAGARNO’s ongoing commitment to being closer to their customers and better serving their needs in the dynamic U.S. market.

For more information on TAGARNO’s products and services, please visit www.tagarno.com or contact their U.S. office directly.

REDDITCH, UK – Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, together with Fuji Corp., principal manufacturer of SMT and assembly machines and tools, have announced they will once again host the ‘Factory of the Future’ technology event. The two-day symposium on 11-12 September at the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centre (AMTC) in Coventry will showcase emerging trends and the latest innovations transforming the electronics manufacturing industry.

Building on the success of the 2022 inaugural Factory of the Future, which welcomed over 125 industry professionals, this year's event agenda will feature 16 expert-led sessions spanning the full range of electronics production processes and technologies. Attendees will gain insights from over 25 leading suppliers like Koh Young, PVA, Heller Industries, Essemtec, and Asscon, who will present their cutting-edge products and solutions through hands-on demonstrations.

Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group said: "It is our mission to be the best at what we do for the customers we serve, and I believe that we can offer a huge amount of value to our partners outside of our day to day operations by hosting and investing in events like this one.

“Our customers are always interested in best practices or what is new, and these events allow them to network, learn, understand future roadmaps, and leave with many ideas they can apply to their facility. Hugely popular in our first year and exceeding our expectations, we have increased the capacity to 250 guests if needed, so I can't wait to make it a couple of days to remember."

Artur Tobolski, Fuji Regional Account Manager added: "The last Factory of the Future event in 2022 seems like only yesterday, but I can't wait for it to return in 2024. The event is jam-packed for those who attend, and the line-up is as good as you will see at any European exhibition.

"Having all those industry leaders in Coventry for two full days, with their latest and greatest equipment, giving keynotes is brilliant for UK manufacturers looking to level up their production facilities. Fuji will be there in full force with Altus, and it is going to be a great chance to connect with current partners, showcase your latest technology, learn about industry trends, and have a good time doing it."

With over 25 exhibitors and limited capacity, manufacturing professionals are encouraged to register early for the Factory of the Future event. The full agenda will be released in the coming weeks. For more information, visit www.altusgroup.co.uk 

WASHINGTON – The Printed Circuit Board Association of America today announced the end of Travis Kelly’s term as chairman, a position he has held since the association’s founding in 2021. He will be succeeded by Shane Whiteside, President and CEO of Summit Interconnect.

Kelly said, “It has been my honor to work with so many talented people bringing attention to the critical role printed circuit boards play in all aspects of daily life. The association is in good hands with Shane. He’s an industry veteran who will continue to grow our membership and increase our impact.”

Kelly, who also serves as CEO of Isola Group, is one of the five founding member companies. He oversaw significant growth and accomplishments that have propelled the industry into prominence on Capitol Hill and in the policy community in Washington.

Under his leadership the association has grown from five to sixty members representing printed circuit board (PCB) and substrate manufacturers, assemblers, and materials suppliers.

Working with industry and other association partners, he led efforts to:

• Create the Protecting Circuit Boards and Substrates Act (H.R. 3249) pending in Congress
• Successfully advocate for directive language in the National Defense Authorization Act
• Secure a Presidential Determination authorizing the use of Defense Production Act to support the nation’s domestic Printed Circuit Boards and Advanced Packaging industrial base.
• Secure robust funding for the Defense Production Act in the FY24 defense bill

New PCBAA Chairman Shane Whiteside is a Navy veteran, has over 30 years of experience in the microelectronics industry, and was a founding board member of the U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics.

Whiteside said, “I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead and am confident we will grow our roster of member companies and increase our visibility and impact in Washington. PCBAA will continue to fight for legislation and policies that support domestic production of PCBs and substrates.”