EMPEL Systems Selects Altus Group for Advanced Power Electronics Manufacturing Line
Altus Group, a leading distributor of electronics assembly equipment in the UK and Ireland, has been selected by EMPEL Systems to deliver an advanced SMT manufacturing line at the company's Milton Keynes facility.
EMPEL Systems a UK-based leader in electric propulsion technologies develops and manufactures integrated electric motor and power electronics modules for the automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, robotics and green technology sectors. As its technology portfolio has advanced, the company identified the need for a specialist in-house PCB assembly capability to support the development and manufacture of highly complex products, including embedded die applications.
A key requirement for the project was the ability to process heavy copper power boards used in advanced motor and inverter applications. These assemblies often feature high board weights, significant copper content and non-standard components, requiring a manufacturing solution capable of delivering flexibility, precision and high levels of process control.
Following an extensive evaluation process, including technical validation and visits to manufacturing facilities across Europe, EMPEL Systems selected Altus Group as its technology partner alongside Fuji.
Working closely together, the three companies specified a production line capable of supporting both new product introduction and advanced technology development. The solution incorporates YJ Link board handling automation and laser marking systems, Koh Young 3D solder paste inspection (SPI) and automated optical inspection (AOI) technology, Essemtec all-in-one SMT assembly equipment combining solder jetting and placement capabilities, Heller vacuum convection reflow technology, and Fuji NXTR placement systems alongside a Fuji screen printer.
Steve Leake, Sales Engineer at Altus Group, said: "It has been an incredible project to work on and the Altus team are delighted with the outcome. EMPEL Systems is one of the most exciting players in a sector that leans directly into the future. This project has been a great example of how we work with customers to develop manufacturing solutions that support both their current requirements and future ambitions."
The line combines high-speed, high-accuracy placement with extensive automation, comprehensive traceability and automated inspection throughout production. Inline vacuum reflow technology will help reduce voiding within demanding power electronics assemblies, supporting the reliability requirements of high-performance applications.
John Martin, Founder and Director of EMPEL Systems, said: "There has been a lot of work to get to this point in the EMPEL Systems journey, but we are delighted to have invested in this capability as a significant milestone in our growth. The technologies we are developing are technologically ground-breaking and require an equally advanced manufacturing capability.
“To have this advanced manufacturing capability to support our technology development is something we are really proud of, and to partner with Altus and Fuji, with their known strengths and reputation for excellence, feels like the perfect fit."
Scheduled for installation in 2026, the new investment will provide EMPEL Systems with a specialist UK-based manufacturing platform for advanced technology development, while complementing the company's existing manufacturing partnerships.
