Blog Post

Altus Partners with Fuji to Host The Factory of the Future Event

  • by Joseph Booth
  • 10 Aug, 2022

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 Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment for electronics assembly in the UK and Ireland, has partnered with Fuji, principal manufacturer of SMT and assembly machines and tools, to host ‘The Factory of the Future’ event on 19th and 20th October 2022 at the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centre (AMTC), Coventry.


 The 2-day technology event will allow electronics manufacturers the opportunity to understand emerging technology within the sector and the processes that will help to improve production. With 12 speakers lined up to present, including big names in the industry like Fuji, Koh Young, Heller, LPKF, Essemtec, Asscon, YJ Link and Lazpiur, and over 20 machines on display, the technology day will benefit all those attending.

 

Joe Booth, Altus CEO said: “We are delighted to launch this brand-new Factory of the Future event in partnership with Fuji. It will give our customers and prospects the chance to visit the MTC and absorb what is a superb speaker and machine line-up.

 

“The market is in a great place with investment and process improvement ideas, but for many over the last period, it has been difficult getting hands on time and the opportunity to learn what is new. We hope that this event will allow people to learn more about industry hot topics, understand established solutions and experience the innovative new equipment in action.”

 

Jonas Ernst, Assistant General Manager, Fuji added: “The event looks like it will be a great showcase for the industry to see the best-in-class technology in action. Alongside Altus Group, there isn’t a production process that is not covered across the two days. We at Fuji are excited to present the very latest in our hardware offerings and software capabilities, but more importantly, connect with our existing customers and prospective users at a great period for UK and Irish investment.”

 

The Factory of the Future event will be hosted by senior experts at Altus and Fuji. It will include a number of key speakers covering everything from 3D inspection data and AI for automatic process improvement, to the latest developments in vapour phase soldering and the all-important topic of reshoring production to Europe.

 

“Working in partnership with Fuji has enabled us to pull together a really impressive event that will allow attendees the opportunity to find out the latest information to improve manufacturing processes and explore the latest technology. It will ultimately provide a platform for those interested in turnkey solutions to boost productivity.

 

“Together with Fuji we look forward to welcoming delegates from across the UK and Ireland.”

 

The Altus technical team will be available throughout the event to run detailed demonstrations and offer advice on all equipment. For further information visit www.altusgroup.co.uk


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by Joseph Booth 13 Mar, 2024

Altus Group, a leading supplier of capital equipment for the electronics industry, is pleased to announce notable sales achievements in partnership with ASSCON. Since joining forces in 2021 to bring ASSCON’s vapour phase technology to the UK and Ireland, their collaboration has led to significant market penetration and unprecedented year-over-year growth. Driven by increasing demand across key segments, they have seen record-breaking unit sales in 2023.

 

Altus’ decision to further enhance their reflow offerings with ASSCON's market-leading vapour phase technology has proven to be a strategic move. ASSCON's continuous innovation and commitment to technological advancement have resulted in a surge in demand for their products.

Last year, the UK and Ireland emerged as the top export market for ASSCON globally, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Altus Group team. Sales were predominantly driven by the popularity of ASSCON's flagship products such as the VP510 and VP800, alongside advanced systems including the VP6000 and the recently introduced inline VP2100-100, which thanks to its space-saving design, can be easily integrated into any assembly line.

The increasing demand for vapour phase technology stems from its ability to deliver exceptional results, particularly in applications requiring very low voiding and accommodating complex board designs with significant component thermal mass variance. This trend has been particularly pronounced in the Contract Electronics Manufacturing (CEM) market, where companies are looking to mitigate risks associated with future proofing for unknowns and voiding.

"It has been a breakthrough year for adopting vapour phase technology," said Joe Booth, Altus Group CEO. "Considering we only partnered with ASSCON in 2021, with no real expertise in process knowledge but a strong install base, it's incredible that through dedicated collaboration, we are now their number one global export market.

“We see Asscon as long-time industry partners, and we share pride in pioneering this technology locally and bringing its benefits to manufacturers across the UK and Ireland. With the current momentum, we are poised for an even stronger 2024.

Tobias Tuffentsammer, ASSCON Head of Global Sales, added: "Wow, what a year for ASSCON vapour phase sales in the UK and Ireland. We had high hopes given Altus' strong reputation before partnering, but 2023 really exceeded our expectations.

 

“We are extremely happy with our product portfolio and the investments we have made into R&D including the recently launched VP810 with its new options functionality and the VP2100-100 inline unit which has sold very well. By leveraging Altus' strong regional presence, our reach has expanded tremendously - allowing so many more manufacturers to benefit from ASSCON systems. This collaboration, enhanced by Altus' exceptional customer support resources, has proven to be a winning formula."


by Joseph Booth 23 Feb, 2024

Altus Group, a leading supplier of capital equipment for the electronics industry in the UK and Ireland, is pleased to announce a new partnership for Kolb Cleaning in the UK and first order with Reading-based contract manufacturer Active-PCB Solutions Ltd. After a thorough evaluation process of several customer variants, the company has invested in a Kolb cleaning system to enhance its cleaning processes further.

 

The partnership originated from discussions between Altus Group and Active-PCB Solutions at the 2023 Southern Manufacturing and Electronics exhibition. As an established leader in the EMS market offering responsive, fast-turn solutions for small to medium-batch, high-complexity assemblies, Active-PCB Solutions were looking to add to their PCBA cleaning capabilities.

 

Active-PCB Solutions conducted an extensive review of options to ensure quality and reliability in its production cleaning processes. After careful consideration, the company selected the innovative Kolb PSE LH7, known for its impressive cleaning finish and technical performance. The decision was guided by the machine's capability to integrate both cutting-edge cleaning systems and chemistry, the detailed pre-sales communication, and extensive support provided by Altus Group, making the Kolb PSE LH7 the ideal choice for advancing their cleaning procedures.

 

“I am really pleased for Active-PCB Solutions and their team on this latest investment with us,” said Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group. “They took a well-planned, thorough approach to selecting the right supplier and system. Kolb is an exemplary supplier that goes to great depths to explain not just the systems and chemistries they offer, but also the considerations and pitfalls of PCBA cleaning. This service makes a huge difference to our customers.

 

“We eagerly anticipate the installation of the new Kolb AQUBE® LH7, contributing to Active-PCB's ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing product quality.”

 

Luke Minnis, Manufacturing Product and Process Engineer at Active-PCB, added: "We are very happy to begin this partnership with Altus Group and invest in new cleaning technology. Throughout the project, Altus and Kolb have been great to work with. We’re looking forward to the new system enhancing our production and delivering great results. Based on the validation tests, and through our relationship with Altus, we feel confident in the ongoing support."

 

Kolb PSE LH7 is a fully automatic, high-volume cleaning system selected for its next-generation PCB cleaning capabilities. The two-tank, triple-circuit function configuration with ClosedLoop water reprocessing, ensures short cycle times and makes this system the perfect economical choice for the precision cleaning of assembled PCBs.

 

With a large capacity and quick cycle time, it will enable Active PCB to deliver finished products of the highest quality efficiently.

by Joseph Booth 16 Feb, 2024

It strikes me that negative news and thoughts that turn the sky grey are more powerful; they hit more headlines, travel further, and linger longer than optimistic ones and turn the sky blue. I guess that is something about our mind set and evolution that I am not best placed to answer, however I am keen to share some of the positive news we see from the coalface of electronics manufacturing in the UK and Ireland.

I say in the coal face because Altus Group Ltd and Altus Electronics Ireland are in that position. Supplying electronics manufacturers with capital equipment and pre and post sales support services means our business is strongly tied to macro-economic trends. When the economy and demand is up, companies buy capital equipment to make the electronics in demand. When the economy is down, they don’t. This means we have a finger on the pulse of economic momentum far before it hits the headlines.

While there is a valid case for scepticism, I aim to demonstrate in the following paragraphs why there is ample cause for optimism. To provide some context, it’s worth noting that 2023 marked a historic milestone as our revenue reached an all-time high in the history of Altus Group in the UK and Ireland, with the preceding year having already set a record. This indicates that the market for investing in electronics equipment is thriving making a compelling case for our optimistic outlook.

This year has been a standout year for many reasons, but the most important factor for the success has been the re-shoring of production to our region. While the pandemic, de-globalisation, fuel price increases, and escalating global tensions are inherently contentious and challenging subjects, there is undeniable evidence of their significant impact in fostering the growth of manufacturing in the UK.

There has been re-shoring to local Contract Electronics Manufacturers (CEMs), of which there are many in the UK and Ireland, and investment in in-house capabilities by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Last year many new manufacturing facilities were established with more planned for 2024. This trend is significant as it not only benefits new staff and local community of the manufacturer, but also positively impacts the entire supply chain for the foreseeable future. The establishment of a single Surface Mount Technology (SMT) line and the construction of a new building at an OEM includes many economic activities, encompassing various trades; building materials, staffing needs, software development, legal services, accounting requirements, capital equipment procurement, component parts acquisition, consumables, contracted sub-assemblies, support for local businesses and a myriad of other interconnected elements.

The shortage of skilled labour exasperated by workers departing the UK for EU post-Brexit and amid the challenges of covid has meant that companies have made strategic investments in automation. This proactive approach aims to address gaps in availability of staff effectively. While capital equipment may carry the perception of being costly, it often represents a smart investment into automation enhancing production speed, improving quality, and reducing risk. It also frequently yields a quicker ROI than expected. Consequently, this makes the service more appealing to potential applications, paving the way for increased business from local, regional, or international markets in the future.

This amplifies the impact of re-shoring efforts as the price delta between local and the eastern manufacturing reduces. The investment in automation not only streamlines processes but also generates opportunities for higher-skilled roles which require more training and education, accompanied  by higher salaries, making the manufacturing industry more attractive to a younger demographic.

Moreover, there is an influx of young skilled people entering and leaving the education system making their mark in our industry. From diverse backgrounds including software development, electro-mechanical, mechanical, and entrepreneurial background, are acknowledging the ubiquitous presence of electronics in our daily lives.

The government has also taken long overdue steps to make our investment environment more competitive supporting capital equipment investments, further helping ROI, with the aim of increasing the manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP. The introduction of the super deduction to support capital equipment investments, together with ongoing tax relief schemes has enhanced the attractiveness of investing in capital equipment.

Many investment projects are benchmarked around a specific ROI duration. Undoubtedly, these incentives are playing a crucial role in reducing the timeline for achieving that return. There are also significant grants available in almost every region to fund projects, and some of my partners have been incredibly successful securing as much as 50% funding of investments. This level of financial support is particularly invaluable for small, privately owned CEMs, empowering them to augment their capabilities and better serve their end customers.

While it’s not always talked about, a pivotal contributor to recent successes in the regional electronics industry is our robust military manufacturing capabilities. It is an unfortunate reality that around the world, there is a consistent deployment of weaponry. Given the increased tensions and the rhetoric signalling a ‘war footing’, we are seeing unprecedented investments into military equipment to replenish what is being used, but also to stockpile in anticipation of escalating tensions.

Locally, industry giants like MBDA, BAE, Plexus, Ultra, and Thales are at the forefront of military manufacturing. Their high-tech products are in global demand and these OEMs strategically leverage in-house production and collaborate with high-end CEMs. The resulting contracts, known for their high value and long term nature, boost many manufacturing organisations in their supply chain. Although I would of course prefer more peaceful times globally, it is clear that this increase in military spending will have a profound impact on electronics manufacturing locally for a long time to come.

As I said from the start, there are certainly grounds for scepticism, and I acknowledge that the reality often lies somewhere in between the optimistic and pessimistic perspectives. However,  I hope that the insights shared above offer a glimpse into some compelling reasons to be optimistic about the future of electronics, coming from a company actively engaged in the industry across Europe. We remain hopeful that the momentum in the local electronics manufacturing market continues to build and 2024 will mark another record breaking year.

by Joseph Booth 31 Jan, 2024

Danutek Balkans Srl , a leading distributor and service provider in the electronics PCBA manufacturing industry is pleased to announce the inauguration of their new purpose-built headquarters and demonstration centre in Timisoara, Romania. The opening of this facility represents a significant strategic investment into Danutek’s future, enabling the company to deliver enhanced services to customers and suppliers .    

 

The state-of-the-art facility boasts cutting-edge technology, enabling interactive equipment demonstrations, hands-on sample testing, and training sessions – all away from the pressure of the production floor. This innovative approach promises to transform the pre-sales and post-sales experience, streamlining decision-making and fostering deeper customer-supplier relationships.  

 

"I am really pleased with our new headquarters and the renewed energy it has brought to the Danutek Team ,” said Marian Gavrilia , General Manager of Danutek .  

 

This facility is something to be proud of, offering an outstanding venue to showcase our solutions to partners and enhance the overall pre and post-sales e xperience . I eagerly anticipate the opportunities this space offers to host customers for equipment demonstrations, not to mention provide best-in-class sample testing and hands-on product experiences away from the production line."  

 

 

The new headquarters represents a key milestone for Danutek Balkans Srl as the company looks to solidify its leadership in Romania's electronics manufacturing sector. The facility will allow Danutek to further develop relationships across the electronics manufacturing community. As Danutek's capabilities and reach expand from this new centre , the company is strategically positioned to deliver best-in-class service and accelerate growth throughout Romania and the broader Balkans region.  

by Joseph Booth 26 Jan, 2024

Altus Group, a leading supplier of capital equipment for the electronics industry, is pleased to announce their return to the Southern Manufacturing & Electronics exhibition from 6th - 8th February 2024 at Farnborough , booth J80, with an even bigger presence. After exceptional interest and record sales in 2023, Altus has expanded its stand to showcase eight key processes and the latest technology innovations. 

 

One highlighted technology is the Koh Young Zenith Alpha HS+ AOI, a true 3D AOI solution powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning. The Zenith Alpha has proven to deliver outstanding performance leveraging true 3D measurement technology, making it a crucial component for ultra-fine pitch and solder joint interreflection challenges. Additionally, Altus will showcase the KSMART software, an innovative solution for data collection, analysis, and PCBA process optimisation.  

 

"We were completely overwhelmed by the interest at last year's show and knew we had to come back bigger and better," said Joe Booth, Altus Group CEO. "This year, we've doubled our stand size so even more customers can get hands-on with the latest equipment transforming electronics production." 

 

“Our expanded floor space will showcase a broader spectrum of advanced equipment, including technologies like Koh Young AOI, Essemtec SMT Assembly, and Asscon Vapour Phase. We are especially excited about introducing PVA, our newest supplier, at the exhibition. The entire sales team will be on hand to provide in-depth insights into our showcased processes, fostering valuable interactions with both partners and potential prospects. We look forward to seeing you there! “ 

by Joseph Booth 19 Jan, 2024

Altus Group, a leading supplier of capital equipment for the electronics industry, has partnered with PVA, a global provider of automated dispensing solutions. This new distribution agreement will enable Altus to supply PVA's innovative products to manufacturers across the UK and  Ireland.

 

PVA offers flexible robotic solutions ideal for selective coating, potting, and precision dispensing. Their advanced technology ensures consistent, high-quality conformal coating for superior circuit board protection.

 

"We are pleased to be partnering with Altus and entering this new chapter together,” said Pieter Van Der Vorst, Europe Regional Sales Manager, PVA.

 

“Altus has been investing heavily in the region and due to their esteemed range of suppliers and reputation for aftercare, they are a company that has a lot of momentum and customer growth compared to other companies. We believe that the combination of PVA and Altus, offers significant value to existing and potential partners in the market for our processes in the UK and Ireland."

 

This partnership aligns with Altus Group's recent expansion in Ireland with a new facility in Cork to support rapid growth and better serve customers in the Irish region, as well as their addition of new talent to the UK aftercare Engineering Team to support their growing business throughout the UK.

 

Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group said: "We are delighted to collaborate with an innovative company like PVA to bring their leading-edge dispensing and coating solutions to our customers in the UK and Ireland.

 

“Culturally PVA are a great fit for us given that they have a history of being flexible for customers and focusing on support of their partners above all else. I am really looking forward to expanding their installation base and a long partnership with PVA and their team. This partnership reinforces our commitment to supplying the best technologies and support to electronics manufacturers across the regions."

 

This agreement allows Altus Group to further expand its offerings and enables electronic manufacturers to access PVA's exceptional conformal coating and dispensing equipment through Altus Group's distribution network.

 

To find out more visit www.altusgroup.co.uk

by Joseph Booth 09 Jan, 2024

Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment for the electronics assembly industry, is pleased to announce the addition of the new award-winning kolb WPCL-EU to its portfolio. This innovative ‘Zerodischarge’ rinse water treatment module, recognised with the Global SMT Technology Award at the Productronica 2023, reinforces Altus’ commitment to delivering cutting-edge, environmentally sustainable solutions for the electronics manufacturing sector.

 

Free from the need for external power, compressed air, or water connection, the stand-alone design of the WPCL-EU cleaning module simplifies integration into cleaning processes.  Importantly, WPCL-EU uses kolb’s innovative CrossLoop® technology, a circuit process with ZeroDischarge quadruple filtration, enabling the recovery and recycling of rinse water. This significantly increases the conservation of water resources, reducing the need for fresh water to near-zero during the entire cleaner service life. This minimises the associated costs of water supply, but also addresses the expense of disposing of contaminated wastewater.

 

"Environmental sustainability is a key decision-making variable for customers in our region as manufacturers of electronic products lean into producing their products as sustainably as possible,” said Joe Booth, Altus Group CEO.

“This is the latest release by kolb that shows that they are listening not just to their customers but to global trends. The recent Global SMT Technology Award received by Kolb at Productronica is a testament to that.

 

“WPCL-EU is another great example of kolb’s innovative ethos. This follows the release of biodegradable chemistry containers and of course, utilising a fundamentally low energy cleaning process (aqueous), making kolb a true ‘green’ provider. “

 

Christian Ortmann, CEO of kolb Cleaning Technology, added: "Receiving the Global SMT Technology Award for this external water treatment module not only make us proud, but confirms that we are on the right path with our efforts to create a resource-saving cleaning process."

 

The compact and fully enclosed ClosedLoop® technology WPCL EU module easily integrates with kolb's AQUBE® and PSE MH/MV, as well as PSE 300 two-tank systems. This innovative module eliminates the usual inlets and outlets for rinse water connections, streamlining the cleaning process and enhancing overall system efficiency.

 

Altus Group can now provide electronics manufacturers with kolb’s award-winning sustainable cleaning systems featuring the new WPCL-EU module. The innovative technology aligns with the growing demand for more environmentally friendly production solutions.

 

www.altusgroup.co.uk.

by Joseph Booth 06 Dec, 2023

Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, is pleased to announce a significant addition to their team with the appointment of a new Applications Engineer. This strategic move underscores Altus's commitment to providing exceptional customer support in the UK.

 

Nick Hurrell has joined the Inspection Team and brings a wealth of experience and an understanding of electronics production and the industry landscape. His professional journey is marked by an impressive track record in the production environment, encompassing all aspects of electronics production, including Surface Mount Technology, Through-Hole Technology, and testing procedures. He has previously held roles that entailed machine selection, implementation, and process improvement, showcasing his proficiency in optimising production processes for maximum efficiency.

 

Nick has already built a strong relationship with Altus, working with the company on past projects. He is also well-versed in the diverse range of brands within the Altus portfolio, such as Koh Young, Kolb, YJ Link, and Heller. This knowledge positions him as an ideal addition to the team due to his comprehensive understanding of customer pain points, industry dynamics, and the unique pressures of those operating in the field.

 

Jiri Kucera, Altus Operations Director, said: "We have been very strategic and fortunate with our recent recruiting efforts, bringing on talented individuals who deliver immediate impact and share our vision for the future.

 

"Nick is precisely the high-calibre engineer we seek - someone with the experience, mind-set, and drive to provide complete solutions, not just support equipment. His in-depth knowledge of the full production environment will allow us to focus on the big picture and truly add value for our customers. I'm eager to see the contributions he'll make to our team."

 

Nick Hurrell added: "With years of experience collaborating with Altus from the customer perspective, I'm pleased to join the team to take on this exciting new challenge.

 

"It's clear Altus has an ambitious vision and a stellar reputation that keeps growing. The extensive portfolio of best-in-class products and processes is very impressive. I'm eager to leverage my knowledge of these solutions to further enhance the company's standing and continue elevating our support to customers."

 

As Application Engineer, Nick will work closely with Anthony Oh, Operations Manager - Inspection Products at Altus Group. His appointment significantly bolsters Altus's Inspection Team, which is paramount in ensuring comprehensive support for customers across the southern region of the UK.
by Joseph Booth 06 Dec, 2023

Altus Group, a leading supplier and service provider of capital equipment for the electronics industry, has been recognised with Essemtec’s prestigious ‘Fast and Furious Award’ for ‘Top Sales in One Quarter’. This accolade celebrates the company’s accomplishment in successfully implementing and installing Essemtec units for new users, facilitating their transition from existing platforms or establishing brand new OEM accounts.

In 2021, Altus began working with Essemtec, an industry leader in adaptive SMT pick-and-place equipment and intelligent production storage and logistic systems. This partnership was established to address the requirements of electronics companies, specifically low-volume, high-mix manufacturers, providing them with the most flexible technology and exceptional pre-and post-sales support.

Altus has now installed 12 units in the field, with a growing pipeline of interested parties drawn to the all-in-one solution provided alongside an industry-leading aftercare team. This prestigious award recognises Altus as the top suppliers of Essemtec units in Europe in a single quarter, reflecting the strong demand for Essemtec technology in the UK and Ireland.

 “It’s a great accolade to win for the team and a huge boost to see how our efforts are paying off,” said Joe Booth, Altus Group CEO. “We knew from the outset that Essemtec had a unique and special technology, and our objective was to raise awareness and support as we always strive to do. The performance achieved to date has surpassed our initial expectations. It is truly rewarding to witness a continuous stream of new customers selecting Essemtec and Altus as their preferred suppliers for high-mix, low-volume, and high-volume dispensing-focused applications. We are confident this is just the beginning, and we look forward to many more successful implementations in the months and years.”

Rob Murphy, Area Sales Manager for Essemtec, added: “Essemtec and Altus have a really strong chemistry, and the partnership has only gone from strength to strength. The technical understanding of our offering has grown within the Altus team, and the awareness of our unique offering has filtered through the market. It’s been particularly exciting to see the number of brand new SMT manufacturers choosing our platforms, giving us the opportunity to implement our all-in-one systems and grow with them as they succeed. Altus is a thoroughly deserved winner of this accolade, and I believe it’s the first of many.”

The award was presented to Altus Group at the Productronica trade fair in Germany, reinforcing Altus’ position as a leading distributor of electronics assembly equipment in the UK and Ireland.

by Joseph Booth 05 Dec, 2023
📣Our news and developments feel like they are coming thick and fast this year and I’m loving the 🚀 we are on! This edition of our newsletter is packed full again of optimistic developments for our customers, our team and our suppliers.

🔥 This newsletter features Skalarki, a brilliant OEM investing in UK manufacturing, who implemented a new Essemtec Fox to support their SMT production environment, and some words of wisdom from Marcin Kapera about why they did and how that investment has taken them to the next level.

☘️ It also celebrates some great internal milestones, such as the investment in our new ‘Little Island’ Ireland HQ and demo facility, and the welcome additional to Nick Hurrell who joins Altus and bolsters our AS team with his vast experience working in electronic production.

🌡️ We also have further news on our product portfolio, having been selected by SMT thermal industries to distribute their brilliant range of reflow soldering solutions and thermal technology in the Irish region, adding further firepower to our already well-established supplier brands and processes.

Watch out for some news next week, about a new partnership formed to advance our conformal coating and dispensing offering across our region .... it's big!

Thanks to all of those that have reached out to learn more and got in touch, those who have already partnered with Altus this year and those that are about to before the year is out 💪
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