VIEWPOINT 2023: Joe Booth, CEO, Altus
Joseph Booth • 28 April 2023
Circuitnet Interview
How was business in 2022 and what do you expect for the industry in 2023?
Last year every region installed more units than ever before. This is partly driven by the broader portfolio strength and the fantastic performance of many of our new top-tier suppliers.
In 2022 we focused on high quality pre-sales and post-sales support for customers, as they have a significant influence on customer's journey. We understand that investment in their growth makes a difference. This is why we appointed a number of skilled personnel for both the pre and post-sales teams to ensure customer success. This included appointing a new UK and Ireland Operations Director who has leveraged all of his prior knowledge and experience to offer the highest standards and oversee all after-sales operational elements of the business’s strategy to lead Altus on its impressive growth trajectory.
Another area that has put Altus on top is our ability to act as a sound board and support samples validation, demos and trials to establish which solution would best fit a company's needs and budget. This value add we provide, has not only assisted customers in their investment confidence, but has allowed us to certify our equipment in real-world terms.
By focusing on how much value we could deliver on every aspect of customer interaction, we have built higher customer satisfaction, trusted ongoing support and retention.
Seeing the progression of Ireland for Altus has been one our biggest success stories not just in 2022, but in the company’s history. It is an area that I am most proud, and we have only just begun.
Due to our determination and investment in the region, we have been rewarded with repeat business, and new projects from significant accounts that have never worked with us before and who needed that level of local support when choosing a partner.
I think the outlook for the electronics industry in 2023 is pretty healthy and market conditions will be more manageable. An influence of growth is the near-shoring and re-shoring of production to the UK. This has created regional supply chains and reduced the logistics burden.
Government policy to support manufacturing and Brexit have also had an effect, with many of our partners seeing this as a chance to grasp the opportunity that comes with the changes rather than be victim to them.
Due to the super deduction and tax relief for those investing in capital equipment, the UK Government is helping companies to increase manufacturing GDP and supporting sites to become more profitable with investment incentives.
Although supply chain issues are starting to improve, CEMs still need orders from their end customers further into the future to secure component parts for production. This in turn gives CEMs a clearer picture of future cash flows, meaning that they can finance more equipment now than when their order book was less determined.
Because of this change Altus supplied equipment in 2022 to alleviate traceability issues around supply chain issues. I predict that this will continue in 2023.
We are forecasting more of the same growth for Altus and continued impact from the above points, but are unsure if this will be reflective of the whole market regionally. There are many unknowns and different factors that will affect business, including finding a solution and end to the war in Ukraine to tensions China, the USA and Taiwan. All of which will have a direct impact on controlling inflation and the global economy.
Will you be launching new products or services in 2023?
This year we will consolidate on the equipment in our portfolio. Our portfolio is already incredibly strong, so we plan to become masters in all areas and maximize on the opportunities we are creating.
Our suppliers do release new products regularly and we are looking forward to Productronica, when many companies launch innovative equipment for the first time.
Are you able to hire enough qualified employees? What could the industry do to develop a larger pool of skilled workers?
People are the most important asset to a company. We have invested a considerable amount of time to vet new starters and have them vet us for alignment.
Because we have invested time in growing our team, we have been incredibly fortunate with our recent hires. They are all in close alignment with our company objectives. I am proud of every single hire we have made in the last several years and now all of them are significant assets to our organisation.
We feel that we contribute a lot of value to our staff in their career development by offering in-depth training and opportunities. We believe in developing the next generation of engineers with next generation skills. Being a millennial and understanding the gulf of talent lost during the outsourcing period to Asia and Europe. I see there is a huge opportunity for British and Irish youngsters that come into our industry and have hunger and determination to take up the space left by skilled workers leaving.
It would be great to see more funding for apprenticeships and further practical courses available as an alternative route to university so that we can create more bright minds in the future.
Almost everything we use today contains electronics. Creating the next technologies that will influence the world from the UK and Ireland should be a goal that all we should push to achieve.
Has your company travel returned to pre-pandemic levels or are you still limiting travel to customer sites or industry conferences in 2023?
My biggest learning throughout this period is that time is my most valuable asset and that is the same for many. Flexible hours, work life balance, hobbies, friends and family... all have time creation in common.
Yes, it has returned more or less. Our engineers didn't stop visiting sites, but now it is even more regular and we can work with customers’ in-person which is always a preference. This is particularly true for new clients as it is very important to be at a customer site to understand their production environment.
We have all learned that our pre-covid travel was probably extreme. We have discovered that a Team's call is more time effective, and we now have a good balance between face-to-face interactions, cost and time savings saving and meeting efficiencies.
Joe Booth , CEO
Altus
Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment for the electronics industry in the UK and Ireland, has reinforced its commitment to support excellence by investing extensively in training and upskilling its engineering team. Central to Altus’ strategy is delivering value-added support across the full electronics assembly process not just at the point of sale. By maintaining the largest technical team in the region, Altus ensures customers benefit from accessible, responsive, and knowledgeable service. This year, the company has invested significant time and resources into enhancing the team’s technical capabilities through a wide-ranging training programme. Engineers recently completed refreshed IPC training delivered by Advanced Rework Technology (ART), ensuring alignment with the latest industry standards. This builds on ongoing internal cross-training, supplier-accredited sessions, and application-based development. Additional training in areas such as conformal coating and oven profiling further supports Altus’ ability to deliver deep process knowledge and robust technical insight to customers. Mike Todd, Senior Operations and Planning at Altus Group, said: “We’ve dedicated a substantial portion of the past year to upskilling our team, and it’s something we’re extremely proud of. It’s a significant investment, but the benefits are clear, both for our engineers, who gain greater job satisfaction and personal development opportunities, and for our customers, who work with a more capable and knowledgeable support team. This broader understanding of manufacturing processes helps us improve new installations, resolve breakdowns more quickly, and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction.” Investing in professional development allows Altus to provide customers with more than just equipment it also enables value-added support across the full electronics assembly process, delivered by engineers with practical, up-to-date knowledge. For more information, visit www.altusgroup.co.uk
Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, has successfully supported Phoenix Systems UK Ltd in its investment in robotic soldering technology to further enhance its through-hole technology (THT) assembly processes. Phoenix Systems, a Contract Electronics Manufacturer (CEM) based in Fareham, Hampshire, delivers electronic manufacturing services across several high-reliability industries including aerospace, defence, and industrial. With a commitment to serving both low and high-volume production requirements, Phoenix Systems identified THT assembly as a key area for automation to increase production output and at the same time improve efficiency. Following extensive evaluation, Phoenix Systems selected the Promation 9544CJ Pro Robotic Soldering system, partnering with Altus for its implementation. The advanced system features a robust hot iron soldering setup with a closed-loop temperature sensor, ensuring precise and stable tip temperature control. With a large 400 x 400 mm working area, the system provides flexibility for evolving manufacturing needs. Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group said: “Robotic soldering was one of our most popular processes in 2024 as many sites are struggling with the same issues around this traditionally highly manual process. This project moved quickly, including air shipment into production, so getting Phoenix up and running was our top priority at the start of the year.” Promation 9544CJ features a heated nitrogen soldering kit for lead-free applications, an automatic solder feeder, and a dual-tip cleaning station. Its advanced solder wire feeding mechanism reduces defects like solder ball and flux splatter, ensuring consistent quality. Localised fume extraction and precision control via Colour CCD ‘Witness Cameras’ further enhance efficiency. “With any new customer, ensuring smooth implementation is key,” said Joe. “The Phoenix team’s technical expertise and preparation made the process seamless.” Since installation, Phoenix Systems has seen significant improvements in THT soldering. “It’s exciting to integrate this technology into our facility. The unit enhances consistency and quality while reducing the skill level required for operation,” said Mark. With Altus’ support, Phoenix Systems has strengthened its manufacturing capabilities even further and enhanced long-term efficiency with the Promation robotic soldering system. www.altusgroup.co.uk.
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own Altus Group, a leading supplier of capital equipment and service support for the electronics manufacturing sector in the UK and Ireland, and its sister company Danutek, which serves Central and Eastern Europe, are expanding their technology offering through an enhanced partnership with LPKF, a specialist in laser-based manufacturing solutions. Following the success of their collaboration on depaneling systems, the companies will now support LPKF’s high-precision laser plastic welding technology across their respective regions. LPKF's laser plastic welding technology is a highly precise and environmentally friendly solution for joining plastic components, offering a clean, repeatable process that does not involve solvents, chemicals, or mechanical stress. It works by passing a laser beam through a laser-transparent upper plastic layer that is then absorbed by a lower layer, creating a controlled weld. The technology creates joints as strong as the material itself with clean finishes and completely sealed, precise weld seams. The partnership expansion comes when the market is seeing an increased adoption of laser-based technologies across manufacturing sectors. LPKF's continued technological advancements have positioned them as pioneers, offering cutting-edge solutions that address growing industry demands for precision, reliability, and sustainability. Richard Booth, Founder and Chairman of Altus Group and Danutek said: "LPKF is a high-quality supplier, and we have been very impressed with their support and infrastructure for PCB laser depaneling. This has enabled our team to achieve early success in identifying and implementing projects across our region and to build significant confidence in our partnership. “Expanding our relationship into another exciting business unit is a natural progression. With laser plastic welding, LPKF already has established connections with many of our existing customers and many references we can build upon. We anticipate the same success with this product line as we've experienced with their depaneling solutions." The technology is compatible with a wide range of thermoplastic materials, making it versatile for various applications. LPKF offers several system configurations, from standalone workstations to fully integrated production solutions, allowing manufacturers to select the ideal setup for their specific requirements. A key advantage of LPKF's systems is their integrated online process monitoring capability, ensuring continuous quality assurance throughout production. This flexibility and monitoring capability give manufacturers greater control over their joining processes while maintaining consistent quality. As part of this expanded offering, Altus and Danutek will provide local service support, building on their successful track record of assisting customers with LPKF's laser depaneling products. The teams will be equipped with the necessary training and expertise to offer first-line support, pre-sales activities, and raise awareness of the benefits of laser plastic welding technology. Boban Stepanovic, Sales Director at LPKF, said: "This is an exciting step forward for LPKF. We have developed remarkable technology for the market, and partnering with companies like Altus Group and Danutek will give us additional bandwidth to share our innovations with a wider audience. We are strongly aligned in our commitment to high-quality pre-sales support and customer education, which helps mitigate customer risk and ensures long-term success. Having partners so focused on aftersales support can only enhance our reputation going forward." By adding LPKF's laser plastic welding technology to their portfolio, Altus and Danutek continue to expand their ability to meet diverse manufacturing needs across the UK, Ireland, and Central and Eastern Europe. For more information, visit www.altusgroup.co.uk.
Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, has promoted Steve Leake to Sales Engineer, strengthening the company's technical sales capabilities across north England. The new role builds on Steve’s four years of experience with Altus as an Application and Service Engineer. During this time, he has worked closely with customers post-installation, delivering training, conducting maintenance, and providing on-site technical support. He has also played a significant role in pre-sales activity, carrying out equipment demonstrations and sample validations to help identify the right solutions for customer applications. Steve recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the Open University, adding to his strong technical foundations. In his new role, he will combine account management with dedicated pre-sales support, offering a technically informed approach that aligns with Altus’ commitment to support excellence. Joe Booth, CEO at Altus Group, said: "I am delighted for Steve to move into this new role and one in which I think he will have great success. Steve has a great communication style with customers, leveraging presentation and coaching skills from his background in teaching. He is also a fast learner with a strong real-life understanding of the solutions we support from his experience working with them in the field. Our sales approach is technical and consideration-based, and our customers appreciate having a trusted technical soundboard in their projects, which is something Steve might do better than many in the industry, given his background and technical knowledge. I'm looking forward to Steve getting underway and celebrating his first successful implementation." Steve will serve as a key point of contact for new and existing customers in the north, ensuring a consistent and high-quality pre-sales experience, from consultation to application validation. Steve Leake said: "I am excited about this new role and step in my career. I am under no illusion that it won't come with its own learning curve, but I have a great team around me to learn from and support in developing my skills. I believe we have the best range of suppliers and processes of any of our peers. The largest and most knowledgeable after-sales team in the market, and both of these aspects speak for themselves when our customers are looking for partners. Hopefully, my enthusiasm and energy can help us spread the word and will result in even more new and returning customers." With his strong technical background and customer-focused approach, Steve's move into sales engineering aligns perfectly with Altus Group's 'Focused on support excellence' mantra, which guides every customer interaction from first contact to after-sales support. www.altusgroup.co.uk.
Altus Group, a leading supplier of capital equipment for the electronics industry in the UK and Ireland, has supported Contract Electronics Manufacturer (CEM) FermionX in upgrading its Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) system to meet the increasing demand for enhanced precision and faster production cycles. As FermionX expanded its operations, the company recognised that its legacy 2D AOI system, while effective, had limitations including extended programming times and frequent false calls. With high quality production being core to their values, FermionX identified the need for a more advanced solution that would offer enhanced accuracy, streamline production, and support their growth trajectory. After discussing options with Altus, FermionX selected the Koh Young Alpha HS+, a state-of-the-art True 3D Automated Optical Inspection system. This solution leverages advanced light metrology and artificial intelligence to deliver superior performance with highly accurate 3D measurements and high-speed inspection capabilities. The system also integrates Koh Young's KSMART platform, providing real-time data insights for process optimisation and continuous improvement. Will Patrick, Managing Director of FermionX, said: “We are pleased to secure this latest investment from Altus, which takes our inspection capabilities to the next level. This system ensures we are not only producing the highest-quality PCBAs for our customers but also harnessing the power of data to enhance our process improvement decisions through the system’s advanced software and Statistical Process Control functionality.” Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group, said: “Having spent time with Will and his team throughout this project and its implementation, it’s clear to see their passion and determination to take FermionX to the next level. We are delighted to secure our first project with FermionX using Koh Young, undoubtedly our strongest supplier, and I look forward to many more opportunities to work together in the future.” Since implementation, FermionX has seen impressive improvements in production efficiency and inspection accuracy. The new system has enabled them to optimise production lines and enhance overall manufacturing processes, driving increased customer satisfaction and positioning the company for continued growth.
Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, has supported Contract Electronics Manufacturer, Garner Osborne Circuits to further strengthen its component management capabilities with the installation of the Scienscope AXC-800 III X-ray Component Counter, strengthening the company’s inventory control capabilities. Having maintained a strong partnership with Altus for many years, Garner Osborne consulted with the company to identify the optimal solution for enhancing their component management system. As a specialist in high-mix, low-medium volume manufacturing, the CEM identified specific operational challenge to address including unexpected stock level discrepancies, time-intensive manual counting processes, and the need for more accurate vendor component verification. Altus facilitated an on-site trial of the Scienscope AXC-800 III, allowing the Garner Osborne team to evaluate its performance under real production conditions. Steve Honeybun, CEM Operations Director at Garner Osborne, said: “It was invaluable to have Altus provide a unit for on-site testing. This hands-on experience gave us confidence that we were selecting the best system for our needs. Given our long-standing relationship with Altus, we knew their support would be a major advantage compared to lower-cost alternatives.” The Scienscope AXC-800 III offers rapid counting of up to four reels in less than 25 seconds, automated label reading and printing via an integrated smart camera, and exceptional accuracy for counting strips and partial reels. With a pre-installed database covering a vast range of components, the system ensures consistency and reliability in inventory tracking. Its advanced X-ray technology and AI-driven algorithms enable an exceptional accuracy rate of 99.99%, even for the smallest components. Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group, said: “Scienscope had a record year in the UK, and we were delighted to support Garner Osborne in this investment. The AXC-800 III has the largest component library available, and seeing it deliver results in a high-mix production environment reaffirms its value. Garner Osborne has made a series of smart investments, and it’s been rewarding to support them in optimising their processes.” Following a successful trial, Garner Osborne invested in the Scienscope AXC-800 III. The implementation has already delivered tangible benefits, including improved inventory accuracy, reduced line stoppages, and a more streamlined counting process, strengthening their position as a leader in the UK electronics manufacturing sector.
Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment for the electronics industry in the UK and Ireland, has awarded Scienscope, a global provider of high-quality inspection equipment, with the ‘Fastest Growing and Most Dynamic Supplier’ recognition, celebrating their dynamic growth and innovative approach to electronics manufacturing solutions. The award was presented by Richard Booth, Chairman and Founder of Altus Group and Danutek Group Companies, to Eddy Linn and Jean Wu of Scienscope at the recent IPC APEX EXPO 2025. Altus and Scienscope partnered in 2018 to introduce 2D X-ray and X-ray counter technology into the European market. At the time, Scienscope was launching its first generation AXC-800 X-ray Counter, marking the start of a partnership that has grown rapidly over the years. By 2025, Scienscope has established its European headquarters in Romania, developed a range of 2D X-ray solutions, and expanded into component management technologies, including goods-in scanning, smart storage, in batch as well and automated versions. Richard Booth, Founder and Chairman of Altus and Danutek Group Companies said: "Looking back at how our partnership has developed, it’s something we’re really proud of. We always aim for success in every partnership we start, but it takes two partners who are aligned and share the same ambitions for that to happen. Ultimately, it’s about a supplier who consistently invests in development, enabling us to find new ways to support their growth and customer acquisition. For me, the shift towards developing a suite of component management solutions and becoming a market leader in that space has been critical to their success. Given that this area is still under-invested across our markets, it will continue to drive our success in the years to come as the technology becomes more widely adopted." Today, Altus and Danutek sell nearly $2 million worth of Scienscope products annually, reflecting the strength of the partnership built on Scienscope's focused R&D efforts and Altus Group's robust sales and marketing support. This collaboration has played a key role in the companies’ mutual success. www.altusgroup.co.uk.
Altus Group, a leading supplier of capital equipment for the electronics industry, has helped Active PCB Solutions, a UK-based Contract Electronics Manufacturer, enhance its traceability with the installation of the YJ Link YLM Laser Marker. This investment supports the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality products to demanding sectors. Active PCB sought to enhance productivity further by moving away from a manual, resource-intensive labelling process to enhance its traceability system. After evaluating several options, the company selected the YJ Link YLM Laser Marker from Altus Group due to its advanced features and seamless integration into their production process. Jason Hancock, Head of Engineering at Active PCB Solutions, said: “With traceability and process improvements being key to delivering the highest quality to our customers, it was important to move away from a manual high-cost process. The YJ Link laser marker, supported by Altus, has provided an efficient and reliable solution.” The YJ Link YLM Laser Marker stood out for its capability to automate the repetitive labelling process, increasing productivity and allowing staff to focus on more complex tasks. Its internal flip functionality enables double-sided PCB marking without manual intervention, streamlining workflow and reducing handling time. The system’s large working area accommodates a wide range of board sizes, enhancing production flexibility. Equipped with a high-quality Keyence laser head, the YLM delivers precise, high-contrast markings, ensuring accurate traceability throughout the product lifecycle. Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group, said: “Active PCB’s investment in the YJ Link Laser Marker highlights their commitment to operational efficiency and quality. We’re pleased to provide a solution that enhances productivity and offers exceptional value.” Since its installation, the YJ Link YLM Laser Marker has optimised Active PCB’s production workflow and delivered cost savings by automating the labelling process. The precise and durable laser markings ensure consistent traceability, supporting Active PCB’s high-quality standards. For more information, visit www.altusgroup.co.uk.
Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, has partnered with Garner Osborne Circuits, a UK-based Contract Electronics Manufacturer, to implement a Dual Lane Heller 1707 MK7 reflow oven. This strategic investment will enhance the company’s production capabilities, allowing them to triple their reflow capacity and meet growing customer demands following recent company acquisition and expansion. The well-established relationship between Altus and Garner Osborne influenced the selection of the Heller 1707 MK7, which offers proven reliability with over 250 units installed across the UK. The system's advanced thermal profiling, energy efficiency, and dual-lane configuration with independent conveyor speeds enable simultaneous processing of multiple PCBs, optimising production throughput. Steve Honeybun, Operations Director at Garner Osborne, said: "We are really happy to have a new Heller Dual Lane oven on the way! Our business has been growing for many years, and this new reflow oven will allow us to add much-needed capacity and future-proof our production capabilities for the further growth we anticipate under our new leadership. “After completing our research on the available solutions, it was clear that Heller has a great brand name and reputation for convection reflow, and the MK7 has some significant energy-saving advantages. We know Altus well, and we have built up a lot of trust in our partnership and the support they offer us when it is needed, so choosing to partner with them was easy, as always." Joe Booth, Altus Group CEO, said: "It has been an exciting time for Garner Osborne under new management, and it's been a pleasure to see them grow for as long as we have been working with them. This new oven is an important investment, as being dual lane effectively triples their reflow capacity and removes a potential bottleneck, helping to boost production. With this additional capacity, they can support their growing customer base or bring in new orders. I'm looking forward to seeing the oven's increased utilisation. The Heller team was excellent throughout the sales process, particularly with the energy-saving audit, and it's great to see another new MK7 in the field!" The installation of the Heller 1707 MK7 is part of Garner Osborne's broader strategy to enhance its manufacturing capabilities following its recent acquisition. This investment further strengthens the company's capacity to deliver high-quality electronics manufacturing services while expanding production throughput to meet increasing market demand. www.altusgroup.co.uk
Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment for the electronics industry in the UK and Ireland, is pleased to announce its first 2025 User Day. This exclusive event, focused on the latest innovations and best practice in SMT conformal coating process and inspection technologies, will take place on 21st May at Altus HQ in Redditch. Bringing together industry experts, suppliers, and manufacturers, the Altus User Day will provide attendees with in-depth insights into advanced conformal coating techniques, material solutions, and precision inspection processes that enhance product reliability and performance. Throughout the event, attendees will have the opportunity to see live demonstrations of innovative equipment, including the PVA Delta 8 robotic system for selective conformal coating and dispensing applications, Neptune C+ from Koh Young, the company’s latest inspection technology for 3D in-line dispensing process inspection, and Kolb’s innovative PCBA cleaning solutions which can all be implemented to optimise coating performance. Actnano will showcase its surface protection technologies for superior environmental resilience, while Humiseal will present cutting-edge materials for UV and acrylic-based conformal coatings. MP Dry Cabinet, known for its high-tech humidity and temperature controlled storage solutions, will also be featured, demonstrating advanced systems designed to optimise the long term curing process associated with conformal coating. Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group, said: "Conformal coating is a complex process and what makes our User Day truly valuable is the chance for manufacturers to get hands-on with these technologies in one location, and learn about many key parts of a process and how they impact overall performance. Rather than reading spec sheets, attendees can see these systems working in real-time and ask questions directly to the experts who know them best. After years in this industry, I've consistently seen how these interactive demonstrations help companies make more informed decisions about their production processes." The event agenda will include expert-led presentations, covering key challenges and solutions across the peripheral and core aspects of conformal coating, including describing the considered gold standard approx. Attendees will gain valuable insights into best practices and technological advancements, while also having the opportunity to network with industry professionals and discuss tailored solutions for their manufacturing needs. With limited capacity, early registration is recommended. To enquire about available spaces, contact sales@altusgroup.co.uk www.altusgroup.co.uk.
