SUZHOU -- Vitronics Soltec’s expansion of its operations here is progressing ahead of schedule, the company said today.

As previously announced, Vitronics is moving the manufacturing of its solder reflow machines here from Camdenton, MO. The local subsidiary, Vitronics Soltec China, has built and tested numerous new XPM reflow ovens, the company said, and will begin shipping in the first quarter, based on current schedules. The local production is meeting US standards for quality, Vitronics added.

The company plants to complete the transfer of manufacturing by the third quarter of next year. Training, support, spares, service and order entry for the US will remain at the Camdenton site.

“We are excited and extremely encouraged by the progress that has already been made at our facility in China,” said Laurie Hume, business unit manager at Vitronics Soltec Americas. “We are ahead of schedule by all counts, and we are in great shape from a quality perspective.”