TROY, MI ― Amtech Electrocircuits, a leading provider of manufacturing solutions, announces that CEO Jay Patel has initiated a petition urging policymakers to implement a 10% tax credit for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) sourcing from U.S. electronics manufacturers.

This initiative aims to bolster domestic manufacturing, enhance national security, and stimulate technological innovation by incentivizing OEMs to prioritize U.S.-based suppliers.

“Our manufacturing industry is the backbone of the American economy, providing quality jobs and driving technological advancements,” said Jay Patel, CEO of Amtech Electrocircuits. “However, unfair trade practices and overseas competition have led to a decline in our industry. By introducing a 10% tax credit for OEMs that source from U.S. companies, we can revitalize domestic manufacturing, safeguard jobs, and strengthen our national security.”

The petition highlights the challenges faced by U.S. electronics manufacturers, including financial burdens imposed by unfair trade practices, and proposes the tax credit as a solution to incentivize domestic sourcing. By encouraging OEMs to partner with U.S. suppliers, the policy aims to create a more resilient and secure supply chain for critical technologies.

Amtech Electrocircuits invites industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the public to support this initiative by signing the petition and advocating for policies that promote the growth and sustainability of U.S. manufacturing.

For more information and to sign the petition, please visit the Change.Org page here.

For more information about Amtech Electrocircuits, please visit www.buildamtech.com.

About Amtech Electrocircuits

Amtech Electrocircuits is a second-generation family-owned business at the forefront of the electronics manufacturing industry, specializing in the design and production of high-quality printed circuit boards (PCBs) and integrated circuits. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, Amtech focuses on being responsive to the needs of our customers, offering a reliable and robust set of agile resources designed for a high-mix environment. The company serves a diverse clientele across the industrial/commercial, medical device, automotive aftermarket, and general electronics sectors. Headquartered just outside of Detroit in the heart of America’s manufacturing community, Amtech is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology to deliver exceptional solutions that power the devices of tomorrow. For more information, please visit buildamtech.com.

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.

Attleborough, MA – DISTRON CORPORATION, a leading U.S.-based electronics contract manufacturer, proudly announces that Robert C. Donovan, son of CEO Robert H. Donovan and grandson of Founder Robert G. Donovan, has joined the company as a Management Trainee. This milestone marks the beginning of the third generation of family leadership at the company.

Robert C. Donovan recently earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Endicott College and is currently pursuing his MBA online through Endicott, with completion expected next year. A four-year player on Endicott College’s football team, Robert credits the experience with teaching him leadership, discipline, and the importance of building strong team culture. “Football was more than a sport to me—it shaped how I view leadership and teamwork,” said Robert. “I learned that any successful team, whether on the field or in business, needs a strong culture that everyone believes in. That’s the kind of mindset I’m bringing into my work at DISTRON.”

Robert is starting his training in the quoting department, with plans to rotate through all areas of the business as part of a structured development program. His role as Management Trainee is designed to provide hands-on experience in operations, finance, customer relations, and production, with the goal of preparing him for future leadership within the organization.

Founded in 1970 by Robert G. Donovan, DISTRON began as one of New England’s first contract manufacturers. Under the leadership of Robert H. Donovan, the company has evolved into a full-service electronics manufacturing services (EMS) partner for OEMs in the defense, medical, clean technology, lighting, and industrial electronics sectors. Today, DISTRON provides a comprehensive suite of services including surface mount and printed circuit board assembly, box build and system integration, prototyping and new product introduction (NPI), inspection and testing, warehousing and fulfillment, and supply chain management.

The company is certified to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485, and all operators and inspectors are IPC-certified. DISTRON is known for its ability to meet the stringent requirements of high-reliability industries while offering flexible support from early-stage prototyping to full-scale production.

“Welcoming Robert into the business is more than a family milestone—it’s a sign of continuity, growth, and trust in the next generation,” said Robert H. Donovan, CEO of DISTRON. “He’s already showing the passion and work ethic it takes to lead, and I look forward to watching him grow with the company.”

For more about DISTRON’s capabilities, visit www.DISTRON.com.

Incap Electronics UK has completed the second phase of SMT (surface-mount technology) production lines upgrade at its facility in Newcastle-under-Lyme. The approximately EUR 1.9 million (GBP 1.6 million) investment is part of Incap’s broader strategy to strengthen its global operations in line with the growing scale of the business.

The new SMT lines feature high-precision Panasonic printers and advanced placement machines, supported by intelligent feeders and barcode-based scanning systems. The upgrade has allowed Incap UK to consolidate from four lines to two more efficient and flexible ones, improving production flow and reducing operational costs. It also supports efficiency improvements within the manufacturing cycle through advanced software and enhanced machine capability.

“This investment strengthens our ability to support current and future customer demand while also improving operational efficiency,” said Jamie Maughan, Managing Director of Incap Electronics UK. “We have also signed a new 10-year lease for our facility, which reflects our long-term commitment to our customers, employees, and the region.”

The upgraded SMT lines have increased overall production capacity by over 55%, with further improvements expected. They have also led to quality improvements, including a 49% reduction in defects over the past year. In addition, the new lines accommodate larger PCB sizes and enable improved data gathering to support future ERP system integration. The enhancements also provide flexibility to scale capacity further as needed.

“It was great to be at Incap Electronics UK this morning for the official opening of their new technology and production lines. This investment is helping to secure local jobs and deliver British-made products for our National Health Service (NHS) and the defence sector. Thank you to all the staff for making me feel so welcome and for their hard work and dedication to this local company. It’s great to see this new technology in operation and creating more capacity for lifesaving equipment being made right here in Newcastle-under-Lyme,” said Adam Jogee, Member of Parliament for Newcastle-under-Lyme.

With both upgraded SMT lines now fully operational, Incap UK is well positioned to support continued business growth and respond to future technological requirements.

Incap’s UK factory, based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, provides full turn-key product supply including PCBAs, electro-mechanical assembly, cable and wire harness assembly alongside a dedicated standalone rapid prototyping facility (Fast Track), and maintenance, repair, and overhaul services (MRO). The factory has 4,400 square metres of total floor space and has experience in manufacturing since 1974, including over 20 years of experience in the defence, security, and aerospace markets.