PENANG, MALAYSIA – ViTrox Technologies, which aims to be the World’s Most Trusted Technology Company in delivering innovative, advanced, and cost-effective automated Machine Vision Inspection Solutions for the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing industries, is honoured to announce its partnership with Gemaddis as its new Sales Channel Partner (SCP) for the French market, effective May 2024.

This strategic collaboration marks another milestone in ViTrox’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the European market. As an authorised distributor, Gemaddis will offer ViTrox’s cutting-edge solutions across France, including the Advanced 3D Solder Paste Inspection (SPI) Solution, Advanced 3D Optical Inspection (AOI) Solution, Advanced 3D X-Ray Inspection (AXI) Solution, Advanced Robotic Vision (ARV) Solution, and Industry 4.0 Manufacturing Intelligence Solutions (V-ONE).

Gemaddis, a French company headquartered in Annecy, Haute-Savoie, was formed through the merger of GEMIDO and Addis Electronic. The company specialises in three key areas: the distribution of machines for the electronics industry, the design of solutions for electronics manufacturing, particularly for printed circuit assembly and process characterisation/ optimisation.

“Gemaddis is a well-established company with over 20 years of experience and substantial resources to support the regions they serve. Their expertise and strong market presence make them an excellent partner for ViTrox as we continue to expand our footprint in the European market,” said Mr Seow Zi Yang, Director of Business Development & Technical Support.

For more information about Gemaddis, kindly visit their website at https://www.gemaddis.com/.

ANN ARBOR, MI – The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) has released a white paper on NCMS initiatives that successfully utilize AI to improve supply chain resilience. Presenting two case studies of straightforward, inexpensive, high-value solutions that can be adapted by small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs), the white paper aims to assist SMMs in harnessing the power of AI to improve their operations by preventing supply chain disruptions.

“Resilient supply chains are necessary for a strong American manufacturing sector and many other sectors that are essential to our prosperity and national security,” said NCMS President and CEO Lisa Strama. “NCMS is strongly committed to advancing AI in manufacturing.”

Featuring the most up-to-date research on the secure and effective implementation of AI throughout the manufacturing sector, the white paper focuses on recent federal AI initiatives, including advancements in the Department of Commerce’s Supply Chain Center, as well as AI standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Specifically, the white paper details how two NCMS initiatives have contributed to solutions for three issues impeding more widespread adoption of AI in the manufacturing sector: (1) preserving data privacy, (2) creating a standard and secure way to selectively share data in useful forms to different organizations, and (3) helping SMMs see the benefits of using their manufacturing operational and product data to fuel AI models, and sharing this data with public-private partnerships that can contribute demonstrations of scalable AI solutions for a wide range of manufacturing problems.

“Currently, multiple federal organizations are emphasizing the need to expand public-private partnerships to accelerate AI for supply chain resilience,” said Strama. “NCMS strongly supports public-private partnerships that promote the secure use of AI across the manufacturing sector.”

ST. LOUIS PARK, MN – E-tronix, a Stromberg Company, is excited to announce the addition of three talented professionals to its team in 2024: Jana Kieckhafer, Doug Henke, and Ryan Alstad. This strategic expansion reflects E-tronix’s commitment to delivering technical solutions and support for its customers in 2025 and beyond.

Jana Kieckhafer joins the E-tronix sales team with over 20 years of experience in the electronics industry and will cover Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. Her extensive background spans distribution and customer support, working closely with leading contract manufacturers and OEMs. Having honed her skills at Ellsworth Adhesives, Hisco, and Technimark, Jana brings deep expertise in technical sales and customer relationship management. “Jana’s technical knowledge and industry relationships make her a tremendous asset to our team and customers,” said Anthony Noto, Managing Partner of E-tronix.

Doug Henke joined E-tronix to cover the territory of Southern Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri. Doug brings a wealth of experience from the electronics manufacturing industry, beginning his career as a Naval Electricians Mate in the United States Navy, serving for six years. He later joined Riverside Electronics in Winona, MN, as a process engineer, where he trained engineers and production employees, managed equipment evaluations, and led installation and programming efforts before moving on to Pillarhouse USA. There, Doug excelled as a product manager, becoming an expert in selective solder processes, flux chemistry analysis, and PCB thermal profiling. He trained hundreds of customers in machine operation, programming techniques, and maintenance practices. Most recently, Doug has specialized in Territory Sales and Service Management. His technical expertise, industry knowledge, and enthusiasm make him a valuable resource for E-tronix customers.

Ryan Alstad strengthens E-tronix’s solutions-based strategy as a Solutions Engineer. A North Dakota State University graduate with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Ryan began his career at Daktronics in Brookings, SD, where he gained a solid foundation in electronics manufacturing processes and process improvements. Ryan’s technical insight and engineering background will allow him to deliver significant value to E-tronix customers and channel partners, further enhancing the company’s ability to provide practical and innovative solutions.

Adding Jana, Doug, and Ryan represents E-tronix’s commitment to providing its customers with superior technical support and expertise. As a trusted solutions provider, E-tronix ensures clients have the best tools and knowledge to succeed.

Please join us in welcoming Jana, Doug, and Ryan to the E-tronix family as we look forward to a successful 2025!

BILLINGSTAD, NORWAY – The order has an annual value of over USD 5 million, with a potential extension of the program for an additional two years.

The order is for custom electronics for the U.S. Army and allied forces. Production will take place at Kitron’s U.S. facility in Windber, PA, and deliveries are expected to start in mid-2025.

"We are very pleased to announce this continued collaboration with our long-term partner supporting this important program. This announcement confirms Kitron’s previous communication about increased demand in the Defence and Aerospace market sector,” said Gary Tarallo, Managing Director for Kitron’s U.S. operations. “Adding this program to an already impressive portfolio of Defense programs is great recognition for Kitron U.S.”