Press Releases
PORTO, Portugal, 17th December, 2025 – Critical Manufacturing, the Manufacturing Operations Platform company making Industry 4.0 a reality, today announced a new partnership with Canonical that combines Critical Manufacturing’s advanced Manufacturing Execution System (MES) expertise with Canonical’s trusted cloud infrastructure technologies. Together, the companies will help manufacturers move towards cloud native manufacturing platforms that scale smoothly and meet industrial security expectations.
Manufacturers across industries are pushing forward with digitalization, but many still struggle with practical hurdles. Production systems often need to run across different environments, grow alongside business demands and deliver real-time visibility without adding complexity or risk. Scaling manufacturing software across sites, supporting modern deployment models and staying aligned with security standards remain common challenges.
Through this partnership, Critical Manufacturing and Canonical aim to remove those obstacles by offering a unified approach. Canonical provides a secure, enterprise-grade Kubernetes platform, Canonical Kubernetes. These technologies integrate with Critical Manufacturing MES and enable flexible deployment across cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments. This gives manufacturers the freedom to choose the infrastructure model that fits their operations, without forcing trade-offs in stability or control.
“This partnership brings together two platforms that manufacturers rely on to modernize operations,” said Mark Lewis, VP Application Services at Canonical. “By validating Critical Manufacturing MES on Canonical Kubernetes, we are creating a strong foundation for manufacturers looking for secure, scalable deployment options across cloud, hybrid, or on-premises environments.”
The collaboration also allows Critical Manufacturing to broaden its deployment options for customers already using Canonical products. By working with Canonical’s Kubernetes and securely designed Linux environments, Critical Manufacturing can shorten ramp-up time and lower entry barriers for manufacturers moving to cloud-native execution platforms, while remaining competitive in environments where Canonical is already established.
Will Trogdon, VP Partner Ecosystem at Critical Manufacturing, said, “Driven by a shared ambition to accelerate cloud-native manufacturing, we partnered with Canonical to offer a seamless, secure, and scalable way to deploy Critical Manufacturing MES in the environments that suit their operations.”
For customers, the partnership delivers a combined platform that supports secure and reliable manufacturing 1/2 execution at scale. Manufacturers gain more alternatives for cloud, hybrid, and on-premises deployments, supporting operational flexibility and overall lower total cost of ownership over time. Customers will also benefit from access to Canonical’s wider ecosystem of certified infrastructure providers as they expand or standardize deployments globally.
Canonical noted that the partnership will allow Critical Manufacturing to test and validate its products with Canonical Kubernetes, with the goal of addressing a shared market vertical together.
José Pedro Silva, R&D Director at Critical Manufacturing, added, “This collaboration supports a practical path to connected manufacturing execution. Canonical Kubernetes gives our customers a reliable infrastructure layer that complements the flexibility of our MES, especially as they expand across sites and adopt new digital capabilities.”
The partnership applies across manufacturing industries and supports organizations at different stages of digital maturity. By combining Critical Manufacturing MES with Canonical’s cloud infrastructure technologies, both companies plan to help manufacturers build more responsive and secure production environments that grow with their needs.
SAN MARCOS, CA – Heller Industries becomes the latest partner to join THE SMT FUTURE EXPERIENCE, bringing reflow oven expertise to complete the technology chain for the venue's live SMT production line. With Heller now alongside founding partners Fuji America, Koh Young, and Creative Electron, the San Marcos, California venue can demonstrate fully integrated manufacturing processes from screen printing and placement through thermal processing to final inspection and verification.
"The electronics manufacturing industry has a collaboration problem, it has been siloed for too long" said Dave Heller, CEO and Owner of Heller Industries. "We've been selling equipment in isolation for decades, expecting customers to figure out the integration puzzle on their own. THE SMT FUTURE EXPERIENCE flips that model. Now we can show manufacturers how thermal processing works in concert with placement accuracy and inspection capability. We can optimize profiles based on actual inspection data. We can demonstrate how integrated process control delivers better quality and efficiency. This is the future of how equipment suppliers should work with their customers—and with each other."
THE SMT FUTURE EXPERIENCE is an independent collaborative venue where manufacturing leaders spend time experimenting with live equipment, collaborating with peers on real challenges, and developing strategic frameworks—not rushing through booth demos or collecting brochures. The venue launches February 11-12, 2026, with dual summits focused on operational excellence for EMS leaders and practical AI implementation strategies.
With Heller Industries joining the partnership, the venue's live SMT line now enables manufacturers to:
- Experiment with different thermal profiles in real-time
- See immediate impact of reflow parameters on inspection results
- Test process optimization strategies without production disruption
- Collaborate with thermal processing experts on specific challenges
- Benchmark their processes against demonstrated best practices
"Thermal processing is where many quality issues originate—and where many efficiency gains hide," said Philip Stoten, creator of THE SMT FUTURE EXPERIENCE. "Having Heller Industries as a partner means we can help manufacturers master this critical process in a collaborative environment. Dave's commitment to customer success and industry advancement aligns perfectly with our mission."
Registration for the February 11-12 launch event is now open at www.futureexperienced.com.
December 2025 ― Cranston, Rhode Island USA – AIM Solder, a leading global manufacturer of solder assembly materials for the electronics industry, is pleased to announce the signing of RMG Vietnam Co., Ltd for distribution in Vietnam.
Founded in 2008, RMG Vietnam has grown into a respected supplier of SMT equipment and materials, serving foreign-invested electronics manufacturing companies across Vietnam. With four strategically located facilities and approximately 180 full-time employees, RMG offers strong regional coverage across northern, central, and southern Vietnam.
This partnership reflects AIM Solder’s ongoing commitment to providing local access to high-quality solder materials, technical expertise, and responsive customer support. RMG Vietnam’s dedication to product quality, competitive pricing, and customer satisfaction aligns closely with AIM’s values and customer-focused mission.
“We’re proud to welcome RMG Vietnam to the AIM global distribution network,” said David Suraski, President of the Assembly Materials Division at AIM Solder. “Their industry knowledge and nationwide presence make them an ideal partner to support our customers in the growing Vietnamese electronics market.”
Contact information for RMG Vietnam Co., Ltd is as follows:
Le Thanh Tung (Mr. Tung)
Address: 159/59 Tran Van Dang Str., Nhieu Loc Ward, HCM City, Vietnam
Tel: +84 283 931 7620
Email: tung-le@rmg.com.vn
You can also visit their website at visit them at https://rmg.com.vn
Steinach, CH – With the launch of Variosystems Intelligence (Vİ), Variosystems introduces a new platform for the efficient management of electronic components. The globally active company, based in Steinach (Switzerland), is thus marking the starting point of a strategic initiative in which artificial intelligence will gradually become an integral part of future value creation.
As a global supply chain partner for electronics solutions, Variosystems builds its performance on two pillars: clear processes and reliable data. The industry is increasingly moving in the same direction - workflows are becoming more digital, decisions more data-driven, and services more integrated.
Variosystems Intelligence (Vİ) builds on this development and adds a central customer benefit: components remain predictable, transparent, and securely available throughout their entire lifecycle. They are no longer just sourced, calculated, or administered; they are actively placed under management.
This includes continuous visibility of risks, compliance, and obsolescence issues, early detection of relevant changes in global supply chains and the ability, when needed, to rapidly integrate engineering services to qualify alternatives or adapt designs.
Tracking combined with the ability to act is the core of the service concept
“Variosystems Intelligence marks the beginning of a new way of thinking. We are investing purposefully in AI because value is created where data is used securely, intelligently, and in an integrated way,” says Stephan Sonderegger, CEO of Variosystems. On this basis, Variosystems Intelligence accelerates cost calculation processes, improves material cost forecasting, and creates a clear information foundation along the entire lifecycle of electronic components.
The platform was developed in-house with the support of two strategic partners. It protects sensitive customer and supplier data and keeps all relevant information within the Variosystems system landscape. This is particularly beneficial for regulated industries such as Medtech & Life Science or Aerospace & Defense.
“Data sovereignty ultimately determines how resilient a supply chain really is,” adds André Bättig, CIO of Variosystems. “We developed Variosystems Intelligence to ensure we always retain full control over our data, while remaining flexible enough to build new digital services. Achieving this balance is crucial for globally networked electronics manufacturing."
Milestone for intelligent, secure and globally networked supply chain
Its integration into the globally harmonized SAP system also enables the automated creation and maintenance of master data which marks an essential step toward making internationally distributed value chains more consistent, faster, and more resilient.
With Vİ, Variosystems sets an important milestone on its path toward an intelligent, secure, and globally connected supply chain. The platform exemplifies a long-term strategy in which AI is not seen as an add-on, but as a structural driver of growth and for greater transparency, speed, and operational excellence across the entire product lifecycle.
Information: variosystems.com
SAN JOSE, Calif., December 2025 – Naprotek, a leader in technology solutions driving digital transformation, announced the appointment of Tim Filteau as its new Chief Executive Officer. This strategic leadership transition underscores the company’s commitment to blending proven expertise with bold innovation to shape the future of technology.
Tim Filteau brings a distinguished track record of executive leadership, guiding organizations through periods of growth, transformation, and market expansion. His career spans decades of experience in technology, operations, and strategic development, making him uniquely positioned to lead Naprotek into its next chapter.
“Tim embodies the perfect balance of seasoned experience and forward-thinking vision,” said Chris Springer, Board Chair. “His leadership will accelerate Naprotek’s mission to deliver cutting-edge solutions while maintaining the trust and reliability our customers expect.”
As CEO, Filteau will focus on expanding Naprotek’ s innovation pipeline, strengthening customer partnerships, and driving sustainable growth across global markets. His appointment signals a new era for the company, one where experience meets innovation to unlock transformative opportunities for businesses worldwide.
Naprotek is also advancing a bold vision for electronics manufacturing services (EMS) within its product portfolio. While individual offerings may be evaluated alongside industry competitors, collectively they represent a truly unique and differentiated solution. This vision positions Naprotek not merely as a vendor, but as a strategic partner, committed to building long-term relationships and remaining the foundation of customers’ success strategies.
As part of this vision, SemiGen’s RF microwave assembly services, thin film, and semiconductor products further distinguish their portfolio. SemiGen’s specialized expertise enhances Naprotek’s EMS capabilities, delivering advanced solutions that stand apart in the marketplace. By integrating SemiGen’s precision manufacturing and innovation-driven approach, Naprotek strengthens its ability to provide customers with cutting-edge technologies while reinforcing its role as a trusted strategic partner.
“I am grateful to lead Naprotek through this next chapter of change,” said Tim Filteau. “By driving innovation and leveraging our deep industry experience, we are committed to helping our customers thrive in a rapidly evolving RF and digital landscape.”
Scanfil and Valmet have agreed to deepen their partnership into new locations and products, supporting Valmet’s regional presence and growth through several new products and product families.
“We at Valmet have very high standards for our partners and value strategic alliances. We have a long-standing relationship with Scanfil who understand our business needs. After launching our new strategy, Lead the Way, we began a careful assessment of potential partners to support us in achieving our ambitious growth targets,” clarifies Heikki Huida, Valmet’s Category Manager of EMS. “Scanfil was selected thanks to their excellent geographic reach in our strategic growth regions of APAC and the USA, quality manufacturing, reliable delivery, and ‘can do’ service attitude.”
Most of the new joint projects are materializing during the fourth quarter of 2025 and all projects are expected to be in place during the second half of 2026.
“Our partnership model supports Valmet’s renewed strategy and the agreements will bring new business to many Scanfil sites, especially to Atlanta in the USA and Johor Bahru in Malaysia,” adds Scanfil’s Global Account Manager, Juuso Boman.
Both Scanfil and Valmet have achieved an EcoVadis Gold rating, highlighting the companies’ commitment to high standards and ambitious business objectives. Scanfil has been Valmet’s trusted manufacturing partner for over 20 years.
