Press Releases
Eindhoven, Netherlands— January 2026 — Keiron Printing Technologies, a global innovator in advanced electronics manufacturing solutions, announced today that it has appointed BarTron, Inc. as its authorized sales representative for Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Kentucky. BarTron will support the introduction and regional adoption of Keiron’s LiFT (Laser-Induced Forward Transfer) technology, including the company’s latest innovation, the Keiron HF2 LiFT Printer.
Founded in July 1989, BarTron, Inc. has built a strong reputation for helping manufacturers solve complex process and production challenges. Through close collaboration with customers and technology partners, BarTron plays a key role in evaluating, implementing, and supporting advanced manufacturing solutions across the electronics assembly industry.
Keiron’s LiFT technology replaces traditional stencil- and nozzle-based solder paste deposition with a laser-driven, non-contact digital process. By eliminating stencils, nozzles, ejectors, and other mechanical contact points, LiFT removes a major source of variability in the SMT process while directly addressing one of the leading causes of assembly defects: inconsistent solder paste application.
The HF2 LiFT Printer enables precise, repeatable solder paste deposition down to nanoliter volumes while working with standard solder pastes and accepting common CAD, Gerber, and ODB++ files. This allows manufacturers to adopt digital solder paste printing without changing materials or reworking existing workflows. With no stencils to fabricate, clean, or store, changeovers can be completed in minutes rather than hours—making the system well suited for high-mix and NPI-driven production environments.
A key differentiator of the HF2 printer is its integrated Solder Paste Volume Metrology (SPVM), which measures every deposit during the printing process. This built-in verification improves first-pass yield while reducing rework and scrap, without the need for a separate SPI system. The contactless architecture also eliminates common reliability issues associated with clogging, wear, and alignment drift found in traditional printing technologies.
“BarTron’s technical depth and customer-focused approach make them an ideal partner as we expand access to LiFT technology,” said Brian Duffey, President of Keiron Technologies USA. “Their ability to guide manufacturers through evaluation and adoption will be instrumental in bringing the HF2 printer into production environments across the region.”
For more information about BarTron, Inc., visit www.bartroninc.com.
For more information about Keiron’s industry revolutionizing technology, visit www.keirontechnologies.com.
Dallas, January 29, 2026 -- CalcuQuote, a leading supply chain solutions provider for the electronics industry, today announced its rebrand under Elisa Industriq, aligning with the group’s unified brand identity. The brand update reflects CalcuQuote’s closer connection to Elisa Industriq’s broader ecosystem of industrial software solutions focused on operational intelligence.
While the visual identity and market presence are evolving, CalcuQuote’s focus remains unchanged: helping electronics manufacturers manage sourcing and procurement more efficiently through practical, proven, and AI-enhanced tools.
A shared direction within Elisa Industriq
CalcuQuote’s new branding now reflects its alignment with the broader Elisa Industriq identity and the branding of its other business units, including camLine, sedApta, Polystar, TenForce, and Gridle. Together, these businesses share a common goal of addressing operational challenges in global manufacturing and supply chain environments as well as in telecommunications and energy sectors.
“Rebranding under Elisa Industriq gives us a clearer way to show how CalcuQuote fits into a larger family of industrial software solutions. It doesn’t change who we are or how we support our customers, but it strengthens how we show up in the market and how we collaborate across the group,” says David Sharp, CEO of CalcuQuote.
The brand evolution reflects a shared ambition to help manufacturers turn data into action. By bringing together CalcuQuote’s more than a decade of experience in electronics supply chain management with Elisa Industriq’s broader capabilities in industrial software development, customers gain access to a more connected portfolio of solutions designed to support better decision-making.
“Operational intelligence is about giving organizations capabilities and insight they need to improve quality, control costs, and grow with confidence. By uniting CalcuQuote more closely with the Elisa Industriq portfolio, we are strengthening our ability to deliver practical, data-driven solutions that support our customers across their operations,” says Henri Korpi, EVP and President of Elisa Industriq.
Continuity for customers and partners
The rebrand does not affect CalcuQuote’s legal entity, customer contracts, or day-to-day operations. Customers and partners will continue collaborating with the same teams and using the same solutions they rely on today. Brand updates will roll out across digital channels and communications beginning January 29.
More information & interview requests:
Elisa Industriq Mediadesk, mediadesk@elisaindustriq.com, tel. +358 50 305 1605
More information about the business: Ying Xiong, Marketing Director of CalcuQuote, +358 440 915 076, ying@calcuquote.com
Elk Grove Village, Illinois, USA – 28 January 2026 – Pillarhouse USA, Inc., a global leader in selective soldering solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Lean Stream (LS) as its sales representative for Northern California and Northern Nevada.
This strategic partnership strengthens Pillarhouse’s regional presence and reinforces its commitment to delivering high-performance selective soldering solutions backed by exceptional local support.
Adrian De’Ath, Vice President of Pillarhouse USA, Inc., said, “We are excited to welcome Lean Stream to the Pillarhouse sales representative group. Their deep expertise in electronics manufacturing and strong customer relationships make them an ideal partner to support our existing customers while expanding adoption of the Pillarhouse selective soldering platform throughout the region.”
Pillarhouse is widely recognized as a world leader in the design and manufacture of flexible, high-quality selective soldering systems—ranging from entry-level hand-load equipment to fully automated, high-speed production lines. With a modular approach and proven process control, Pillarhouse solutions enable manufacturers to increase throughput, reduce labor dependency, and improve soldering consistency in demanding PCB assembly environments.
Founded in 1989, Lean Stream has built a strong reputation as a trusted technical partner connecting leading electronics manufacturing equipment suppliers with forward-thinking manufacturers. Robert Jones, CEO of Lean Stream, commented, “We are thrilled to represent Pillarhouse and introduce their selective soldering solutions to both existing and new customers. With today’s labor challenges and increasing process demands, Pillarhouse delivers a compelling value proposition that helps manufacturers operate more efficiently and competitively.”
Managing Partner Bryce Jones added, “Our focus has always been on offering proven solutions that deliver real operational value. Partnering with Pillarhouse aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing best-in-class technology and an outstanding customer service experience.”
FREMONT, CA, UNITED STATES, January 27, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Leading electronics manufacturer expands service offerings with state-of-the-art coating solutions for automotive, medical, aerospace, and industrial applications.
Sonic Manufacturing Technologies (www.sonicmfg.com) today announced its expanded conformal coating capabilities, offering advanced protection solutions for printed circuit assemblies across multiple high-reliability industries. Conformal coatings are thin, nonconductive dielectric layers that protect electronic components from contamination, moisture, salt spray, fungus, dust, and corrosion.
Initially developed for military and aerospace applications, conformal coating technology has evolved significantly over five decades. Today's advanced materials and processes enable protection for medical devices, consumer electronics, transportation systems, and automotive applications—particularly critical for electric vehicle electronics operating in demanding environments.
Comprehensive Coating Chemistry Solutions
Understanding coating chemistry is fundamental to successful application. Sonic Manufacturing offers expertise across multiple coating families, each providing unique properties and characteristics tailored to specific application requirements.
About Sonic Manufacturing Technologies
Sonic Manufacturing Technologies specializes in advanced electronics manufacturing services, including conformal coating, PCB assembly, and precision manufacturing solutions. With state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive industry certifications, Sonic Manufacturing serves the automotive, medical, aerospace, defense, and robotics industries with mission-critical protection and assembly services.
For more information about Sonic Manufacturing Technologies' conformal coating capabilities and to discuss your application requirements, visit www.sonicmfg.com or contact our team.
WASHINGTON—Jan. 28, 2026—The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) today announced John Neuffer will retire during the middle of 2026 following a highly successful 11-year tenure as SIA president and CEO. SIA represents 99% of the U.S. semiconductor industry by revenue and nearly two-thirds of non-U.S. chip firms.
“John has been an outstanding leader for the semiconductor industry at a time when U.S. technology leadership truly matters,” said Dr. Lisa Su, AMD chair and CEO and 2026 SIA board chair. “He helped strengthen the policy foundation that enables innovation, global competitiveness, and growth across our ecosystem. Because of his leadership, SIA is better positioned to support America’s economy, national security, and long-term technology leadership. On behalf of the Board and SIA team, we thank John for his many contributions and wish him all the best.”
Under Neuffer’s leadership, SIA has secured many impactful policy victories, headlined by enactment and expansion of landmark U.S. semiconductor manufacturing incentives that have sparked more than $600 billion in private investments and put America on course to more than triple domestic chip manufacturing capacity by 2032. The association also secured billions of dollars in federal R&D investments to advance American chip innovation and reinforce U.S. economic and national security.
In addition, SIA successfully advocated for critical trade agreements, including the expansion of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and a global deal to prevent governments from charging tariffs on cross-border data transfers, which boosted the competitiveness of the industry. And Neuffer guided SIA through a range of challenges, including global chip shortages and production shutdowns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It has been a genuine pleasure and an indelible point of pride for me to work alongside so many great leaders in this incredible industry and to play a part in advancing U.S. semiconductor leadership,” said Neuffer. “The challenges we face as an industry are dwarfed by the many opportunities that lie ahead, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. I will miss very much the high-performing team of dedicated professionals at SIA.”
To ensure a smooth transition, Neuffer will retire following the expected midyear appointment of a successor. SIA has retained Korn Ferry, a leading management consulting firm, to lead a comprehensive search.
MILPITAS, Calif. — January 28, 2026 — SEMI, the industry association serving the global semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, today announced its 2026 U.S. Policy Strategy: Securing the Semiconductor Supply Chain to Enable American AI Leadership designed to strengthen U.S. competitiveness, sustain long-term market investment, and support innovation across the full semiconductor ecosystem. These focal points reflect SEMI’s role as a trusted partner to policymakers and its commitment to advancing practical, coordinated, and industry-informed solutions that reinforce U.S. competitiveness in a highly integrated global industry.
“The semiconductor industry is vital to every facet of the modern economy, from artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing to national security and workforce development,” said Ajit Manocha, president and CEO of SEMI. “As global competition intensifies and policy frameworks continue to evolve, the ability of the U.S. to maintain leadership in semiconductor design, manufacturing, and innovation will depend on clear, predictable, and forward-looking policy execution.”
SEMI policy priorities this year focus on providing certainty, enabling long-term investment, and ensuring the U.S. remains connected to the global network that makes semiconductor manufacturing resilient and sustainable. The SEMI 2026 U.S. Policy Strategy emphasizes five interconnected areas critical to strengthening U.S. leadership:
- Balanced trade policy that preserves access to critical inputs, avoids overlapping tariffs on the same product, and supports market access for U.S. companies while advancing national security objectives.
- A national semiconductor workforce pipeline aligned with federal, state, and industry programs to address critical talent needs across the semiconductor ecosystem.
- Long-term tax and R&D incentives that provide predictability for multi-year investments and support innovation across the full semiconductor supply chain, including upstream suppliers.
- Continued implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act and pursuit of a forward-looking roadmap to sustain momentum and ensure authorized funding translates into capacity and innovation.
- Pragmatic policies that balance environmental goals with the technological requirements of semiconductor manufacturing necessary for continued innovation.
These priorities underscore the importance of early and meaningful engagement with industry for policymakers. Given the complexity of semiconductor supply chains and the scale of investments involved, policies developed with technical input from industry are more likely to achieve their intended outcomes while avoiding unintended consequences.
SEMI’s 2026 U.S. Policy Strategy also highlights the importance of coordination with U.S. allies and partners, as well as continued support for public-private research partnerships. Semiconductor manufacturing relies on a global network of specialized materials, equipment, and expertise, and policies that are aligned internationally help strengthen supply chain resilience, protect shared security interests, and preserve U.S. competitiveness.
“SEMI’s approach is grounded in partnership,” said Joe Stockunas, president of SEMI Americas. “Our members are investing in the United States at historic levels, bringing thousands of good-paying, skilled jobs to communities across the country. Clear rules, predictable incentives, and coordinated policy execution give those investments the best chance to succeed. We look forward to continued collaboration with policymakers to ensure the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem remains strong, resilient, and globally competitive.”
The SEMI 2026 U.S. Policy Strategy positions the industry as a constructive partner in advancing policies that support economic growth, innovation, and national security. Through collaboration, credibility, and consistentengagement, SEMI is working to ensure that the next phase of U.S. semiconductor expansion delivers lasting benefits for the broader economy.
Visit SEMI Global Advocacy to learn more about public policy efforts and developments.
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