Peoria, Arizona, USA – Two new aspiring engineers have begun hands-on intensive learning and forging their future successes in the 11th class of interns at HYREL Technologies in Peoria, Arizona. Laila Chenel and Lincoln Spychalla are both High School Seniors drawn from local high schools in the PUSD (Peoria Unified School District).

Brian Watson, Founder of HYREL Technologies, describes the internship program as “An integral part of who we are, and how we can give back to the community. We have our next generation of youth who have completed our program and have demonstrated diversity in their chosen fields. From Mechanical, Electrical, Cybersecurity, Computer Science to Pre Law, Accounting, USAF ROTC, Robotics & Automation, Avionics Engineering, History and Education, our pipeline of future talent for other companies, as well as retaining them either directly or on their career path journeys is unrivaled.” He adds, “All of our Partners are deeply committed to this program.”

Laila Chenel plans to serve in the U.S. Navy as a technician for nuclear reactors. “I am currently enrolled in my school’s engineering program,” she says, “Through my engineering teacher, I learned about an internship opportunity at HYREL and after a round of interviews, I am grateful to announce that I have been accepted.”

Lincoln Spychalla is planning a future career that includes both engineering and architecture. He has applied to colleges that include Carnegie-Mellon and MIT. He relates, “As a current student of engineering, I have progressed through numerous math and science-related classes, and I was eager to take my passion further.” Considering his current position as Engineering Club vice-president at his school, he had all the more reason, he says, to seek out a greater depth of knowledge in this field, since “It will help me guide others in the club.” His friendship with his engineering teacher and club sponsor led him to discover this “unique internship opportunity at Hyrel,” and thus he decided to take advantage of it.

James Covert, who was an intern in the recent 10th class at HYREL, has stayed on with the HYREL team and will be mentoring the new class with Laila and Lincoln, Brian says. “He has made the transition from Intern to paid work; it’s the real deal, totally hands-on, and a whole new world.”

HYREL Technologies is a worldwide provider of high quality, quick turn semiconductor modification solutions serving the military, space, automotive, energy, and commercial markets to companies seeking to improve product reliability. HYREL services include robotic hot solder component tinning, component solder ball removal and replacement, component tape and reel packaging services, component bake and dry pack services, and more.

Austin, TX– February 9, 2026 – ROCKA Solutions, a trusted North American manufacturer and distributor of high-quality consumables for the electronics manufacturing industry, is proud to announce the launch of its 2026 Rockin’ Roundtable webinar series, beginning with a live, interactive discussion designed to break away from the traditional webinar model and deliver meaningful, real world insight for the SMT community.

Unlike standard webinar-based presentations, the Rockin’ Roundtable format replaces slide decks and sales pitches with an open, candid conversation among respected industry experts. The discussion is shaped in real time by audience participation, encouraging attendees to bring their real process challenges, questions, and scenarios to the table.

The first session, Get Off Autopilot in 2026: Discussing What Really Drives SMT Printing Performance, will focus on the interconnected decisions that impact SMT printing outcomes, from consumables and stencil design to cleaning chemistry and process validation. The goal is to challenge long-standing assumptions and help manufacturers work smarter, not harder, in 2026.

The roundtable panel features industry voices from across the SMT ecosystem, each recognized for their technical depth and hands-on experience:

• Justin Worden, ROCKA Solutions
• Elias Malfavon, Metal Etch Services
• Debbie Carboni, KYZEN Corporation
• Chrys Shea, Shea Engineering

Throughout the discussion, panelists will explore how small, often overlooked process decisions can have a significant impact on yield, consistency, and long-term performance.
By the end of the session, attendees will gain insight into:

• Evaluating SMT processes using test vehicles rather than risking live production
• Why consumables such as stencil cleaning rolls deserve the same scrutiny as capital equipment
• How stencil design, coatings, and fabrication technologies affect print quality and yield
• How to properly qualify cleaning chemistry as a complete system, including process, materials, and paper selection
• How supplier-driven qualification and validation can reduce risk, save time, and eliminate unnecessary trial and error

“This series is about changing how these conversations happen,” said Justin Worden, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at ROCKA Solutions. “We want to talk openly about how decisions are made on the production floor and how teams can challenge the habits that no longer serve them.”

The Rockin’ Roundtable series will continue throughout 2026 with sessions focused on practical, engaging discussions across key SMT process areas.
Register now to reserve your spot: https://meet.zoho.com/mfrq-ahd-pzv

About ROCKA Solutions

ROCKA Solutions is a North American manufacturer and distributor specializing in high-quality consumables and equipment for the electronics manufacturing industry. With a product portfolio that includes stencil rolls, nitrile gloves, router bits, splice tape, wipes, and inspection solutions, ROCKA delivers reliability and value to customers across the Americas. The company prides itself on being more than a supplier; it is a partner dedicated to helping manufacturers improve process performance while reducing overall costs.

CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is one of the world’s most important and renowned centers for fundamental physics research. In its large-scale experimental facilities, scientists investigate the fundamental building blocks of matter and the underlying laws of nature. Some of the most complex technical systems ever built are used for this purpose.

As part of a joint project, SEHO is currently working with CERN on a prototype system for a key process step in the production of non-insulated coils made from high-temperature superconductors. These superconductors are considered as a key technology for high-performance, highly compact magnetic coils that will enable unprecedented magnetic field strengths in future particle accelerators, while also increasing efficiency. The project is part of the MuCol (Muon Collider) program coordinated by CERN and thus makes an important contribution to the development of the next generation of accelerator technologies.

SEHO contributes its many years of experience in the precise handling of liquid solder and in the design of stable, reproducible process sequences. A particular focus in on the controlled and process-reliable application of flux – a decisive quality factor for reliable metallic joints and the functional integrity of the superconducting components. With this combination of process expertise and system engineering competence, SEHO supports CERN in taking the step from experimental development toward a robust, industrial-grade prototype solution.

The on-site exchange at CERN was not only to align technical details, but also to develop a shared understanding of the entire process chain – from material science requirements to system-level implementation.

SEHO is pleased and proud to be part of this international project and to contribute its technologies in an environment where cutting-edge research and industrial manufacturing expertise are closely linked. www.seho.de

PENANG, MALAYSIA - JANUARY 2026 - ViTrox aims to be the World’s Most Trusted Technology Company in providing innovative, advanced, and cost-effective automated Machine Vision Inspection Solutions for the semiconductor and electronics packaging industries, is pleased to announce the appointment of Juan Alfaro as Mexico Sales and Support Manager, effective 1 January 2026.

In this role, Juan will strengthen ViTrox’s presence and customer support capabilities in Mexico and the broader Latin American region, handling the full solutions of SMT PCBA, including SPI, AOI, AXI, and ARV, supporting the company’s continued growth and commitment to delivering high-quality inspection and automation solutions to customers.

About Juan Alfaro

Juan brings over 15 years of experience in the SMT and electronics manufacturing industry, with extensive regional leadership experience across Mexico and Latin America. He has a proven track record in sales development, customer engagement, system installations, training, and technical services, working closely with customers to enhance manufacturing efficiency and quality.

Throughout his career, Juan has progressed from Field Service Engineering roles to General Management and Regional Management positions, providing him with strong technical expertise as well as strategic leadership capabilities. He possesses a deep understanding of SMT manufacturing processes and automation, with hands-on exposure to technologies including AOI, SPI, selective soldering, routing, reflow ovens, and other automation equipment.

Juan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering and has established strong relationships within the Mexican SMT and EMS market, enabling him to effectively support customers and partners across the region.

“We are excited to welcome Juan to the team,” said Carlos Ponce, Business Development Director for the Mexico Region at ViTrox. “His expertise across the SMT manufacturing processes and automation and deep understanding of the Latin American market will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our customer engagement and expand ViTrox’s footprint in the region.”

ViTrox’s commitment to strengthening its team and capabilities in the Latin American region is further reinforced with the addition of Juan Alfaro. His leadership and market expertise are expected to play a key role in delivering ViTrox’s full suite of SMT PCBA solutions while ensuring continued customer success across this important region.