SAN DIEGO – KIC, the leader in smart thermal process technologies for electronics manufacturing, is excited to announce its participation in Elektronikmessen E-24, scheduled to take place September 3-5, 2024 at the Congress Center Odense in Denmark. KIC will exhibit at Booth C-4632 alongside its distributor, Hin. Attendees are invited to explore KIC's cutting-edge technologies and witness live demonstrations of its latest innovations.

At the show, KIC will launch its groundbreaking Thermal Analysis System™ software featuring the new OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) feature and the Common Recipe Finder™. These innovations are designed to provide manufacturers with actionable insights, enabling them to not only "see where they’re going" but also to "know where they’ve been." KIC’s solutions are engineered to enhance production efficiency, quality, and sustainability in the electronics manufacturing industry.

Key Exhibits at Elektronikmessen E-24:

KIC Smart Profiler System (SPS):

• See Where You’re Going – Process and Recipe Setup:
  • Fast NPI: Accelerate product launch cycles with rapid and precise profiling.
  • High Reliability and Quality: Ensure consistent product quality with optimized recipes.
  • OEE: Improve equipment performance and minimize downtime with common recipes.
  • High Volume Manufacturing: Optimize for maximum throughput and efficiency.
  • Sustainability: Reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint with eco- friendly practices.

Automatic Profiling During Production:

• Know Where You’ve Been – Value-Add, Cost-Effective Automatic Profiling:
  • Automatic Profiling: Streamline profiling processes for cost-effective operations.
  • Oven Performance Tracking: Monitor and enhance oven performance with real- time data.
  • Traceability: Achieve full traceability with detailed reports and data tracking.
  • Easy Audit Reports: Simplify compliance and audit procedures with intuitive reporting tools.
  • Process Control: Maintain optimal process conditions for superior results.
  • MES/CFX/Hermes Integration: Seamlessly integrate with Manufacturing Execution Systems and communication standards.

Visit KIC at Booth C-4632 to experience firsthand how their smart factory ecosystem helps customers achieve faster NPI, higher quality and reliability, increased volume and productivity, reduced energy consumption, and improved overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). KIC’s innovative solutions are designed to empower businesses to drive continuous improvement and achieve their production goals with precision.

For more information about KIC, visit https://kicthermal.com 

TORONTO – Bittele Electronics Inc., a Toronto-based manufacturing firm specializing in prototype and low volume printed circuit board assembly, announced that it has successfully earned the ERAI certification. This counterfeit risk mitigation certification demonstrates Bittele's commitment to delivering exceptional quality and reliability in PCB assembly.

Counterfeit PCB components cause the loss of millions of dollars per year. By achieving the ERAI certification, Bittele has taken an important step in eliminating this problem for its valued customers. It enables Bittele to achieve the highest level of PCB assembly quality through robust quality management, thorough component identification, streamlined design for manufacturing, selective supplier partnerships, and enhanced transparency.

“Bittele Electronics is proud to announce it has earned the ERAI certification. Getting the ERAI stamp of approval means we adhere to stringent standards, significantly lowering the odds of using counterfeit or below-par parts,” said Ben Yang, CEO of Bittele Electronics. “This guarantees that every PCB and assembly job we do meets or surpasses the highest standards for quality and reliability,” added Mr. Yang.

Bittele’s newly acquired ERAI certification benefits its customers in the following ways:

• A Higher Level of Quality Control: This certification means we have top-tier processes to identify and eliminate counterfeit or low-quality components.
• Increased Customer Confidence: the certification shows Bittele’s clients our commitment to excellence and professional integrity.
• Enhanced Risk Management: This certification equips us to identify risks and ensure every component we use is genuine.
• Streamlined Procurement: This certification makes our procurement processes more efficient, enabling us to identify and source the best components.
• Meeting Industry Standards: Being ERAI certified means Bittele meets the highest international standards for electronic component quality.

For more information about Bittele’s ERAI-certified PCB Assembly Services, please visit our website at 7pcb.com

DAYTON, OH – Libra Industries, a privately-held systems integration and electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider, proudly announces the appointment of GayeLyn Bates as Senior Vice President of Business Development. With more than 25 years of experience in the electronics industry, GayeLyn's career has been distinguished by her exceptional ability to merge visionary leadership with actionable strategies, consistently delivering extraordinary results across various sectors.

An entrepreneur at heart, GayeLyn has a proven track record for establishing credibility with stakeholders and cultivating a large sphere of influence. Her journey is marked by her unique talent for turning visionary ideas into practical strategies that drive significant growth and transformation. She has led numerous initiatives in business development, organizational transformation, marketing, and operations, spanning from small businesses to Fortune 100 companies.

GayeLyn joins Libra Industries with a deep appreciation for the company's values and its commitment to its people, customers and communities. She commented about her new role: "I am excited to be part of a company that genuinely cares about creating a positive impact. A great culture is a strategic advantage, and I am committed to fostering an environment where everyone thrives.”

"We are excited to welcome GayeLyn to Libra Industries and I’m confident that her vast experience and proven leadership in the electronics industry will be invaluable as we continue to grow and innovate,” said Andrew Williams, President and CEO of Libra Industries. “We look forward to the innovative strategies and leadership that she brings to the team.”

GayeLyn holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Western Governors University and has completed professional development programs at Harvard Business School and the Tom Peters Group. Her diverse background and passion for fostering a positive team culture make her a driving force in the industry.

Libra Industries continues to invest to provide customized manufacturing solutions for its customers’ complex product requirements. Through its broad range of capabilities, Libra offers its customers the most capable manufacturing team in the industry. For more information about Libra Industries, visit www.libraindustries.com 

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – Spectrum Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, Inc. ("Spectrum"), a subsidiary of Ocutrx Technologies, Inc. ("Ocutrx"), today announced the retirement of Jeff Riggs, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), President, and Co-Founder, a long-time microelectronics and FDA-certified manufacturing facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado. After a dynamic tenure as Spectrum CEO, Mr. Riggs is celebrating his retirement with family, friends, and employees today, August 15th, which was recently named "Honoring Jeff Riggs' Contributions to Colorado Springs Day" by the Colorado Springs City Council. Ocutrx has announced that the current COO, Jeff Gilbert, has been appointed CEO.

"Jeff Riggs and his wife, Patricia Riggs, have had a truly extraordinary impact on the world of manufacturing and on the Ocutrx-Spectrum family," said Michael Freeman, CEO of Ocutrx Technologies. "Jeff's vision and leadership spanning nearly three decades has enabled Spectrum to grow into a world-class manufacturer trusted by industry giants such as NASA, the Department of Defense (DoD), Northrop Grumman, Lockheed-Martin, and NATO, to name a few. We are forever grateful to Jeff and Pat for their vision, dedication, and leadership to creating revolutionary technology, a corporate culture that puts people and customers first and encourages everyone to thrive." Freeman continued, "In honor of the couple's accomplishments and contributions to Colorado Springs and the electronic manufacturing industry, the primary Spectrum building will be eponymously named "The Jeff and Patricia Riggs Electronics Facility."

Acquired by Ocutrx in February 2023, Spectrum AMT is a recognized leader in High-Reliability Circuit Card Assembly, Wiring and Harnessing, and Final Assembly. Spectrum's expertise spans multiple sectors, including Aerospace and Spaceflight, Deep Space, Defense, Medical Devices, and the Enterprise and industrial sectors. The company provides "concept to commercialization" contract services as well as manufacturing its own brand of products. Spectrum AMT is deeply invested in delivering highly reliable solutions that align with client needs and industry standards.

On his decision to retire as CEO, Mr. Riggs stated, "As I look back on my time at Spectrum, I'm truly amazed by the incredible range of products we've developed over the years. It's been an honor to work alongside so many talented and dedicated employees who have contributed to our success. Understanding the critical importance of what we do for our customers and our emphasis on quality has always been at the core of our values at Spectrum. The most satisfying part of my journey has been witnessing the growth of our employees. Seeing families thrive and watching individuals use the experience they've gained at Spectrum to improve their lives, whether they continue with us or move on to better opportunities, has been incredibly rewarding."

Under Mr. and Mrs. Riggs' leadership, Spectrum has experienced remarkable momentum across all lines of its business. Spectrum's electronics manufacturing services for a host of Fortune 500 companies is just one example of the added value and convenience it offers its customers. Because of Jeff's governance, Spectrum has become known as the company that can make circuit boards and electronic systems, and assemblies that never fail. Not only did he help the families who worked for him, but Jeff and Pat contributed to their community through charitable donations, helping individuals all over Colorado by donating to nonprofits such as Care and Share, Springs Rescue Mission, Toys for Tots, St. Jude's Medical Center, and Special Olympics, to name a few.

Mitch Freeman, Senior Executive Vice President of Spectrum, said, "On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Jeff for his unwavering commitment and outstanding, dedicated service to Spectrum, our customers, partners, and employees for the past two decades. Under Jeff's leadership, Spectrum experienced remarkable innovation, growth, and transformation, delivering high-value-add technology to some of the world's most exciting projects and companies. These achievements, in addition to his development of future leaders, positions Spectrum for continued success for years to come. We are extremely grateful for Jeff's many contributions and look forward to continuing to work with him throughout the upcoming CEO transition process."

Manufacturing veteran and COO Jeff Gilbert appointed to CEO

In his newly appointed role as CEO, Mr. Gilbert will be responsible for the overall strategic direction of the company, reporting directly to parent company Ocutrx CEO Michael Freeman. Since taking office as COO of Spectrum in August of 2023, Mr. Gilbert was responsible for securing $1,281,974 in state incentives for adding over 100 new jobs in the next few years at the company's Colorado Springs facility. The Company has seen significant growth since being acquired by Ocutrx Technologies, Inc. in 2023 and is projecting a 40%+ YOY growth pattern. Mr. Gilbert plans to continue updating the manufacturing campus and equipment for optimal efficiency in preparation for expansive growth. An accomplished industry leader, Mr. Gilbert joined Spectrum after a 34-year career at Hughes Anderson Heat Exchangers Inc., a leading manufacturer of shell and tube heat exchangers for refineries and chemical companies. At Hughes, Mr. Gilbert served in various leadership roles, ending his tenure with the company as President and CEO for 10 years.

Commenting on Mr. Gilbert's appointment, Michael Freeman said, "There isn't a better person to fill the shoes of CEO of Spectrum after Jeff Riggs than Jeff Gilbert. His knowledge, expertise, and adept business acumen will help accelerate our business, employee, and customer growth while supporting our passionate focus on providing best-in-class technology products and services for our customers."

Mr. Gilbert added, "I am excited to serve Spectrum in this new role as CEO and to continue executing our mission to turn groundbreaking ideas into fail-proof commercialized products for years to come. I have enjoyed working under Jeff Riggs as COO this last year and am excited to follow in his enormous footsteps to both continue his legacy and begin a new era for Spectrum."