NEWMAN LAKE, WA – Hentec Industries/RPS Automation, a leading manufacturer of selective soldering, lead tinning and solderability test equipment, is pleased to announce that Starlight Refined Technology Limited has purchased a Pulsar solderability system.

The Pulsar utilizes the highly proven dip- and-look test method that is a qualitative type test performed by comparative analysis after specimens are dipped in a bath of flux and molten solder. An advantage of the dip-and-look method is since it is based on comparative analysis it can be performed rapidly by shop floor personnel with minimal training as well as requiring significantly lower capital investment then a wetting balance test system. The Pulsar solderability test system complies with all applicable solderability test standards including MIL-STD-883 Method 2003, IPC J-STD-002 and MIL-STD-202 Method 208.

About Starlight Refined Technology Ltd.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Starlight Refined Technology Limited serves the semiconductor, telecommunications, and electronics manufacturing industry segments. Their core business is providing design, manufacturing tooling and precision machining services to companies throughout the Asian market. For more information, please visit: www.srt.com.hk.

About Hentec Industries

Hentec Industries/RPS Automation is a manufacturer of automated selective soldering, component lead tinning, and solderability test equipment for electronics and electronic component manufacturing, assembly, and distribution. Hentec/RPS has been advancing automated soldering and lead finishing technology for defense, aerospace, automotive, contract manufacturers and micro-electronics component manufacturers since the early 90’s. All Hentec/RPS products are designed and manufactured in Newman Lake, Washington. For more information, please visit us at www.rpsautomation.com.

BANNOCKBURN, IL — New data from IPC show that most electronics manufacturing industry executives see a recession as inevitable. IPC’s October Monthly Economic Outlook and Global Sentiment Survey found that 27 percent of industry executives believe the economy is already in a recession, 45 percent believe the economy will enter a recession in 2023, and 13 percent believe the economy will enter a recession in the fourth quarter of 2023. Industry executives expecting a recession are bracing for a longer one.

“Tight financial conditions and an uncertain economic outlook are making both businesses and consumers more cautious,” stated Shawn DuBravac, IPC chief economist. “We have reached the end of the post-lockdown rebound.”

Among other conclusions, the IPC survey results show:
• After declining for two consecutive months, the Materials Cost Index rose three points.
• Three-fourths (73 percent) of electronics manufacturers indicate labor costs are on the rise.
• Ease of recruitment, profit margins, and inventory available from suppliers are presently declining.
• Positively, manufacturers expect to see a decline in backlogs over the next six months.

Inflation continues to dominate the narrative, with the U.S. likely past peak inflation, while the situation worsens in Europe. Europe is expected soon to reach peak inflation, and prices continue to rise. Projections for economic growth in Europe in 2023 have been lowered, and now show a decline for the first time for the entire year. China’s economy remains below the targeted 5.5 percent growth expected for the year, with growth likely to be closer to 3 percent in 2022. The yuan has fallen to its lowest level in 14 years.

IPC surveyed hundreds of companies from around the world, including a wide range of company sizes representing the full electronics manufacturing value chain.

View the full reports: 

Monthly Economic Outlook

Current Sentiment of the Global Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain

WESTFORD, MA — Mack Technologies, a leading supplier of contract electronic manufacturing services, announced the addition of four surface mount lines to existing operations. The investment will drastically expand the company’s manufacturing capacity and enable it to meet increased demand from customers.

“By adding four surface mount lines this year to our operations, we will enhance our ability to scale alongside our customers,” said Will Kendall, President of Mack Technologies. “Mack’s financial flexibility has allowed us to rapidly invest in new technology and equipment while also investing heavily in working capital needed to fuel growth. Having the capacity and financial resources to support our customers in times of growth is critical to our business and our mission to deliver exceptional quality and service.” Kendall added, “I would like to thank all of our stakeholders for their support and trust in Mack as we continue to expand our operations this year.”

The added capacity will be distributed across Mack’s manufacturing sites and will enable the company to support the ongoing surge in demand from its existing and new customers in the defense, industrial, energy, and medical device industries.

ROSEVILLE, CA — PRIDE Industries was honored as a 2022 National Organization on Disability (NOD) Leading Disability Employer at the group’s annual forum. Now in its eighth year, the NOD Leading Disability Employer Seal recognizes companies for adopting exemplary employment practices for people with disabilities. This is PRIDE Industries’ second consecutive year to be acknowledged.

“As the nation’s leading employer of people with disabilities, we are honored to once again be recognized by the National Organization on Disability,” said Jeff Dern, President and CEO of PRIDE Industries. “Every day, we prove the value of an inclusive workforce model through our operational success across multiple industries. We show company leaders that if we can do it, so can they.”

This year’s annual forum was titled: NOD at 40: Honoring the Past; Innovating the Future. The winning organizations were recognized before an audience of more than 300 corporate partners, disability rights advocates, and civic leaders in the nation’s capital. The Forum was emceed by Michael Smerconish, veteran political commentator, and the host of programs on both CNN and SiriusXM.

“For the past 40 years, the National Organization on Disability has envisioned a world where all people with disabilities enjoy full opportunity for employment, enterprise and earnings and employers know how to make the most of their talents,” said NOD President Carol Glazer. “I congratulate all of this year’s winners for their leadership and commitment to hiring and retaining people with disabilities. Together we can reimagine the future by harnessing the power, creativity, and innovation of disability-inclusive diversity in the workplace, marketplace, and communities across America.”

About National Organization on Disability (NOD)

The National Organization on Disability (NOD) is a private, non-profit organization that seeks to increase employment opportunities for the 60-percent of working age Americans with disabilities who are not employed. To achieve this goal, NOD offers a suite of employment solutions, tailored to anticipate, and meet leading companies’ workforce needs. NOD has helped some of the world’s most recognized brands be more competitive in today’s global economy by building or enriching their disability inclusion programs. For more information about NOD and how its portfolio of professional services, Leadership Council and Employment Tracker™ can help your business, visit www.NOD.org.

About PRIDE Industries

PRIDE Industries delivers business excellence with a positive social impact. A social enterprise, we provide facilities operations and maintenance services, custodial services, contract manufacturing, supply chain management, packaging and fulfillment services, and staffing and recruitment services to private and public organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries’ mission is to create employment for people with disabilities. Through personalized employment services, we help individuals realize their true potential and lead more independent lives. PRIDE Industries proves the value of its inclusive workforce model through operational success across multiple industries every day. Learn more at https://PRIDEIndustries.com.