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.”