DAYTON, OH – Libra Industries, a privately-held systems integration and electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider, proudly announces the appointment of Ray Page as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). With over 25 years of experience in financial leadership and a proven track record in optimizing operating profit, Page brings a wealth of expertise in contract manufacturing, particularly in the Medical Device, Aerospace, Defense, Telecommunications and Industrial sectors.

In his previous role as Manufacturing Operations Controller at Benchmark Electronics, Page led global operations finance, overseeing domestic and international plants to optimize profit. His accomplishments include driving four simultaneous plant turnarounds and achieving impressive EBITDA growth of over $16M in just one year. Page established systems and fostered a data-driven culture by implementing new processes, methodologies, and consolidation tools, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

In a prior role as CFO, Page showcased his proficiency in ERP implementation, leading the creation of a component manufacturing division. Under his leadership, the organization experienced substantial growth of over 35% in one year. Page played a key role in due diligence and seamlessly integrated a new manufacturer into the organization within two months.

Page is recognized for his "short-sleeve," hardworking, positive, and high-energy approach. His ability to collaborate with individuals at all levels of an organization has consistently yielded positive results. Page is known for being a systems and software expert, capable of creating and driving data-driven solutions to enhance financial and operational performance.

Key responsibilities in his role as Libra Industries CFO will include team building, treasury and cash management, banking relationships, external audit relationships, customer pricing and contract negotiation, as well as oversight of AR, AP, HR, and Legal functions.

"We are excited to welcome Ray to the Libra Industries team as our CFO,” said Andrew Williams, CEO at Libra Industries. “His extensive experience, particularly in the contract manufacturing landscape, aligns seamlessly with our goals for growth and operational excellence.”

Page's appointment reflects Libra Industries' commitment to strategic leadership, and his expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the company's continued success.

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 

OULU, FINLAND – The Finnish company Scanfil, listed on Helsinki Mid Cap Stock exchange, has today communicated its partnership with BrainCool regarding the production of BrainCool™ System. Scanfil is a trusted contract manufacturer and system supplier for the most demanding customers in the international electronics and medical device industry.

BrainCool and subcontractor Scanfil expanded its cooperation in November 2023. The parties signed a multi-year agreement and BrainCool placed an order for 500 BrainCool™ System with Scanfil to meet rising demand. Primarily, the agreement secures deliveries of 350 systems starting on April 1, 2024, within the framework of BrainCool's partner agreement with Zoll. BrainCool will also increasingly use Scanfil as a subcontractor for various components and for service, as well as more of BrainCool's products.

COO Jon Berg comments
- “We are increasing dramatically in sales. Therefore, we need a partnership with a knowledgeable manufacturing service company like Scanfil. We strongly believe that Scanfil with its industry expertise and international factory chain is an ideal partner for us to expand our operations. With the help of Scanfil, we can internationalize our operations and adjust the production to meet the growing demand for BrainCool™ System and our other product portfolio.”

Steve Creutz, Managing Director of Scanfil Åtvidaberg comments
- “This type of project and customer where we are involved from very early in the development phase and through all the steps into full manufacturing where we can use all of our competencies is a perfect match. We have now increased the manufacturing capacity and within a few weeks also doubled our test capacity to meet BrainCool’s sales target today and coming years. And not to forget, this type of good cooperation is also developing us as an organization.”

VILLINGEN-SCHWENNINGEN, GERMANY – Kübler GmbH High Tech Solutions proudly announces the appointment of Don Dennison, Principal of PIT Equipment Services, as the newest Sales Representative for Arcadia, covering New York, Long Island, New Jersey, and Eastern Pennsylvania.

Under Don Dennison’s leadership, PIT Equipment Services has consistently been a front-runner in electronic assembly. With a rich history of success and commitment to excellence, the company has earned accolades, including consecutive Global Technology Awards for Rep of the Year for North America.

Don Dennison stated, “The trust our clients have placed in us over the past 40 years is invaluable. Teaming up with Arcadia is a strategic move that aligns with our commitment to providing only the best products to our customers.”

Boris Kubler, Managing Director of Kübler GmbH, Arcadia’s esteemed partner, shared his enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying, “We are pleased to set up distribution for Arcadia in North America and are convinced that this product will be a great benefit for the North American market. We know Don is the perfect partner to cover the Northeast.”

Arcadia, renowned for its ARCHIMEDE Smart Storage System, recently secured the 2023 Mexico Technology Award in the category of Inventory Control Systems. This revolutionary solution redefines inventory control with its cutting-edge features designed to optimize component management. The ARCHIMEDE Smart Storage System offers efficient storage, accommodating SMT reels, tubes, and trays for easy accessibility and organization. Its space-efficient design can store up to 720 reels within a mere 0.45 square meters, making it ideal for space-constrained environments. The system ensures rapid access to components, with a swift 5-second reel storage time and retrieval in under 3 seconds, minimizing production downtime.

Boris Kubler highlighted the benefits of Arcadia's products, stating, "To put it in a nutshell, we can reduce picking times by up to 70% compared to manual warehouses. This means that fewer people are needed in the warehouse, or that skilled workers are no longer needed to work in the warehouse."

For further information on Kübler GmbH, ARCHADIA SRL and its pioneering inventory control solutions, please visit https://www.arcadiasrl.it/?lang=en 

WASHINGTON – Printed circuit boards are prioritized in a December 12, 2023 report from the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party:

• Of 150 recommendations #1 is to strengthen domestic manufacturing of printed circuit boards and reduce reliance on adversary nations for microelectronics

Department of Defense:

The recently released National Defense Industrial Strategy focuses on creating resilient supply chains including microelectronics. The DoD has identified the need to expand domestic production and invest in a skilled workforce.

Congress has also obligated approximately $150 million for investments in microelectronics using the Defense Production Act. Two recent awards include:

• $46.2 million to GreenSource Fabrication LLC via the Defense Production Act Investment Program. The award will enhance existing production capabilities at a manufacturing facility of state-of-the-art integrated circuits (IC) substrate, high-density interconnect (HDI) and ultra-high-density interconnect (UHDI), and advanced packaging.
• $39.9 million via the Defense Production Act Investment (DPAI) Program to Calumet Electronics Corporation to enhance capabilities to produce High-Density Build-Up (HDBU) substrates, which include High-Density Interconnect Printed Circuit Board (PCB) cores and HDBU build-up layers.

While these actions are helpful, America needs to make a sustained, robust investment in manufacturing the microelectronics that power all aspects of modern life. The Printed Circuit Board Association of America and IPC have jointly called on Congressional appropriators to increase DPAI funding for microelectronics.

“Report after report coming out of Washington highlights our overreliance on Asia for microelectronics and the pressing need to make more printed circuit boards and substrates in America," said PCBAA Executive Director David Schild. "The current situation puts our national and economic security at risk. Congress and other agencies of government must act to reduce our dependency on foreign nations for the components that power national security and critical infrastructure systems.”