NEW MILFORD, CT – Vision Engineering, a global leader in optical and digital technologies, is delighted to announce the appointment of Gary Kakos as the new Distributor Sales Executive. With an impressive background in sales and a wealth of experience in sales and customer relations, Mr. Kakos is poised to drive Vision Engineering's growth and expansion in the marketplace.

Gary Kakos joins Vision Engineering after a successful tenure at Owl Cyber Defense Solutions, where he served as a Senior Sales Associate. His accomplishments at Owl Cyber Defense Solutions, including revenue growth through channel partners, demonstrate his strategic approach to sales and his ability to forge strong partnerships within the industry.

Prior to his role at Owl Cyber Defense Solutions, Gary Kakos served as a Regional Manager at Victorinox, where he played a key role in collaborating with distributors to target end users. His diverse experience in both cybersecurity and consumer goods positions him as a versatile leader ready to navigate the challenges of the dynamic industrial inspection market.

"We are thrilled to welcome Gary Kakos to Vision Engineering as our new Distributor Sales Executive," said Lee Nagel, Senior Sales Development Manager at Vision Engineering. "Gary's proven track record, industry knowledge, and commitment to excellence align seamlessly with our company values. His leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our partnerships and driving sales initiatives."

In his new role, Gary Kakos will be responsible for working with distribution partners to co-develop sales strategies, educate and train partners on current and new products and drive marketing objectives to increase sales.

"I am honored to join Vision Engineering, a company renowned for its commitment to innovation and excellence in the industrial microscope sector," said Gary Kakos. "I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the company's continued success and look forward to collaborating with the exceptional team at Vision Engineering."

NEENAH, WI, – Plexus Corp. (NASDAQ: PLXS) announced today that it has joined the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, a voluntary leadership platform for the development, implementation and disclosure of socially responsible business practices. The UN Global Compact is a call to companies to align operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption, and to take action in support of the goals and issues embodied in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Todd Kelsey, Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Joining the UN Global Compact is representative of our unwavering commitment to our vision of building a better world through sustainable and responsible business practices. As we advance the positive impact we can have for our team members, customers and the communities where we operate, we are thrilled to join this global movement of sustainable companies and stakeholders.”

Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact is the largest global corporate sustainability initiative, with more than 15,000 participating companies and 3,000 non-business signatories based in over 160 countries, and more than 70 local networks.

To learn more about Plexus’ sustainable and responsible business practices and progress please visit Plexus' Sustainability web page.

MIAMI, FL – Element Solutions Inc (NYSE:ESI), a global and diversified specialty chemicals company, has received two prestigious sustainability awards for the third consecutive year: a ranking on Newsweek's list of America's Most Responsible Companies and an EcoVadis Medal. These accolades underscore Element Solutions Inc's dedication to integrating sustainability into its business operations and its commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance excellence.

Element Solutions Inc ranked #114 overall in Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2024 out of 600 companies and ranked #11 within the Materials and Chemicals industry classification. Newsweek first considered 30 KPIs from 2,000 of the largest US headquartered public companies from 14 industries. The second part of the analysis was comprised of a survey of 17,000 participants and their perception related to the companies’ CSR reputation.

In addition, Element Solutions Inc received an EcoVadis Silver Medal, placing it among the top 25% of companies assessed by EcoVadis, a global platform that rates companies' sustainability efforts. The EcoVadis Silver Medal acknowledges Element Solutions Inc's strong performance in environmental stewardship, labor practices, human rights, ethical conduct, and sustainable procurement.

Ben Gliklich, CEO of Element Solutions Inc said, "We are incredibly proud to receive these recognitions for our sustainability efforts. Sustainability is not just a matter of environmental and social responsibility but also a strategic imperative for long-term success. These awards validate the emphasis we place on environmental sustainability and community engagement within our business and I’m thankful for the commitment our employees make to create a more sustainable future for all."

To learn more about Element Solutions Inc’s sustainability program, visit our Sustainability Website. The full list of America’s Most Responsible Companies can be viewed on Newsweek’s website.

CAMBRIDGE, UK – Porotech, a Cambridge pioneer in GaN-based semiconductor technology and global fabless MicroLED company, has joined forces with Taiwan’s Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) to advance MicroLED Microdisplays for Augmented Reality applications.

Hon Hai is the world’s largest electronics manufacturer and technology service provider.

The partnership will assemble Porotech’s world leading technologies in PoroGaN® MicroLED-on-Silicon (uLEDoS), Dynamic Pixel Tuning® (DPT®), GaN-on-Silicon platform and Foxconn’s proprietary technologies in semiconductor wafer manufacturing, packaging, IC drivers, CMOS backplanes, module assembly and system assembly.

The end product will target ultra-high-density and energy efficient MicroLED Microdisplays for AR applications, wearable and smart devices.

The microLED device for AR applications has great potential, but at the same time is quite challenging. It involves multiple disciplines including semiconductor wafer manufacturing, hybrid bond, IC design, optoelectronics, quantum physics, and optics. Integration across these different fields is difficult and progress has been slow.

In the past, no single company possesses such a big portfolio of expertise. With this partnership, the partners expect to expedite the research and productisation of MicroLED technology and push the AR application to a new era. Foxconn’s strength in supply chain management is also expected to contribute at the mass production stage.

Porotech and Foxconn share the vision and goal of MicroLED Microdisplay technology for AR applications. Both parties are enthusiastic about the potential outcomes of this collaboration to reshape the AR landscape.

Dr Tongtong Zhu, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Porotech, commented: “Our collaboration with Foxconn signifies a momentous step forward for MicroLED Microdisplays and AR. This strategic partnership speaks volumes about our shared dedication to innovation and excellence.

“GaN on Silicon’s role in uLEDoS tech advancement is undeniable. An exciting road lies ahead with Foxconn, propelling MicroLED Microdisplays with our mutual partners and customers with collective triumph and significant growth in the MicroLED revolution!”

Dr Bob Chen, GM of Foxconn’s semiconductor business group, added: “Our strategic alliance with Porotech will accelerate development of MicroLED Microdisplays. It is one step closer to tapping into the tremendous opportunities that AR can bring to the world. We are excited to collaborate with Porotech to integrate many technologies from different fields.”

Porotech Technologies is a trailblazer in MicroLED and gallium nitride (GaN) material technology, headquartered in Cambridge UK with an R & D centre in Hsinchu (Taiwan) and sales office in Chandler, Arizona.

Established in 1974 in Taiwan, Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) is the world’s largest electronics manufacturer and leading technological solutions provider, ranking in the top 30 among the Fortune Global 500.

In 2022, revenue totalled TWD6.62 trillion (approx. $220 billion). The group’s market share in electronics manufacturing services tops 40 per cent and covers four major product segments: smart consumer electronics; cloud and networking; computing; and components and others.

The Group operates 173 campuses across 24 countries and is one of the world’s largest employers with over a million people during peak manufacturing season. It has expanded its capabilities into the development of electric vehicles, digital health and robotics, and three key technologies – next-generation communications technology, AI, and semiconductors – which are key to driving its long-term growth strategy.