FREMONT, CA – Nextracker Inc. (NXT), a global market leader of solar trackers and Asteelflash/USI, a high-end global electronics component manufacturer, today announced the grand opening of Asteelflash's U.S. manufacturing line for Nextracker. Asteelflash has expanded its capability to include dedicated production of Nextracker's patented self-powered controller (SPC) and high voltage power supply. Key components of the Nextracker controller include printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), battery integration, and other essential components used in the company's solar tracking technology deployed globally.

The manufacturing line is housed in a 197,000 square foot facility in Fremont, CA, and represents a multi-million-dollar joint investment in this first phase, creating new jobs and boosting local economic growth. Nextracker controllers are the "brain" and power supply enabling precision control of the company's tracker systems such as NX Horizon™, the company's flagship product for large-scale solar power plants. Nextracker's SPCs are highly reliable over a wide range of conditions and powered by a battery, allowing the trackers to still function even if grid power is down.

"We are excited to announce our commitment to procuring Nextracker's U.S.-made trackers as part of Clearway's broader domestic content strategy and pleased to see the heart of their robust tracker technology, the self-powered controllers, be manufactured here in California," said Craig Cornelius, CEO of Clearway who recently announced a two-gigawatt volume commitment agreement with Nextracker. "With Nextracker's precise control over tracker row angles and rapid stowing capabilities in extreme weather conditions, our growing fleet will set new standards of module protection and help ensure the reliability and resilience of the solar industry."

"We are delighted to be supply partners for Nextracker's U.S. self-powered controller line," said Matt Behringer, USI Corp. VP and AFG EVP. "Asteelflash/USI fully embraces Nextracker's principles, advocating for a future built on clean economy ideals and creating local jobs by producing essential components like PCBAs which play a crucial role in our daily lives. All these components are proudly manufactured right here in the heart of Silicon Valley."

"Nextracker is thrilled to work with Asteelflash/USI as we continue to put in place the domestic manufacturing capacity we need to serve the rapidly growing solar market," said Dan Shugar, CEO and founder of Nextracker. "Our expanding product manufacturing footprint is bringing new jobs throughout the country and enables us to better serve customers. We are pleased to add California to our production capability, with Silicon Valley having some of the best tech talent in the world."

With these newly dedicated mechanical assembly production lines, Nextracker is further building out its supply capacity for domestic demand as well as for export, having opened over 10 new U.S. production facilities in the past year with its suppliers. In 2022, the company publicly inaugurated four new steel fabrication lines in Texas, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. In May of this year, Nextracker announced another steel tracker factory in Tennessee.

Nextracker and Asteelflash/USI held a dedication event to announce the facility. At the event, Fremont Mayor Lily Mei, Chair of the California Energy Commission David Hochschild, Craig Cornelius of Clearway Energy, Becky Cranna of Cypress Creek Renewables, and Frank Macchiarola of the American Clean Power Association (ACP) spoke about the positive impact of clean energy and job creation.

According to the American Clean Power Association, clean energy currently makes up 15% of U.S. electricity and more money was invested into utility-scale clean energy projects and manufacturing facilities in the U.S. between last August and this March than the total investment into clean power projects between 2017 and 2021. Wood Mackenzie reports that the U.S. solar industry just had its best first quarter in history and is expected to triple in size over the next five years.

MORRISVILLE, NC – The International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI) recently announced recipients of its 2023 Recognition Program. Awards include the Project Leadership Award, iNEMI Dedicated Service Award and iNEMI Fellow.

“iNEMI is a member-centric organization and, as such, our success as a consortium lies firmly on the contributions of individuals within our member companies,” says Jennifer Muncy, Vice President, IBM Supply Chain Engineering, and Chair of the iNEMI Board of Directors’ Awards and Recognition Committee. “The positive impact that we are able to achieve along the electronics manufacturing value chain is due to the high level of member engagement and collaboration in all aspects of the consortium. Our annual Recognition Program acknowledges the outstanding achievements and contributions made by individuals from our member companies.”

This year’s honorees are listed below. Click on the links for more details about the winners.

Project Leadership Award — Recognizes the individual team members of completed iNEMI projects that deliver superior performance of electronics manufacturing practices, superior technology and business results and/or have a positive impact on the electronics manufacturing value chain.

• 1st Level Interconnect Void Characterization Project
• 5G/mmWave Materials Assessment and Characterization Project
• High Density Interconnect Socket Warpage Prediction and Characterization Project

iNEMI Dedicated Service Award — New for 2023, this award honors individuals for uncommon dedicated voluntary service to iNEMI marked by outstanding performance, effective leadership, and committed service to the consortium.

• Marie Cole, IBM (retired)
• Alan Rae, University at Buffalo
• Julie Silk, Keysight Technologies

iNEMI Fellow — Also new for 2023, the Fellow designation recognizes individuals whose engineering achievements have had a positive impact on iNEMI and on the electronics manufacturing industry.

• Raiyo Aspandiar, Intel Corporation
• Richard Coyle, Nokia Bell Labs
• Carol Handwerker, Purdue University
• Wei Keat Loh, Intel Corporation
• Prabjit Singh, IBM Corporation

“We want to thank not only the individuals who were recognized this year but also the hundreds of people from our member companies who help make iNEMI a success every year,” says Ms. Muncy. “The benefit that organizations receive from their membership is directly tied to their employees’ involvement in iNEMI projects, our roadmaps and other initiatives.”

MARIETTA, GA – YAMAHA Motor Corporation, USA announces the launch of the company’s new, updated, interactive website at www.yamaha-usa-robotics.com. The easy-to-navigate new site hosts comprehensive information about YAMAHA Motor Corporation, USA and its offerings including innovative systems for electronics production and assembly, ranging from the full line of SMT assembly systems (Printers, Mounters, and more) and particularly the entire line of advanced robotics (Articulated, Cartesian, SCARA) and enhanced features including Machine Vision and more.

In making the announcement, George Babka, Sales General Manager, said, “Yamaha is the only true Total Line Solution supplier offering a complete set of inline equipment, founded on a common hardware platform and running in a unified software environment. Our new web site resource presents the latest in YAMAHA capabilities and developments in Robotics and available resources to increase productivity and process excellence for our customers.” he added, “Yamaha Industrial Robots and SMT Division is an innovator in the fields of surface mount manufacturing and robotics factory automation. Our product lineup offers a wide range of industrial robots and automation products as well as full line surface mount solutions to meet or exceed our customers’ manufacturing needs. Find out more at www.yamaha-usa-robotics.com.”

MADISON, AL – August 2023 – STI Electronics, Inc. (STI), a full-service organization providing training services, training materials, analytical/failure analysis, prototyping, and contract PCB assembly, is excited to announce the latest addition to their exceptional team. Nika Bailey has been hired as a Quality Control Technician.

With an extensive background and expertise in quality control, Bailey brings a wealth of experience to the table. STI is delighted to have her join the Engineering Services Quality Department, where she will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the organization's products and services maintain the highest standards of excellence.

“At STI, we pride ourselves on nurturing a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages growth and development,” said David Raby, President/CEO. “We are thrilled to welcome Nika to our team, and we have every confidence that her knowledge and skills will greatly contribute to our ongoing commitment to delivering top-notch products and services to our valued customers.”

STI Electronics has earned a reputation for excellence in the industry, and the continued growth of its quality and support staff reinforces the company's dedication to maintaining its position as a leader in the electronics manufacturing and engineering services sector.

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About STI Electronics, Inc.

STI’s mission is to provide electronic contract manufacturing, solution-based engineering, analytical services and training resources to the electronics industry. We will consistently provide products and services that meet or exceed the requirements and expectations of our customers as well as industry standards. www.stiusa.com