NASHVILLE — September 2017 — KYZEN, a global designer of specialty cleaning chemistries for the surface mount technology industry, was honored with multiple industry awards during a busy week at the Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) International trade event in Chicago, IL, the week of Sept. 18, 2017.

The SMTA made time to celebrate corporate and chapter accomplishments, as well as individual contributions.

First, KYZEN received the award for steadfast volunteerism and support of the industry and the SMTA globally over the last 24 years. KYZEN has long been a corporate member and avid supporter of the SMTA all over the world. Many KYZEN team members are active in their local chapters, hold officer positions, serve on the SMTA Board of Directors as well as take part in SMTA corporate committees.

Notably, Tom Forsythe, KYZEN’s Executive Vice President, has served two terms as Vice President and Member of the Board of Directors for the SMTA, and has shown his dedication to the organization and the industry by participating in more than 100 trade fairs throughout the world. “We have the pleasure of serving an incredible industry and working with the first-class staff at SMTA and its members,” said Tom Forsythe regarding the recognition of KYZEN as a premier exhibitor for participating in more than a dozen SMTA sponsored events this year. “This kind of award is a great honor but it’s not necessary because we love helping this outstanding group of people and companies.” 

Second, the renowned Dr. Mike Bixenman, KYZEN’s CTO, was recognized for his support of the SMTA through speaking at multiple events over the last 10 years including this past year. He also proudly accepted the Rich Freiberger Best of Conference Award for one of his presentations at SMTAI 2016, which he shared with co-author and presenter Mark McMeen of STI Electronics.

Upon receiving the award, Dr. Bixenman stated, “I thank everyone at the SMTA for these awards. I am very passionate about what I do and believe whole-heartily in the research that KYZEN supports, the papers I write and the presentations I give, and because of this, I enjoy partnering with the SMTA to help the industry as a whole.”

Dr. Bixenman has more than 20 years of experience in the design of electronic assembly cleaning materials and process integration. He held the position of IPC/SMTA Cleaning Symposium Chair for the last 10 years and is the current chair of the IPC Cleaning Handbook Task Group. Dr. Bixenman holds four earned degrees including a Doctorate in Business Administration.