OOSTERHOUT, THE NETHERLANDS -- Vitronics Soltec is celebrating a century of innovation in soldering and printed circuit boards this year.

"In 1916 we pioneered an industrial soldering system that started an industry,” said Frank van Erp, director of European sales and service for Vitronics Soltec. “And we’ve been pioneers in the industry ever since. But through all our additions and improvements, we keep finding better ways to transfer flux, more efficient ways to heat solder and our machines are now ready to work in an Industry 4.0 environment.”

But van Erp is quick to thank the committed employees and commercial partners that paved the way for this present success. 

Vitronics Soltec was founded as Zeva in 1916. The company was a pioneer in industrial soldering, producing electric soldering irons. As printed circuit boards were introduced in the 1950s, Zeva helped automate soldering and produced an early wave soldering machine in the late 1960s, in close cooperation with the Philips Corporation. This partnership marked the beginning of a new period of growth. 

During the 1970s and 80s, Zeva had a name change to Soltec (hybrid name combining SOLder and TEChnology), and then was acquired by Dover. Soltec acquired Vitronics in 1997 and became Vitronics Soltec. Seeing the opportunity for leveraging historical strengths, ITW—itself a 104 year old company—acquired Vitronics Soltec to help develop soldering technology to meet the increasing demand for miniaturized printed circuit boards.

Over the course of 100 years, Vitronics Soltec has consistently played a leadership role, making significant contributions to automated soldering including wave, reflow and selective soldering. But Vitronics Soltec is also a human story.

“We’ve very much a company powered by passion for our work, respect for partners and colleagues, and integrity in every piece of process,” said van Erp. “This is how our customers know us. They expect innovation — which we’re pleased to deliver. But customers return again and again because of our soft side — they know us as easy to work with, passionate, and honest.”

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