Paul Freeman Joins Altus 

Altus Group, a leading capital equipment distributor for the electronics industry in the UK and Ireland, is pleased to announce the addition of a Senior Sales Manager to its growing team. With this appointment, Altus strengthens its sales force, now comprising of a six-person strong Sales Team. Matthew Fitzpatrick, who will cover the north of the UK, brings a wealth of experience in account management and new business development, having successfully managed large-scale, technical projects in adjacent sectors. His expertise will be instrumental in enhancing Altus’ account management capabilities and expanding partnerships across the Northern region, where the electronics manufacturing sector is thriving. “I am very pleased that we can bring someone of Matt's calibre into our organisation,” said Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group. “Matt has a proven track record of adding value to customer experiences and exceeding performance targets makes him a valuable addition to the team. “With the North of the UK being a critical hub for electronics manufacturing, Matt’s expertise will be instrumental in supporting our suppliers and customers in the region. As he transitions into his role, I am confident that Matt will continue our momentum in driving growth, while also ensuring that our existing partners receive the exceptional service they have come to expect from Altus.” The addition of Matthew reflects Altus’ commitment to providing the highest quality pre-sales and after-sales care. The company's partner list has grown exponentially over the past five years, and with increased capacity in pre-sales and account management, Altus ensures that customers receive exceptional project support, which is a significant reason for the growth they have witnessed. Matthew added: “I’m excited to join Altus and eager to get started. The company’s clear mission to set new benchmarks in customer service is both inspiring and contagious. Altus already supports an impressive range of customers and works with industry-leading suppliers, which makes this role all the more appealing. I’m eager to dive into the technology and see how I can contribute to Altus' continued success.” Matthew will undergo an extensive on-boarding process over the coming months, preparing him to support key accounts. Customers and suppliers will have the opportunity to meet him in person at Altus’ upcoming Factory of The Future taking place in September. www.altusgroup.co.uk.

Altus Group, a leading supplier of capital equipment for the electronics manufacturing industry in the UK and Ireland, is pleased to announce the successful installation of a second Koh Young Zenith 3D Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) system at Active-PCB Solutions. This latest investment highlights Altus’ commitment to providing innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and quality in the Electronics Manufacturing Services sector. Active-PCB Solutions, a leading contract electronics manufacturer, previously invested in the Koh Young Zenith Alpha HS+ AOI two years ago, achieving outstanding results with the initial system. Pleased with its performance, the company has now expanded its capabilities by adding a second unit. This new investment will further enhance their inspection processes, enabling comprehensive 3D inspection and meeting the demanding standards of modern electronics manufacturing. Luke Minnis, Manufacturing Product and Process Engineer at Active-PCB, said: "I have been a Koh Young and Altus partner for many years now, and we are really happy to keep building on our partnership and to bring in another 3D AOI. This investment is a clear sign of our ambitions for the future and our desire to implement the best-in-class processes at our facility." Anthony Oh, Technical Applications Manager at Altus Group, said: "It is always gratifying to receive repeat orders from our partners. This ultimately means the machine is generating the expected return on investment they had planned. Active-PCB is a significant player in the UK CEM space, so to have their continued trust and investment is something we are very proud of. We look forward to continuing to support them as they leverage the AOI platform to drive further improvements in their manufacturing processes." The Koh Young Zenith Alpha HS+ is known for its high-speed, AI-driven 3D measurement capabilities. With a 4-projector setup using Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology, the system offers 15-micron resolution and full 3D metrology up to 25mm in height. These advanced features ensure precise and reliable inspection of complex assemblies, meeting rigorous quality standards. www.altusgroup.co.uk.

Altus Group and its sister company Danutek, renowned suppliers of capital equipment and service support to the electronics manufacturing sector, are pleased to announce their new partnership with actnano, a global leader in surface protection technologies. This collaboration aims to bring actnano’s cutting-edge Advanced NanoGUARD (ANG) coatings and other functional materials including permanent anti-fog, lubricants, and sealants to a broader audience across Europe. actnano is at the forefront of coatings technology, providing fluorine-free, thin-film coatings that offer exceptional protection against water damage and harsh environmental conditions. Their innovative solutions, which require no masking or curing ovens, significantly reduce the capital expenditure, floor space, and energy consumption associated with traditional coating methods. Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group, said: "actnano exemplifies the ideal partner for Altus and Danutek in our regions. Their approach, deep market understanding, and clear value proposition are truly impressive. Their unique product addresses critical pain points with a quantifiable ROI, making it highly attractive to customers. actnano's proven track record of securing business with major global brands and their strong references speak volumes. Initially, the concept of no masking and no curing ovens seemed almost too good to be true. However, their Munich lab, designed to support customers through technical validation, quickly demonstrated that this technology is just as ground-breaking in practice as it is in theory. actnano's innovation is not just exciting; it's revolutionising the industry." "actnano is proud to work with Altus and Danutek, whose team has consistently earned customer trust by introducing cutting-edge technologies like Koh Young’s 3D AOI and LPKF’s laser depaneling to the European market. Their expertise in this area will make them a valued partner as we continue to expand across the region," said Sruti Balasubramanian, VP of Product Development at actnano. Nic Johansen, actnano Director of Sales, commented, “Altus and Danutek excel in the regions they operate in, including their support for leading dispensing processes like PVA and Mycronic—making them a great match for us. This partnership accelerates our ongoing efforts across Europe with OEMs and manufacturers, and extends our reach and local support, especially in the UK and Eastern Europe, key areas for nearshoring and reshoring. Together, we're dedicated to driving the industry forward with innovative solutions, expert guidance, and a primary focus on customer success. The best is yet to come.” actnano’s technology is particularly noteworthy due to its ability to simplify the application process by eliminating the need for masking and curing ovens. This innovation helps avoid common issues such as cracking and bubbling, which are prevalent with traditional methods. Furthermore, by reducing the need for extensive machine investment and floor space, and decreasing energy consumption over the product lifecycle, actnano provides a cost-effective and efficient solution for electronics manufacturers. Their high protection standards offer up to IPx8 protection levels, applicable to full PCBA including connectors, antennas, LEDs, and high-heat generating components, while ensuring environmental safety with fluorine-free coatings. www.altusgroup.co.uk.

Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, is pleased to announce the addition of Michael Bowden to their team as a Service and Applications Engineer. This appointment aligns with Altus’ commitment to continuous improvement and exceptional customer service. Michael Bowden joins Altus with a wealth of industry experience, having worked extensively in aftersales support for electronics manufacturers since 2006. His previous roles have equipped him with valuable skills and insights that will greatly benefit Altus’ growing installation base. Michael’s track record includes a comprehensive understanding of processes and extensive knowledge on pick-and-place systems, making him an important addition to the team. Mike Todd, Operations and Planning Manager at Altus, said: “Adding someone of Michael’s calibre is really important as we continue to build out our team to support our customers for the next decade and beyond. Michael has a proven and trusted history within our niche industry. I am personally excited to see how he can contribute to our team and enhance our aftersales support capabilities.” Michael will primarily support sites across the North of the UK from his base in Oldham, reflecting Altus’ vision for more localised and dedicated engineering support. His role will involve guiding customers through the entire lifecycle of their projects, from validation and implementation to ongoing usage. This new hire underlines Altus’ dedication to being ‘Focused on Support Excellence’ and ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of industry developments. Over the past three years, Altus has expanded its partner network by over 100 sites. In response to this growth, the company is committed to enhancing its support team to maintain the high-quality service its customers expect. www.altusgroup.co.uk.

Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment for the electronics industry in the UK and Ireland, is pleased to highlight the success of Essemtec's Integrated Inspection System (I2S). Since adding the I2S to its line-up at the end of 2023, they have seen significant positive feedback from customers in the sector. Essemtec's I2S integrates 2D Solder Paste Inspection (SPI) and 2D Automatic Optical Inspection (AOI) within Surface Mount Technology (SMT) production machines. This system offers a streamlined approach to quality assurance, providing flexibility, improved productivity, and reliability. By incorporating inspection capabilities into their all-in-one solutions, Essemtec aims to enhance operational efficiency and reduce floor space requirements. Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group, said: "This is an option that the market for Essemtec machines has been calling out for. Many of our partners are accustomed to using inspection options in screen printers followed by a pre-reflow AOI for basic checks of solder presence and component presence, as well as polarity after placement. This functionality allows our MFC customers to solder jet, inspect solder, place components, and then inspect components in a single unit. It unlocks a greater level of both traceability and statistical process control that our customers need prior to adopting a higher technology standalone process like 3D SPI and AOI later in their production journey." The I2S system uses advanced optical technology to inspect dispensed materials and placed components, allowing for automatic re-dispensing and re-inspection if defects are detected. This early detection helps increase yield and reduce scrap. The I2S system logs data on failed cases and error interactions, enabling comprehensive analysis and continuous process improvement. The software interfaces are designed for easy setup and configuration, making it suitable for high-mix production environments. Existing Essemtec machines can be upgraded to include the I2S system, ensuring that current users can benefit from this innovative technology. The I2S system enhances the quality of PCB assembly processes and leads to long-term cost savings by reducing defects, minimising rework, and preventing faulty products from reaching customers. For more information about Essemtec's Integrated Inspection System (I2S), visit www.altusgroup.co.uk.

The role of distributors in the electronics manufacturing industry is multifaceted and crucial. They serve as a vital link between manufacturers and cutting-edge technology, offering a range of services that go far beyond simple product distribution. By leveraging their expertise and resources, capital equipment distributors play a pivotal role in evaluating and selecting the best-in-class technology. This process involves rigorous pre-sales validation, ensuring that the technologies they recommend are not only innovative but also practical and effective for their client's specific needs. Furthermore, these distributors facilitate technology adoption, providing manufacturers with the support and guidance necessary to seamlessly integrate new systems and processes into their operations. The Importance of Local Distributor Relationships The relationship between electronics manufacturers and their local distributors is key to ensuring positive production outcomes and maintaining cutting-edge production facilities. Selecting and nurturing a relationship with local distribution partners is crucial for sites looking to manufacture to the highest standards. This comprehensive approach helps companies stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving industry, enabling them to maintain a technological edge without the need to independently navigate the complex world of innovative equipment selection and implementation. The Difference Between a Distributor and an Agent? In the interest of full disclosure, the organisation I lead is regarded as one of, if not the largest, distributor of electronic manufacturing equipment in the UK and Ireland. To better understand the landscape, let's start by defining the difference between a distributor and an agent. A sales agent is an individual or company authorised to act on behalf of a manufacturer or supplier to sell products or services. They typically earn a commission on sales they generate. Sales agents do not usually take ownership of the products they sell. Instead, they facilitate transactions between the manufacturer and the end customer. A distributor is a business entity that purchases products from manufacturers or suppliers and resells them to other businesses or end consumers. Distributors take ownership of the products, manage inventory, and handle logistics such as warehousing, shipping, and delivery. They often provide value-added services, including marketing, sales support, and technical assistance. Global Supplier Dynamics and the Role of Local Distributors In the case of electronics manufacturing, suppliers of processes utilised in electronic manufacturing come from across the world, with primary suppliers in the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Most of these suppliers have strategic and non-strategic markets. Strategic markets could be locations where they sell and support directly. For example, a Korean supplier may support the Korean market directly due to proximity, cultural similarity, time zone, and many other factors. Strategic markets are those with significant potential or that generate substantial revenue. Because of its market potential, the UK is not always deemed strategic or generating enough revenue to support direct operations. Hence, there is a rise in local distributors who often support a range of suppliers, splitting the cost of sales and support against revenue generation potential across multiple suppliers. This results in capturing sales in the region for the supplier without the direct cost of doing business. It also offers the distributors a profitable business due to the reduced relative cost of generating revenue per supplier across their range.

Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment for the electronics industry in the UK and Ireland, has expanded its portfolio with the addition of Scienscope's Smart Rack for Feeders. This innovative system is designed to revolutionise SMT material management by addressing key challenges in the electronics manufacturing industry. Building on the success of their user-friendly Smart Rack for Reels and the fully traceable Smart Rack for Stencils, Scienscope continues to deliver advanced solutions that address everyday challenges in the electronics industry. The Smart Rack for Feeders aims to streamline production lines and support operators with its range of benefits. Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group, said: "We are pleased to incorporate the Scienscope Smart Rack for Feeders into our portfolio. This system demonstrates the type of continuous innovation we aim to provide to our customers. It offers practical benefits such as improved workflow and reduced operator workload, while also equipping management with traceability data to enhance decision-making. We believe this addition will greatly benefit our customers’ operations and set a new standard in SMT material management.” The Smart Rack for Feeders optimises workflows, ensuring smoother production processes and minimises downtime through changeovers. By automating routine tasks and increasing traceability, the system significantly reduces the time taken and risk for operators, allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks and enhancing overall productivity. Additionally, the comprehensive information provided by the system enables management teams to make informed, data-driven decisions, leading to improved performance and efficiency. www.altusgroup.co.uk.

Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, is pleased to announce that its pre-eminent supplier, kolb Cleaning Technology, has transitioned to fully recyclable packaging for several of their cleaning products. This change aligns with Altus' commitment to providing sustainable solutions in the electronics manufacturing industry. kolb has introduced recyclable packaging for their ContraFlux® and MultiEx® cleaners, as well as most of their special cleaners. These products will now be delivered in grey canisters made from 100% recycled material, replacing the previous blue containers. This initiative represents a step forward in reducing waste and promoting environmental responsibility. The recyclable canisters can be easily processed locally after use, contributing to resource conservation. ??? Altus said: "At Altus, we strive to offer our customers high-quality products that meet their diverse needs. We're pleased to support kolb's transition to recyclable packaging for their some of their cleaning products. This change allows us to better serve our customers who are increasingly looking for more sustainable options in their manufacturing processes, without compromising on performance or quality." Altus' commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by their recent addition of kolb's award-winning WPCL-EU module to their product portfolio. This innovative 'zero discharge' rinse water treatment module enhances Altus' ability to offer cutting-edge, environmentally friendly solutions to their customers. By offering kolb's products with recyclable packaging and sustainable cleaning technologies, Altus continues to provide environmentally responsible options for the electronics manufacturing sector. www.altusgroup.co.uk.

Altus Group, a leading distributor of production equipment in the UK and Ireland, addresses the need for increased efficiency and reduced labour in electronics manufacturing with the introduction of the Delta 6 robotic conformal coating/dispensing system from PVA. Electronics manufacturers facing highly labour-intensive processes such as masking components and hand spraying conformal coatings can address that burden with an automated solution. It is clear that manufacturers in the UK & Ireland are grappling with a shortage of available highly skilled labour to support these processes, and sees the PVA Delta 6 a great solution to assist in streamlining processes and improving efficiency. Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group said: "Many manufacturers rely on traditional manual methods that are extremely labour-intensive and can lead to inconsistencies. The Delta 6 provides an automated alternative, allowing these critical coating and dispensing processes to be brought in-house with minimal labour while ensuring high repeatability." The PVA Delta 6 features a three-axis motion platform with servo-controlled motion featuring valve tilt and rotate. Designed for selective coating, potting, bead dispensing, and meter-mix dispensing in both inline and batch production environments, it offers high accuracy, consistent process control across the gantry system, and the ability to handle multiple applications or materials. "For manufacturers looking to improve efficiency and cut costs, automating labour-intensive processes is crucial," said Joe. "The Delta 6's flexibility, small footprint, robust construction, and versatile programming make it an ideal solution to reduce labour demands." Engineered to excel in selective conformal coating and dispensing tasks within moderate to high volume manufacturing settings, the PVA Delta 6 offers enhanced accuracy and repeatability. To find out more about PVA Delta 6 and other labour-saving equipment visit www.altusgroup.co.uk.