Firstronic Adds Equipment to Support Expanding Customer Requirements

Grand Rapids, MI–Firstronic LLC has expanded test, inspection and conformal coating capabilities to support increased revenue and project complexity.

“Based on current bookings, we anticipate a 50% revenue increase in 2012. Our equipment additions will improve throughput and overall efficiency, plus give us needed additional capacity,” said John Sammut, Firstronic CEO.

The new equipment includes a Teradyne ICT platform, an Orpro-Vision automated optical inspection (AOI) machine and a PVA automated conformal coat machine/UV cure oven.
The ICT platform’s ability to support higher node count will enhance the Company’s ability to test the more compact, higher complexity boards and panels found in its automotive and industrial customer base. It also has better fault coverage and more efficient low voltage testing. On-board flash programming capability supports Firstronic’s

Lean manufacturing philosophy by enabling test and programming to be completed in a single production step. Its footprint is 52% smaller than older ICT testers, which is also an asset in a Lean environment. Because it operates in a Windows environment, real-time test data can be easily shared via a customer portal.

The inline AOI equipment improves both capability and capacity with a better resolution camera which supports the trends in component miniaturization found in most of the Company’s projects. An older AOI unit has been retrofitted with a higher resolution camera, as well. A laser pointer system, immediately identifies potential defects which improves throughput.

The new conformal coating equipment is configured with an atomized spray head and two needle heads. This increases flexibility and throughput. The UV oven enhancement allows products coated with UV materials to be immediately cured.

“Our automotive customers want zero defects. Achieving that goal requires tight process control and minimal rework. The test and inspection equipment additions allow us to meet those goals, plus support all our customers’ increasingly complex requirements, while enhancing overall throughput. Automotive customers are also requiring more conformal coating and look for that as an in-house capability, rather than a subcontracted operation,” Sammut added.

Firstronic has established a new banking relationship with United Bank in Grand Rapids, Michigan which includes an extensive working capital line of credit to fund the Company’s rapid growth and the equipment additions are the first step in a longer term strategy to enhance technical capabilities while growing the Company both organically and via acquisition.
   
Firstronic LLC provides advanced electronics manufacturing services and optimized supply chain solutions for the electronics industry. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, Firstronic has a 35,000 square foot facility, state-of-the-art equipment and a seasoned management team with an average tenure of 20 years.