Smart Automation: When It’s Time to Replace SMT Equipment
Learning With Leo: What Is the Cost of Quality Brought About by Training?
Nolan’s Notes: A Tribute to Iola—and Automation
Optical Control Americas Participates in Successful KWA Open House
October 26, 2018 | Optical Control AmericasEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Optical Control Americas, LP, is pleased to announce their recent participation in Kurt Whitlock Associates’ (KWA) three-day open house. The event was a huge success, with the Optical Control OC-SCAN CCX.3 component counter on display, along with several other technologies.
Cassandra Diaz, Mike Holleran, Todd O’Neil, and Kurt Whitlock
Fifteen local Florida EMS companies came to see the CCX counter. Most of the visitors brought their own components including a variety of SMD reels, matrix trays and storage tubes. This provided them with a true “Put on the spot” test with no preparation. They were able to get an accurate glimpse of the real potential for cost savings and how to improve their entire inventory process, ultimately resulting in keeping their SMT lines running with fewer interuptions.
“These types of settings are perfect for showing the capability of our counter,” stated Todd O’Neil, VP of business development at Optical control. “We are able to concentrate specifically on each customer’s needs and help them analyze the best scenario at their company. KWA is one of the best in the business and has been doing this for a long time. Kurt’s customers rely on him and his entire team based on trust, industry knowledge, and years of cooperation. He organizes these events three to five times a year, and we are looking forward to many more.”
Through its 12,400 ft.2 facility in St. Cloud, FL, KWA markets, distributes and demonstrates selected industry-leading technologies and process solutions. KWA’s full service facility is one of the few in the US electronics industry. “Kurt Whitlock Associates’ charter in the Florida electronics market has always been to represent and distribute the absolute best solution for each step in the electronic assembly process. Optical Control’s advanced technology has assured that this 40-year tradition continues,” Whitlock commented.
About Optical Control Americas, LP
Optical Control Americas, LP is part of the Elsysko group, a full-service EMS company, in Weißenohe, Germany and has 180 employees, four SMT lines, and two throughole lines. The company was founded in 2009 and in 2012, optical control GmbH was formed as a sales and service organization for the CCX (component counter X-ray) products. In 2017, Optical Control Americas was started and officially formed in October 2018. For more information, click here.
Share on:
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
12/11/2025 | Michelle Te, I-Connect007Before diving into this week’s must-reads, I want to spotlight the incredible batch of interviews our team captured at productronica. They go beyond the quick booth chitchat and dig into the most pressing topics in electronics manufacturing. We spoke with companies and leaders who are shaping what happens next, and the conversations touch on the challenges and innovations that matter most to the industry today.
SEMICON Korea 2026 to Showcase Core Semiconductor Technologies for the AI Era
12/11/2025 | SEMIAs the semiconductor industry enters a transformative growth phase, Korea — a vital hub of the global semiconductor supply chain — is attracting increasing global attention.
Tom Kastner: Navigating the Complex World of M&A
12/11/2025 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineWith a background spanning Silicon Valley, Japan, and Chicago, Punching Out columnist Tom Kastner has helped countless PCB and EMS business owners achieve their goals. In this interview, Tom reflects on his path from anthropology student to M&A expert, his love of nature and restoration work, and the satisfaction of guiding entrepreneurs through one of the most complex—and rewarding—transitions in business.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
11/28/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Yesterday was the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. The traditional meal is, of course, roast turkey with “all the trimmings.” Although not everyone observes that menu, most do, and it was reported that 42 million turkeys were consumed on that day. With an average weight of 16 pounds per turkey, we cooked up 672 million pounds! With approximately 342 million people in the U.S, that pencils out to just under two pounds of drumstick and white meat per person. That, my friends, is a whole lot of leftovers.
Goaltech: Engineering the Workforce of Tomorrow
11/28/2025 | Alejandra Luna and Noe Rojas, GoaltechIn the global supply chain, technical standards are the common language. But behind every production line lies something even more fundamental: skilled and certified people. That has always been the mission of Goaltech, a Mexican company that for over 15 years has been dedicated to raising the competitiveness of the industry through training, certification, and technological integration.