Flex Connections: Material Selection in Nickel vs. Copper Tabs
Flex Connections: Four Lessons in Engineering Judgment for PCB Designers
Flexible Thinking: ‘Let There Be Light’–Emitting Diodes!
Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, has partnered with Garner Osborne Circuits, a UK-based Contract Electronics Manufacturer, to install a Dual Lane Heller 1707 MK7 reflow oven. This strategic investment will enhance the company’s production capabilities, allowing them to triple their reflow capacity and meet growing customer demands following recent company acquisition and expansion.
The well-established relationship between Altus and Garner Osborne influenced the selection of the Heller 1707 MK7, which offers proven reliability with over 250 units installed across the UK. The system's advanced thermal profiling, energy efficiency, and dual-lane configuration with independent conveyor speeds enable simultaneous processing of multiple PCBs, optimising production throughput.
Steve Honeybun, Operations Director at Garner Osborne, said: "We are really happy to have a new Heller Dual Lane oven on the way! Our business has been growing for many years, and this new reflow oven will allow us to add much-needed capacity and future-proof our production capabilities for the further growth we anticipate under our new leadership.
“After completing our research on the available solutions, it was clear that Heller has a great brand name and reputation for convection reflow, and the MK7 has some significant energy-saving advantages. We know Altus well, and we have built up a lot of trust in our partnership and the support they offer us when it is needed, so choosing to partner with them was easy, as always."
Joe Booth, Altus Group CEO, said: "It has been an exciting time for Garner Osborne under new management, and it's been a pleasure to see them grow for as long as we have been working with them. This new oven is an important investment, as being dual lane effectively triples their reflow capacity and removes a potential bottleneck, helping to boost production. With this additional capacity, they can support their growing customer base or bring in new orders. I'm looking forward to seeing the oven's increased utilisation. The Heller team was excellent throughout the sales process, particularly with the energy-saving audit, and it's great to see another new MK7 in the field!"
The installation of the Heller 1707 MK7 is part of Garner Osborne's broader strategy to enhance its manufacturing capabilities following its recent acquisition. This investment further strengthens the company's capacity to deliver high-quality electronics manufacturing services while expanding production throughput to meet increasing market demand.
