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Catching Up with HSIO’s James Rathburn
January 11, 2016 | Dan Beaulieu, D.B. Management GroupEstimated reading time: 12 minutes
Rathburn: Our focus is to transition to a new equipment set focused on building value per part vs. the conventional mentality of getting as many parts on a panel as possible. We utilize an equipment set that is based upon smaller form factor panels for high precision and yield, yet can jump into conventional larger panel wet processing, plating, and lamination lines. Quick, high-yield builds in smaller format allows large capacity and cost gains for the product types we are focused on. We will be transitioning the larger format equipment set acquired to our focus equipment set. Much of the existing equipment at the Tempe facility is perfect for high-end conventional circuit fabrication, and will be offered for sale to select buyers in the industry. Everybody wins.
Beaulieu: So are you going to be selling some of the equipment then? If so what will you be selling and when? I know that there are a number of companies out there looking for good, used high-tech equipment.
Rathburn: We are currently supporting existing production with the equipment set in place, and are in the process of qualifying the new equipment set in concert with our Minnesota headquarters operation. Laser drilling, laser ablation, routing, drilling, X-ray drilling, lamination, LDI, AOI, flying probe are among the list of potential equipment sets available over time as the facility is retooled for the future. We are also working with well-respected PCB suppliers, test vendors, design resources and plating experts to add outsourced capability to support the growth and transition. You will not find another operation more prepared for the future which is very rewarding considering the history.
Beaulieu: I know this is considered a technology of the future so let me ask you this: Do you envision others getting into this sort of product? I know that there are literally just a handful of companies world-wide who can do what you guys do; do you see more competitors entering the fray?
Rathburn: We intend to provide small- to medium-volume production capability, with technology transfer to larger volume suppliers as customer needs dictate. The transition model works well with HSIO providing early prototype and ramp production volumes, while supporting volume transition to customer chosen suppliers as needed under license.
Beaulieu: I know you just bought this company, but are you up and running? Are you building boards right now?
Rathburn: Yes, we are building production now for legacy product and adding a new customer base to support the operation. We are receiving excellent new business opportunity and expect the operation to be well funded and accepting new applications day one of 2016.
Beaulieu: Are you producing LCP boards already?
Rathburn: We have validated production capability for the LCP technology, which was a key aspect of acquiring the business. In short order, the HSIO Circuit Technologies facility will offer the best and most capable LCP fabrication capability available worldwide.
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