Each quarter EMSNOW showcases our supporters’ latest news and/or product announcements. Here’s what is happening this quarter.
Here’s Part One
Indium Corporation and Rio Tinto Announce Groundbreaking Milestone in Gallium Extraction Partnership
In May, Indium and Rio Tinto announced the successful extraction of gallium from feed sourced at Rio Tinto’s Vaudreuil alumina refinery in Saguenay, Quebec, Canada. This achievement highlights the power of collaboration in building a more robust global supply chain for gallium. A strategic North American supply will accelerate the development of the project towards commercialization of gallium-based technologies.
Gallium, a critical mineral used in technologies such as semiconductors, integrated circuits, high-performance radar, smartphones, electric vehicles, and laptops, is currently produced in limited quantities worldwide. This partnership is working to create a reliable and sustainable supply of this essential material to meet growing global demand for advanced technologies.
A Collaborative Process Driving Results
Indium Corporation designed and developed this gallium extraction process in the United States at its Rome, NY, research and development facility. This milestone reflects Indium Corporation’s metallurgical expertise in refining and transforming critical materials.
“This milestone is a major step forward in our joint efforts to create a new and robust supply of gallium,” said Ross Berntson, President and CEO of Indium Corporation. “At Indium Corporation, we believe that materials science changes the world. Through this collaboration, we have demonstrated the viability of gallium extraction and laid the groundwork for commercial production to benefit industries worldwide.”
Jérôme Pécresse, Chief Executive, Rio Tinto Aluminium, added, “We are very proud to announce this significant milestone in our important research and development project to extract and valorize gallium from our aluminum operations in Quebec. Together, through this innovative partnership, Rio Tinto and Indium Corporation strive to strengthen the North American supply chain for gallium, a critical and strategic mineral.”
Building a Sustainable Supply Chain and Path to Commercialization
Indium Corporation will continue to develop the extraction process at its research and development facility to meet the planned commercial scalability needs for a 3.5-ton demonstration plant that would be located in Saguenay, Quebec, and then eventually commercial-scale capacity of 40 tons annually, addressing an estimated five to 10 percent of global gallium supply.
With gallium playing an increasingly important role in advanced and clean technologies, this collaboration between Indium Corporation and Rio Tinto will significantly enhance supply chain diversity and increase global availability. The project aligns with both organizations’ goals of fostering innovation and creating meaningful impact for industries around the world. This milestone also aligns with Indium Corporation’s long-standing mission of advancing materials science for the benefit of industries and economies worldwide.
Koh Young Installs 24,000th Inspection System at Top 20 EMS
Koh Young recently announced the installation of its 24,000th inspection system at a Top 20 Global EMS in Thailand. The EMS is renowned as a global provider of advanced manufacturing services, specializing in complex optical, electro-optical, and electronic products and known for working behind the scenes with many major technology companies, producing some of the most advanced components in areas like networking and photonics. The milestone system, a Meister S solder paste inspection (SPI) solution, was part of a multi-machine shipment delivered during 1Q 2025. A ceremony recognizing the achievement was held at the site with members of companies celebrating the momentous investment.
The EMS location now operates over thirty Koh Young SPI and automated optical inspection (AOI) systems, underscoring its focus on quality and process control. Across its global operations, it has installed nearly 100 Koh Young systems in Thailand, the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Israel.
Designed for high-density, high-precision manufacturing, the Meister S helps identify common printing defects such as insufficient solder volume or misalignment before they impact production. As product complexity increases, accurate and reliable inspection becomes more important. The Meister S delivers the performance needed to meet tight tolerances and customer expectations.
“We rely on inspection to maintain quality and drive productivity,” said the Senior Engineering Manager at the EMS. “Our products, including automotive, server boards, fiber optic engines, and high-end computing, require precision. Koh Young has helped us reduce defects and improve throughput in a highly competitive environment.”
Mycronic High Flex becomes PCB Assembly Solutions
Mycronic’s High Flex division now operates under the name PCB Assembly Solutions. The new name reflects the division’s growing product offering of advanced production equipment and solutions for the manufacturing of PCB assemblies.
The PCB Assembly Solutions division’s offering encompasses a wide range of products and solutions, including jet printing, stencil printing, pick-and-place, 3D inspection, component storage and process software solutions.
“Over the past few years, High Flex has grown its product offering. The new division name, PCB Assembly Solutions, aligns with our product offering, market focus, and long-term growth plans”, says Clemens Jargon, Sr VP PCB Assembly Solutions at Mycronic.
In addition, Mycronic Global Technologies announced the acquisition of UK test equipment company, RoBAT
Global Technologies is already active in providing electrical test equipment for bare board PCBs through the PCB Test business line. RoBAT offers specialized test equipment for high frequency signal quality tests of bare board PCBs. The company was founded in 2001, with currently 27 employees, and offices in the United Kingdom, United States and China. Net sales in 2024 amounted to GBP 3 million
“Computational power and communication will continue to evolve rapidly. The resulting high-speed applications require PCBs with good high frequency signal quality”, says Magnus Marthinsson, Sr VP Global Technologies at Mycronic.
“RoBAT’s offering is very exciting and particularly relevant for AI server applications”, says Jochen Kleinertz, Head of the PCB Test business line at Mycronic.
RoBAT will form part of the PCB Test business line within the Global Technologies division.
TTI, Inc. Expresses Gratitude to Valued Suppliers for Prestigious Performance Awards
TTI IP&E, a leading specialty distributor of electronic components, extends its thanks to our supplier partners for their continued trust, collaboration, and recognition of our performance. These awards are proof of the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to delivering exceptional service to customers.
They are honored to have received the following awards:
- Amphenol
Best Global Performance
Best Performance – Americas
- Bourns
Broadline Distributor of the Year
- Cannon
Distributor Excellence Award
- Harting
North America Broadline Distributor of the Year (2025)
- Spectrum Control
Distributor of the Year
- TE Connectivity
Global Broadline Distributor of the Year
- 3M
Distributor of the Year
- Vishay
Full-Service Distributor of the Year
Global Distributor of the Year
Passive Distributor of the Year
“These recognitions reflect the dedication of our specialists and the strength of our supplier relationships,” said Lew LaFornara, SVP Product and Supplier Marketing at TTI, IP&E. “We are grateful for the trust our partners place in us and the opportunity to work together to ensure our customers’ trust and peace of mind.
White Horse Laboratories Helps Customers Navigate the Tariff Minefield
White Horse Laboratories deliver comprehensive programming, packaging, and logistics solutions tailored to streamline your supply chain. Our climate-controlled warehousing and rigorous inspections ensure the utmost protection of your inventory. With JEDEC and EIA compliant packaging and labeling, including tape and reel, dry-pack, and custom options, we present your products in the best possible light. Our automated component programming guarantees precision and efficiency, enhancing operational effectiveness.
Comprehensive Component Packaging
White Horse ensures your electronics are meticulously handled and packaged to prevent damage. Our ESD-controlled facilities adhere to JEDEC and EIA standards, with products stored in climate-controlled warehouses and safeguarded with MSL and ESD protective packaging. Our commitment is to deliver your components to the production site in perfect condition, ready for immediate use. Trust us to maintain the integrity of your products with industry-leading care and expertise.
Trust White Horse Labs as your on-site 3PL and fulfillment center, simplifying and expediting your packaging, storage, and consolidated shipping needs. We ensure the integrity of your supply chain, providing a seamless connection between your suppliers and customers. Our comprehensive services guarantee efficiency and reliability, streamlining your operations and giving you peace of mind. Partner with us for a robust and secure supply chain solution.
