At Assembléon, we had the foresight to continue development of this assembly equipment during the downturn years. As a result, this machine series is now one of our great strengths. As the market grows again, there is a need for a placement machine which combines the highest technology with the ultimate in scalability. This platform is genuinely the only answer.
We have also built a strong infrastructure in Central Eastern Europe in recent years. Our distribution and support network is complete and ready. Assembléon is already the main supplier to many well-known contract electronics manufacturers (CEMs) in this area. And, as the market in these countries, of which many are now members of the EU, is poised for take-off, we can offer them exactly what they need to compete.
Current trends suggest that prototyping and smaller series production (high-mix/low-volume) will stay in Western Europe and high-volume production will run in Central Eastern Europe. Manufacturers there are coming under increasing pressure to match the cost-per-placement of Asian manufacturers. However, the most competitive can win because they offer relatively attractive logistics costs, and are located very near the different European consumer markets. This makes the European equipment market a very interesting place, and one where we expect to see rapid growth.
Ton Cornelissen, Assembléon regional director Europe
