You have been part of FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION since 1992 and are today Managing Director. In which position did you start back then?

At the time, I started at FUJI as a sales engineer for the sales region North Germany. In 1992, we were only eight employees, including two sales people for the German-speaking countries (DACH). I switched as an enthusiastic customer from FUJI to FUJI at that time and still live the enthusiasm today – 30 years later in a team that has increased more than ten times.

Would you have guessed then that you would still be working for the company almost 30 years later?

No, when I joined FUJI at the age of 33, I could not have foreseen that I would be standing here today. I had no concrete perspective in mind and was striving for enjoyment at work and success. I had the ambition then, as I do now, to perform the tasks assigned to me to the best of my ability. This ambition has never changed.

If you look at the market: What was different back then? What has changed until today?

In a working day without Internet, e-mail, smartphone and navigation system, the cycle rhythm was considerably lower than in a working environment permeated by digitalization, as we have today. Certainly, digitization has great advantages and also brings efficiency benefits, etc., but in the analog age, things were more communicative in part because a different form of exchange was required.

Overall, business back then was based more on trust and was more humane in that there was no need for long contracts, contractual penalties, NDA’s and calculations that had to be coherent after the third decimal place. Comparatively, the returns were higher.

And what has changed in the company since then?

Looking at our company, a small team of friends without a fixed organizational structure grew into a globally active successful company. The workforce and turnover have increased more than ten times. Today we have more than 90 employees. Short communication channels have turned into fast and effective communication, which has become even more digital since the Corona pandemic. And our organizational structure has evolved over the years into clear processes. We lived flat hierarchies then as we do now.

While we were under Japanese management for the first 20 years – and at this point I would like to praise the Japanese work culture “it is hard, intense, but fair” – we now operate under German management for 10 years.

What do you see as the recipe for success for FUJI, celebrating its 30th anniversary today?

There are many aspects that define the FUJI success story. These include continuous improvement processes – for example in terms of quality, effectiveness and precision. Here, we are living a very high standard since the very beginning. Also, the constant adaptation to current market needs and technological developments provides us today with stable and continuous growth as well as our strong market position. In addition, the above-average customer orientation and equality of all customers – regardless of size and sales – ensure extremely high customer satisfaction.

What fascinated you most about your work over the nearly 30 years?

My roots are in the field of technology, which has always fascinated me – and still does today as a managing director. In our industry, you always have your pulse on the latest developments. I’m impressed by being able to help shape new technological leaps. I’m also excited by the international nature of the global business model and working with my Japanese colleagues in a diverse and intercultural team.

What do you value most in the company?

On the one hand, our great products make me proud. On the other hand, I especially appreciate the FUJI team, in which all employees contribute to our success – not least through close and uncomplicated communication between all FUJI branches around the world and an appreciative way of dealing with each other. The corporate philosophy in terms of strong customer orientation is also special to me.

FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION at productronica: First placement platform for automated feeder changeover

Kelsterbach, October 06, 2021 – FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH (www.fuji-euro.de), specialist for eletronic placement machines, will present at „productronica 2021“ the industry‘s first placement platform that automates the feeder change process. In addition, the company will be showing further solutions for autonomous and flexible manufacturing at the trade fair in Munich (November 16-19) in Hall A3 at Booth 317. Among other things, these solutions support the optimization and automation of maintenance and changeover processes.

FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH is a leading international machine supplier specialized, among others, in electronic placement machines. The company covers all areas of modern production – from highly flexible placement systems in high-mix to complete placement lines in high-volume.

In this, FUJI focuses on labor-saving and quality-assuring solutions for placement processes in smart factories. The goals include: zero placement errors, zero machine stops, and autonomous and operator-free work. The SMT platform NXTR was designed in accordance with these requirements. NXTR is used for step-by-step automation and digitalization in electronics manufacturing and is now available in various expansion stages, such as the new NXTR-A, which will be presented at „productronica 2021“.

„With the NXTR-A model, we are bringing a revolution to the market. This is because it is the first machine of its kind in the industry to be equipped with an automatic feeder exchange system. This frees the operator from setup changes and re-supply work, leading to higher productivity. It also offers advanced features to maintain high quality,“ explains Stefan Janssen, member of the management board of FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH.

NXTR-A reduces machine stops during placement

The new developments launched with the NXTR-A model are the cassette feeders, which holds the reels, and the Smart Loader, which distributes the reels. „Machine operators no longer have to replace and resupply parts, which is the most time-consuming work on the line – because more than 50 percent of the short stops during the placement process are due to splicing errors and waiting for parts to be delivered. NXTR automatically detects when parts are running out and the Smart Loader delivers the required parts before they run out, based on calculations in the system,“ explains Stefan Janssen.

Also new in the course of increasing automation is the NXTR-PM printer. It makes it possible to change the cleaning paper and feed the solder without interrupting production. Until now, these were the main causes of production interruptions in the printing process.

Focus on automation and flexibility in the placement process

In addition, FUJI will be demonstrating at productronica the advantages of the Nexim software system in terms of reliable planning and changeover processes, flexible data management and quality. One of the features rounding off the automation processes is autonomous maintenance tools.

FUJI is thus able to offer customers integrated solutions from a single source, including full service for the entire material flow – from incoming parts to storage systems to pick-and-place machines. Another important component is the „Intelligent Storage Systems/sTower-Various Series“. These warehouse logistics systems are used for the automatic supply of SMT production and ensure short distances.

Klaus Gross, Managing Director of FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH, explains: „Efficiency and quality in the assembly process are global challenges that we as FUJI EUROPE have been facing for 30 years now. On our 30th anniversary, which we are celebrating in time with productronica, the requirements of medium-sized companies as well as corporate groups for automation, digitalization and flexibilization of processes in favor of the smart factory are in the foreground. We will be demonstrating this exemplarily at the exhibition.“

International mechatronics service provider increases capacity and performance at Romanian production site with pick-and-place machines from FUJI

Kelsterbach, Germany, September 7, 2021 – Elemaster, an international mechatronics service provider, has installed at its production site in Romania three electronics placement automats of the AIMEXIIIc series. The machine will be distributed in Europe by FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION (www.fuji-euro.de), a subsidiary of FUJI CORPORATION. The investment has enabled Elemaster to expand its portfolio and increase its order volume.

Elemaster offers a complete service for the design and production of electronic assemblies. The company was founded in 1978 in Montevecchia, in the Italian province of Lecco, and has established itself as a mechatronics service provider in the international sector. Elemaster positions itself in the market as a one-stop store. Its customers include players in sectors ranging from railroad, medical, avionics, automotive, industrial automation and energy. Elemaster Group has a global presence in Europe, America, Africa and Asia.

In spring 2021, Elemaster installed three pick-and-place machines of the AIMEXIIIc series from FUJI at its Romanian production site. “The investment was necessary as Elemaster expanded its business activities due to increased demand. The goal was to increase capacity and improve performance with the new equipment. With the installation of the new line, Elemaster has made a big step in its production. Installation and training took only two weeks and went without complications,” explains Daniel Gabor, Regional Account Manager at FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH.

Flexible setting options and precise test units

Special advantages of the AIMEXIIIc installed at Elemaster are the V12 and the DX heads. The V12 heads of the high-speed chip shooters are equipped with the “Intelligent Parts Sensor” (IPS). The DX heads are flexible and feature the ability to change their setting during production. The DX heads are also equipped with IPS sensors and can use both vacuum nozzles and mechanical grippers.

Daniel Gabor says: “DX technology can apply glue dots with a gluetool before components are assembled. This is unique in the world so far. Elemaster has also added an LCR inspection unit to the AIMEXIIIc order. This enables the machine to check the values of passive components such as inductance coils, capacitors and resistors before mounting them. This prevents misplacements that an automatic optical inspection (AOI) could not detect.”

Also added to the AIMEXIIIc machines for Elemaster are 3D coplanarity sensors that detect the height and linearity of connections on the outer edges of components as well as on their underside. An MTU-M (optional unit) is also on board with the pick-and-place machines.

“At Elemaster, we see advantages in the functionality and ease of use of the AIMEXIIIc. The high flexibility of the DX heads and the options considered during configuration create efficient processes for us. The high number of free spaces here, 390 and 8mm respectively, is also extremely positive for flexibility,” explains Massimiliano Redaelli, Operations Manager, Elemaster Romania.

Close to the customer despite the pandemic – internationally operating specialist for electronic assembly machines provides virtual information about SMT solutions

Kelsterbach, June 30, 2021 – FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION (www.fuji-euro.de) is currently hosting a WebExpo for customers and interested parties. Users can inform themselves virtually about the products and innovations of the internationally active specialist for electronic placement machines. FUJI is thus breaking new ground in order to be close to the customer even in Corona times and to be able to offer appropriate service. The focus of the WebExpo is on solutions for assembly in the manufacture of devices in the field of 5G technology.

The use of 5G technology is picking up speed worldwide. There are more and more application areas. “Commercial 5G services have started to develop digital infrastructure and deploy digital technologies. This brings new potential in industries. Solutions are rapidly emerging, for example, to support new ways of living for individuals, industries and societies. This concerns, for example, maximizing data usage, automated driving and remote operation of robots. At the same time, part placement of electronic panels of 5G-related devices is becoming increasingly difficult due to higher part density and panel complexity,” explains Stefan Janssen, member of the management board of FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH.

As a result, FUJI has developed new SMT products for manufacturing the electronic panels used in these advanced devices and is presenting them, as well as smart factory solutions with related automation technology and system integration, during its WebExpo. This online presence will present placement solutions for PCBs used in 5G supporting devices, introductions to the latest products and much more.

Among other things, WebExpo attendees can learn about assembly solutions for SIP and module boards. FUJI will demonstrate the introduction of advanced process solutions for components such as SIP and module parts that support 5G terminals and devices. Among other things, WebExpo attendees can learn about assembly solutions for SIP and module boards. FUJI will demonstrate the introduction of advanced process solutions for components such as SIP and module parts that support 5G terminals and devices. During the WebExpo, FUJI will also present automation and digital twin solutions.

Using product videos, FUJI experts will conduct demonstrations of the equipment units and functions. In addition, the “FUJI Smart Factory Members” will be used to illustrate the introduction of M2M solutions.

Stefan Janssen explains, “It is particularly important to us to be able to act close to the customer and provide appropriate service even during the restrictions of the Corona pandemic. At the same time, we are also looking forward to being physically represented at trade shows again starting in the fall.”

Registration for FUJI WebExpo 2021 at:
https://www.fuji.co.jp/en/about/rs/web_expo_2021_pt/?utm_source=gmnewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=gmn_about_rs_web_expo_2021_pt_e_210600

Zollner Elektronik AG automates THT assembly in the E3 business unit with sFAB-D from FUJI

Kelsterbach, June 7th, 2021 – Zollner Elektronik AG has set the course for the future. At the Romanian site Satu Mare, Zollner is integrating two state-of-the-art modules for the automation of THT assembly in the E3 business area. The sFAB-D placement machines with Cut & Clinch Conveyor from FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION (www.fuji-euro.de) ensure reliable processes, guarantee efficient line configuration and increase the output in the production of assemblies for industrial electronics.

Zollner Elektronik AG is a globally established service provider for Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) and the market leader in Europe. Zollner offers complex mechatronic solutions for various application areas and industries such as automotive, telecommunications, industrial electronics, data, railway and measurement technology, aviation and defense as well as healthcare and life sciences. The partner for process and system solutions supplies its customers with individual electronic components, modules, devices and systems.

Ferenc Fiausch, Sales Engineer at FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH, explains: “At Zollner Elektronik AG, an automated solution in the area of THT assembly – Through Hole Technology – was required for the electronics production E3S in Satu Mare in Romania. In the manufacturing process of THT assembly, the connection wires of the components are inserted into the corresponding vias on the circuit board and then soldered. This push-through installation is extremely complex if done manually. “

In order to gain efficiency in this process and to be able to meet increasing customer needs and constantly new requirements, Zollner chose the sFAB placement machine from FUJI. FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH is an international operating specialist for electronic placement machines. The German branch of FUJI CORPORATION distributes sFAB-D and other assembly machines for the European area.

Efficient process automation and more security

Two sFAB-D machines with Cut & Clinch Conveyors are now used in the Zollner production line in Satu Mare. The company is thus able to automate processes efficiently, adjust the type or quantity of production with a flexible line configuration and achieve quality and delivery improvements for every production process. Recurring costs can also be reduced in the long term.

The sFAB-D with Cut & Clinch Conveyor enables Zollner to handle assemblies without errors. The placement modules are equipped with a clinching tool, which among other things increases the safety when handling the assemblies. The placement modules are currently operating as a stand-alone line. In the medium term, they are to be combined as an inline solution with an existing soldering system. In order to automatically collect trace data in the future, it is also planned to be integrated into the Manufacturing Execution System (MES).

Sascha Frieling, Technology Manager at FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH, says: “One of the goals of Zollner Elektronik AG was to increase production output by investing in our sFAB-D line, to reduce costs and maintain the quality standard. This has been achieved. Furthermore, the company is now able to keep all processes and costs transparent and measurable.”