Comprehensive modernization: A+B Electronic expands production with second FUJI line
EMS provider creates redundancy and increases placement capacity
Kelsterbach, April 9th, 2026 – Assmy & Böttger Electronic GmbH has modernized its SMD production and completely reorganized the entire SMD work area within its existing production space. The company continues to operate a modern FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH FUJI NXT III placement machine and has added a new FUJI NXTR S supplied by FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH. As a result, A+B Electronic now operates two aligned FUJI production lines. The new structure provides the basis for stable processes, high repeat accuracy and reliable series production, while also increasing flexibility in meeting growing customer requirements, particularly in areas such as traceability.
A+B Electronic is an EMS provider and system supplier for the electronics industry. The company manufactures populated printed circuit boards for a wide range of industries, from small production runs to larger series orders. In response to increasing demands regarding quality, process reliability and delivery performance, the company decided not only to replace an older SMD line, but also to strategically further develop its entire SMD manufacturing environment.
“Our goal was to completely replace an aging SMD line with a new, modern solution, restructure production and at the same time increase overall placement capacity. Since we already had a modern FUJI line in operation, we specifically wanted to create redundancy and additional flexibility,” explains Bernadette Kirchrath, Managing Director Sales & Production at A+B Electronic.
Proven FUJI technology strategically expanded
Following an intensive evaluation phase, the decision was made to continue operating the existing FUJI NXT III and complement it with a new FUJI NXTR S. Key factors in this decision were the modular platform architecture, the high placement performance and accuracy, and the opportunity to continue developing production on a standardized technological basis over the long term.
The FUJI NXT III is part of the modular NXT placement system series and enables flexible SMD production with high productivity. The new FUJI NXTR S complements the existing line with a modular machine concept, scalable line configuration and integrated sensor technologies for monitoring and stabilizing placement processes.
As part of the line conversion, additional process stages were also modernized alongside the FUJI placement systems. These include stencil printing, solder paste inspection, the reflow soldering process and conveyor technology. In addition, the existing line was upgraded to the latest version of the FUJI production software NEXIM.
“When implementing the project, our long-standing cooperation with the technology partners involved played an important role. Trust, technical expertise and a shared understanding of stable production processes were essential in maintaining established workflows while developing them further in a targeted way,” says Kristin Teichmann, Technical Manager at A+B Electronic.
Two facing production lines create short distances and clear workflows
A key planning objective was to completely reorganize the entire SMD work area within the existing production footprint. Today, both FUJI lines face each other, creating shared workspaces in the center with workstations, PCs and the necessary tools. This reduces walking distances, creates clear workflows and supports more efficient operation.
To implement the project, the SMD line to be replaced was first completely dismantled. The FUJI NXT III, which remains in operation, was then repositioned. After reassembly, production resumed stably within just a few days.
The installation of the new FUJI NXTR S line then followed according to the actual production flow. The line is equipped with seven placement modules, enabling flexible use of different placement heads for a broad range of component types. Conveyor systems ensure continuous automated material flow between the individual process stages.
The SPI system of the new line was intentionally designed identically to the existing line. This made it possible to transfer established processes and maintain uniform data structures.
Stable commissioning achieved within approximately six weeks
Project preparation and planning began in March 2025 and were completed three months later. The conversion and installation of the new SMD area started in early November 2025. After approximately six weeks, the modernized production environment was operating stably. Following initial test runs and gradual process optimization, the new line entered regular production operation. Total investment for the project amounts to approximately EUR 1.8 million.
“With the new structure, we are now able to respond much more flexibly to diverse and increasing customer requirements — especially with regard to growing traceability demands. With our modernized SMD production, we are very well positioned for future customer projects and requirements,” explains Axel Werdermann, Head of Operations Production at A+B Electronic.
