Arian EMS, an electronics manufacturer based in Northumberland, has invested nearly £500,000 in new surface mount technology (SMT) equipment to enhance its production capacity and improve turnaround times. The company, operating from a 16,000ft² facility at Wansbeck Business Park in Ashington, has purchased two advanced electronics assembly systems: the Panasonic NPM-W2 and the Panasonic AM100.
This self-financed investment aims to increase the company’s output, with the ability to produce between 50,000 and 100,000 printed circuit boards (PCBs) each month. It also boosts its annual chip placement capacity to 192 million, effectively doubling the current production on its SMT lines. Since its founding in 2017, Arian EMS has grown consistently, and the company is targeting a turnover of £12 to £15 million by 2030. The upgrade will help Arian EMS secure additional contracts in high-demand sectors like defence and aviation, where rapid delivery and high-quality components are essential.
The Panasonic NPM-W2 combines 3D printing, placement, and inspection functions. It is optimized for larger PCBs and components and features a 12-nozzle head, allowing it to place up to 38,500 chips per hour. Meanwhile, the Panasonic AM100 system is designed as a flexible, cost-effective solution for handling large connectors and irregular components.
Commitment to Growth and Innovation
Malcolm Humble, founder and managing director of Arian EMS, stated, “This investment marks a significant step for Arian EMS. It highlights our dedication to upgrading our Ashington facility with cutting-edge technology while creating new jobs in North East England as we expand. The new machines will reduce manufacturing cycle times by almost 50%, greatly improving efficiency in our surface mount department. This puts us in a strong position to support UK-based businesses looking to bring their component supply chains back to the country, offering quick delivery and the highest quality.”
Arian EMS serves various industries, including automotive, security, and medical sectors. The company provides a range of services, from prototyping to high-volume production. It also offers extensive testing services such as 2D inspection, automated optical inspection (AOI), in-circuit testing (ICT), and high-voltage testing, along with full final assembly. Additionally, Arian EMS has an established apprenticeship program, recently welcoming two new apprentices in finance and sales, who are training with Newcastle-based TDR Training.
