Paramit: Fantastic factory in the forest

Back to the core of what is probably Malaysia’s greenest factory, the Paramit Malaysia manufacturing facility: “Of course we were familiar with the concept of our new factory. But moving our 50 plant systems within just one day was still a major challenge. Nonetheless, we succeeded in setting up very quickly – with everything running smoothly within just one week,” says Chong Chit Leon, Section Manager Equipment Engineering at Paramit Malaysia. All production processes at Paramit are subject to the highest standards – with the use of smart information and communication technology such as automatic optic inspection (AOI) in order to uncover and eliminate any possible defects. “Our aim is to engage in dialogue with our customers at a very early stage in the product and board designs – allowing us to make our extensive engineering know-how available for efficient production. In this way, we achieve speedy new product introduction and a shorter ‘time to market’, which is more economical for both sides,” adds Chong Chit Leon. Paramit Malaysia is increasingly relying on the support of system supplier Ersa – since entering the market in 2011, those responsible for production have ordered soldering systems for different requirements through the Singapore-based Ersa representative Long Shine Equipment and Supplies Pte, which also looks after the Malaysian market. “For us as sub-contractors, the greatest benefit of the Ersa equipment is that it permits high-mix in every direction – for example, our Ersa POWERFLOW N2 full tunnel nitrogen wave soldering plant can handle all types of products. This gives us great flexibility in our manufacturing,” says Chong Chit Leon. With the strategic focus at Paramit Malaysia increasingly moving to medical devices and life science instruments, and corresponding customer inquiries having been received, more intensive attention was paid to selective soldering. Because this flexible and high-performance soldering technology fulfils all the criteria laid down for the high quality standards applying in medical devices. Three companies were shortlisted during the purchasing process; in the end, the contract went to Ersa – specifically, the order was for a VERSAFLOW 3/66 selective soldering system. In addition to the performance capacity of the plant, the link-up to corresponding service and support was a significant deciding factor – in addition, the Paramit team had already seen and thoroughly tested the Ersa systems in the Ersa showroom in Penang.

At present, Ersa’s worldwide presence is not all that decisive. In Malaysia, the main focus is on industrial products, with the recent addition of medical devices. Contact is mainly through the Long Shine representative in Singapore. “When it comes to the Ersa soldering expertise and constantly improving our processes, we work closely with the colleagues from Long Shine who are thoroughly familiar with the processes of the Ersa equipment,” says Chong Chit Leon. In order to maintain the good business relationship among the partners – Paramit, Long Shine, Ersa – it is also extraordinarily important that wear and spare parts for first and second level support be available directly in Malaysia. If the worst comes to the worst, Paramit needs immediate support as no spare parts are stocked on site. That would be too expensive and the “right” spare would probably not be available right away. The Paramit team knows that, with the comprehensive process solution as offered by Long Shine and Ersa, they are always on the safe side – first class service and support are definitely of the essence. As a global player, Ersa is undoubtedly a good partner for Paramit when it comes to further expansion plans!

More information on Ersa selective soldering technology