Jochem Winkelman is General Manager at RENA Electronica and is visibly proud of the company. The facility houses advanced production lines that assemble PCB’s using surface mount technology (SMT), for a huge diversity of technological applications. “This kind of line could even assemble the newest iPhone”, Jochem says. It mainly illustrates the broadness of possibilities, because RENA’s solutions cater to way more sectors. The company fulfils an key role in this dynamic world, and enters new technological dimensions. “Even better”, Jochem claims: “we’re already past that threshold”.

 

From idea to solution

The partners for whom RENA’s tech specialists are active, are located in very different sectors. From greenhouse horticulture to offshore and from smart street lighting to leisure and events: the solutions that Winkelman and his team offer can be found anywhere. “We prefer to be a part of the full process. From exploring the possibilities all the way to designing and producing the right techniques”, the manager says. “We are at the forefront of this. What comes to market tomorrow, we are already making today.”

 

Quickly available customization

LED lighting plays a part in a huge diversity of modern electronics, also on a PCB level. This is one of RENA’s specialisations. But this form of lighting is also applicable in other ways, such as illuminating buildings (increasingly controlled remotely), or the high safety standards that are required for lighting on oil rigs. This requires customisation. This is increasingly realised locally, by Smart Factories that deliver fast, accurately and cost effective. According to Winkelman, the new technologies are enabling start-up costs to decrease. That makes producing in smaller batches achievable. Winkelman: “The near future will even bring us lights-out manufacturing, where no human hand is involved.”

 

Engineering

By this he obviously doesn’t refer to engineering, which requires very precise and specialised personal craftsmanship. Engineering plays a key role in the final result. This is why RENA prefers to work with ASM, a world leader in technology. “Eventually we’re headed that way ourselves”, he says, aiming at future techniques to be used at RENA.

 

Sustainable and thought-through

A major advantage of producing locally is the sustainable saving on international shipping of lighting and electronics that can be delivered fast and on demand, directly to customers or to specialists who include the components in their systems. RENA doesn’t install their systems themselves. Jochem: “That’s a trade of its own. We prefer to focus on remaining in the lead in the market of lighting and electronics.”

 

(This article first appeared in Dutch on RegioInBedrijf.nl)