Benchmark Electronics Marks a New Era with Grand Reopening of Almelo Facility, Netherlands

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Benchmark Electronics marked the significant revitalization of its facility in Almelo, Netherlands. The company celebrated the grand reopening of the facility, which caters to customers in the aerospace and defense, industrial, medical, and semiconductor capital equipment industries. Although the facility remained operational during the renovation period, Benchmark has named this occasion a Grand Reopening due to the extensive expansions and upgrades that have taken place throughout the facility. The event, held on Friday, June 23, was attended by Almelo Mayor Arjen Gerritsen, key customers, as well as partners, suppliers, and distinguished guests.

"Benchmark's Almelo facility is a critical site in our global network that is home to our two Centers of Excellence - Fluid Management and Electromechanical Systems—as well as a wealth of expertise in other technologies critical to the industries we serve," said Jeff Benck, president and CEO, Benchmark. "This revitalization adds space for more customer's projects, brand new capabilities and technologies, improves the site's carbon footprint, and enhances the quality of life for our rapidly growing talent base in the region. The entirety of Benchmark celebrates with Herman Bartelink, Vice President Europe Operations, and John Perik, Vice President Development Engineering, and their teams today."

To facilitate a rapid increase in customer projects and production over the last five years, Benchmark Almelo has had to grow its talent by 25% - expanding from 480 employees in 2018, to 650 today. This growth led Benchmark's leadership team to invest in the revitalization of the facility to increase and better utilize space. This included creating purpose-built spaces for employee activities, customer collaboration, 3D modeling, new product builds, expanded testing, employee training, and more.

"It is an honor to welcome our customers, partners, suppliers, and the greater Almelo community to our 'new' facility," said Bartelink. "We have built an incredible team across a broad range of skills who are producing excellent value for our customers, while demand for our product realization services has grown exponentially. Today, we're thrilled to celebrate our Grand Reopening and unveil the updated Almelo site."

The renovations are highlighted by the site's 4,000 m2 expansion, which includes a 3,000 m2 increase to the production floor and a new Design Center of Innovation to host interactive concept and design projects with customers. Benchmark also reorganized to enable a more efficient material and production flow. Technology investments include a new 3D rapid prototyping printing lab, prototyping lab enhancements, installation of a major EMC pre-compliance test lab, improvements to the site's ISO Class 6 and 7 cleanrooms. Additional upgrades and investments include:

• Upgraded Calibration Lab
• Improved and Expanded Tester Build Area
• New Production Lines
• New Product Demo Space
• New Employee Training Facility

"We are pleased to be able to facilitate such a wonderful, modern design environment that motivates and inspires our employees to provide the very best for our customers," said Perik. "With these renovations, we're taking Benchmark's product realization services to the next level here in Europe by providing a space where engineers and manufacturers can collaborate closely and work with the latest technology available. Our customers will be delighted by the opportunity to work with us in this new space."

In continued pursuit of its sustainability goal of reducing the company's carbon footprint, the site has also incorporated several features to improve energy efficiency. This includes better insulation, triple glass windows, more efficient heating, solar cells to power the heat/cooling pump, and LED lighting throughout the facility. With these improvements, Almelo was able to achieve a 30% reduction in energy consumption per square meter.

"In Almelo, numerous renowned companies make unique international contributions to the development and production of high-tech applications. From sustainable energy concepts to robotics and from efficient health technology to smart logistics," said Almelo Mayor Arjen Gerritsen. "Benchmark Almelo has been part of this range of wonderful companies for years. In our city and region, we are proud of these companies, which invest in top talent, high-quality employment, and continuous innovation. The renovation and reopening of Benchmark Almelo marks a new highlight of how technological entrepreneurship, global trade, and regional employment come together."

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