W&S Strategic Partnership and New Leadership

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Press release: June – 2026

W&S Enters New Growth Phase Through Strategic Partnership and New Leadership

W&S, an established distributor and service partner of capital equipment, automation
solutions and lifecycle services for the electronics manufacturing industry in the Benelux, has
announced a new strategic partnership and strengthened shareholder structure to support
the next phase of its growth.

As part of this development, Jochem Winkelman has joined W&S as both investor and
Managing Director. Having held senior roles within manufacturing and electronics production
organisations, he will oversee the company’s next phase of growth while working alongside
strategic partner DDJ Holdings, the group behind Altus Group in the UK and Ireland and
Danutek across Central and Eastern Europe.

The partnership will strengthen W&S’s long-term market position, technical capabilities and
customer support offering, while creating new opportunities for collaboration across the
wider group.

Jochem Winkelman, Managing Director of W&S, said: “W&S has built a strong reputation for
technical expertise, customer focus and service quality over many years. By combining this
foundation with the experience, resources and industry knowledge available across the
wider group, we are creating a stronger platform for future growth while maintaining the
close customer relationships and technical support our customers value.”

The new structure will allow W&S to further develop its sales, service and lifecycle support
capabilities, helping customers maximise equipment performance, improve production
efficiency and support long-term manufacturing objectives.

Joe Booth, Chief Executive Officer of Altus Group, said: “We are very excited about this
opportunity and look forward to supporting the continued development of W&S. The
company has a strong reputation in the Benelux market, long-standing customer
relationships and an excellent portfolio of technology partners.

“With Jochem leading the business and the support of the wider group, we believe W&S is
well positioned for future growth. By sharing knowledge, expertise and best practices across
our organisations, we can further strengthen the support available to both customers and
suppliers throughout the region.”

For existing customers and suppliers, W&S will continue to operate as the trusted partner
they know today. Existing contracts, service levels and ongoing business operations remain
unchanged.

To support continuity during the transition, Ruud Bouwhuis and Goos van Pelt will remain
actively involved with the business, while Helen Pels will continue her activities within W&S
until her retirement, ensuring valuable knowledge and relationships remain in place.

Founded in 1984, W&S has established itself as a trusted partner to electronics
manufacturers throughout the Benelux. Through its strengthened shareholder structure and
strategic partnership with DDJ Holdings, the company aims to further reinforce its position as
a leading provider of equipment, automation solutions and lifecycle services to the
electronics manufacturing industry

Contact:

Jochem Winkelman
Managing Director & Shareholder

+316 4817 8797
jwinkelman@wsbenelux.nl

Persbericht: Juni – 2026

W&S gaat nieuwe groeifase in dankzij strategisch partnerschap en nieuw leiderschap

W&S, een gevestigde distributeur en servicepartner van kapitaalgoederen,
automatiseringsoplossingen en lifecycle services voor de elektronica-industrie in de Benelux,
heeft een nieuw strategisch partnerschap en een versterkte aandeelhoudersstructuur
aangekondigd ter ondersteuning van de volgende groeifase van het bedrijf.

Als onderdeel van deze ontwikkeling is Jochem Winkelman toegetreden tot W&S als
investeerder en Managing Director. Met zijn ervaring in senior managementfuncties binnen
productie- en elektronicaorganisties zal hij leidinggeven aan de volgende groeifase van het
bedrijf, in samenwerking met strategisch partner DDJ Holdings, de groep achter Altus Group
in het Verenigd Koninkrijk en Ierland en Danutek in Centraal- en Oost-Europa.

Het partnerschap versterkt de langetermijnmarktpositie, technische expertise en
klantondersteuning van W&S, en creëert tegelijkertijd nieuwe mogelijkheden voor
samenwerking binnen de bredere groep.

Jochem Winkelman, Managing Director van W&S, zegt:
“W&S heeft in de afgelopen jaren een sterke reputatie opgebouwd op het gebied van
technische expertise, klantgerichtheid en servicekwaliteit. Door deze solide basis te
combineren met de ervaring, middelen en branchekennis binnen de bredere groep, creëren
we een sterker platform voor toekomstige groei, terwijl we de hechte klantrelaties en
technische ondersteuning behouden die onze klanten waarderen.”

De nieuwe structuur stelt W&S in staat haar verkoop-, service- en lifecycle
supportcapaciteiten verder uit te bouwen, zodat klanten de prestaties van hun apparatuur
kunnen maximaliseren, productie-efficiëntie kunnen verbeteren en hun
langetermijndoelstellingen op het gebied van productie kunnen ondersteunen.

Joe Booth, Chief Executive Officer van Altus Group, zegt:
“Wij zijn erg enthousiast over deze kans en kijken ernaar uit om de verdere ontwikkeling van
W&S te ondersteunen. Het bedrijf heeft een sterke reputatie in de Beneluxmarkt, langdurige
klantrelaties en een uitstekend portfolio van technologiepartners.

Met Jochem aan het roer en de ondersteuning van de bredere groep geloven wij dat W&S
uitstekend gepositioneerd is voor toekomstige groei. Door kennis, expertise en best practices
tussen onze organisaties te delen, kunnen wij de ondersteuning voor zowel klanten als
leveranciers in de regio verder versterken.”

Voor bestaande klanten en leveranciers blijft W&S opereren als de vertrouwde partner die zij
vandaag kennen. Bestaande contracten, serviceniveaus en lopende bedrijfsactiviteiten
blijven ongewijzigd.

Om continuïteit tijdens de overgang te waarborgen, blijven Ruud Bouwhuis en Goos van Pelt
actief betrokken bij het bedrijf. Daarnaast blijft Helen Pels haar werkzaamheden binnen W&S
voortzetten tot aan haar pensionering, zodat waardevolle kennis en relaties behouden
blijven.

Sinds de oprichting in 1984 heeft W&S zich ontwikkeld tot een vertrouwde partner voor
elektronicafabrikanten in de gehele Benelux. Met de versterkte aandeelhoudersstructuur en
het strategische partnerschap met DDJ Holdings wil het bedrijf zijn positie als
toonaangevende leverancier van apparatuur, automatiseringsoplossingen en lifecycle
services voor de elektronica-industrie verder versterken.

Contact:

Jochem Winkelman
Managing Director & Shareholder

+316 4817 8797
jwinkelman@wsbenelux.nl

JUKI gebruikersmeeting bij Confed Amersfoort

Op 18 september hebben we bij Confed in Amersfoort een geslaagde JUKI gebruikersmeeting georganiseerd. Samen met JUKI hebben we onze bezoekers bijgepraat over de nieuwste ontwikkelingen op het gebied van Pick & Place machines en software.

De rondleiding door de productieomgeving van Confed werd zeer gewaardeerd. Onze gasten waren onder de indruk van de innovatieve oplossingen die Confed toepast rondom de moderne JUKI SMT productielijn.

Deze nieuwe opzet voor onze gebruikersmeeting is zeer goed bevallen. We kijken uit naar de volgende editie!

Introducing the Heller MK7 Reflow Oven

Heller Industries has unveiled its latest innovation, the Heller MK7 Reflow Oven. This state-of-the-art reflow oven comes with a host of advanced features and cutting-edge technology, aimed at enhancing efficiency, precision, and sustainability in the production of electronic components.

Heller 1936 MK7 Reflow oven

The Next Evolution in Reflow Technology

The Heller MK7 Reflow Oven represents the next evolution in reflow technology, building upon the successes of its predecessors this oven addresses the ever-growing demands of the electronics industry. Designed with both productivity and sustainability in mind, the MK7 is set to become a favorite choice for manufacturers worldwide.

Key Features and Advantages

  • Smart Thermal Profiling: The MK7 oven is equipped with intelligent thermal profiling capabilities, enabling real-time adjustments to the temperature profile during the reflow process. This ensures optimal heat distribution and minimizes the risk of defects, resulting in higher-quality solder joints.
  • Eco-Friendly Design: In an era where environmental concerns are paramount, the Heller MK7 stands out with its eco-friendly design. The oven incorporates energy-efficient heating elements and advanced insulation materials, reducing power consumption and overall carbon footprint.
  • Enhanced User Interface: The Heller MK7 boasts a user-friendly interface, allowing operators to set up and monitor the reflow process with ease. Its intuitive controls and visual indicators enable quick and seamless operation, even for less-experienced personnel.
  • Advanced Conveyor System: The MK7 oven features a precision conveyor system, ensuring smooth and reliable movement of PCBs through the reflow process. This reduces the risk of misalignment or damage to delicate components, optimizing throughput and overall yield.
  • Industry 4.0 Integration: Embracing the concept of Industry 4.0, the Heller MK7 is equipped with smart connectivity options, enabling seamless integration with factory automation systems. This facilitates data exchange and provides valuable insights into production performance for better decision-making.
Heller MK7 advantages

Looking Towards the Future

With the introduction of the Heller MK7 Reflow Oven, the electronics manufacturing landscape is becoming more sustainable. The combination of smart features, user-friendliness, and environmental consciousness will help you to streamline production processes and raise the bar for product quality. Early adopters are expected to see immediate benefits in terms of increased productivity, reduced defects, and enhanced competitiveness.

Availability

The Heller MK7 models are available in the 1800, 1900, 2000 and 2100 series depending on the required throughput.

Introduction and overview

New website for Koh Young

The new Koh Young website is now online!

We are pleased to offer you an optimized and improved user experience. By revising our homepage, we will be able to offer you even more service and functionality in the future.

In addition to a modernized design that reflects the evolution of our company, we present you with a lot of new content and features on the new website. You will also now find regularly updated information about our products and services.

HELLER introduces the 1911MK5-VR nitrogen vacuum reflow oven

Heller 1911MK5-VR Nitrogen Vacuum Reflow Oven

Heller Industries 1911MK5-VR Nitrogen Vacuum reflow oven comprises 11 zones, a vacuum chamber, closed-loop nitrogen atmosphere control and Heller’s award-winning COOL-PIPE flux management system.

Of the oven’s 11 zones, ten deliver convection heating with one infra-red (IR) zone located strategically inside the oven’s vacuum chamber. This delivers proven advantages in void-less solder paste reflow processing, leading to long-term solder joint reliability.

The 1911MK5-VR delivers on ambitious performance metrics to help manufacturers streamline SMT assembly. It targets voiding ratios of less than 2% and cycle times of 40 seconds for single-lane implementation and 20 seconds for dual-lane systems. It maintains Heller’s solder paste reflow specification, including liquidous times of under 60 seconds. In addition, the oven is  suitable for high temperature applications up to 450°C.

Flux Free within the vacuum chamber. In-zone IR Heating prevents flux residues precipitating within the vacuum chamber routine lubrication PM every 4 months.

Advantages and unique features

  • 10 convection heating zones (top & bottom)
  • Replicate standard thermal profiles
  • 1 IR heating zone (Top)
  • Single lane EHC
  • Active heating through the vacuum phase
  • Nitrogen atmosphere
  • 3 cooling zones
  • Cycle times of 40 seconds
  • < 1% Void Rate – Heller vacuum reflow ovens provide best-in-class performance for removing voids in solder joints and interfaces.
  • No Solder or Flux Splatter – Heller vacuum pumps offer closed-loop control for a controlled multi-step pump down and re-fill. This prevents yield-killing solder and flux splatter that can occur with single stage, open-loop vacuum systems.
  • Heated Vacuum Chamber – Heaters allow for peak temperature to be reached inside the vacuum chamber for more process flexibility. High chamber temperatures ensure for no flux buildup inside the chamber.
  • Low Maintenance for Low Operating Costs – Advanced flux management systems allow for less periodic maintenance and fewer required consumables.
  • No Shifting Parts – Heller’s smooth-travel conveyor system ensures that components are not shifted or moved during travel throughout the oven. Boards on conveyor experience minimal vibration during travel – including entering and exiting the vacuum chamber.
  • Highest UPH – Heller vacuum reflow offers an optional dual rail conveyor, for the fastest throughput.
  • Leadership and Experience – With over 5 years’ experience in vacuum reflow, Heller Industries is recognized as a leading supplier of vacuum reflow technology.

Other Heller vacuum reflow models available;

  • Heller 1808MK5-VR (8 Heating Zones with a 2.6m Heated Length)
  • Heller 1808MK5-VHT (High Temperature 450°C)
  • Heller 2043MK5-VR (11 Heating Zones with a 4.3m Heated Length)
  • Heller 2156MK5-VR (15 Heating Zones with a 5.6m Heated Length)

This Vacuum Reflow Oven will be displayed during;
Heller / Europlacer Stand
SMT-Nuremberg Exhibition
Hall 4, Stand 4-259

EPM expands wave solder portfolio with EPM CORE

With the introduction of the EPM CORE we can offer our customers a compact inline soldering machine.

This new machine perfectly fills the gap between the table-top Mini Waver and the mid-range Economy machines.

As with all EPM soldering machines you can rely on the Swiss-made quality, robustness and the reliable soldering results.

EPM CORE CIG
EPM CORE 400 SIG

Please visit our EPM CORE page for more details.