History

Foundation of ASW GmbH by Jürgen Schaffhausen with the aim of developing and manufacturing handling devices for the electronics industry.

In addition to the company’s own high-quality products, simple devices from e-cube srl are also included in the product range.

The LP handling devices are being expanded with solutions for post-reflow AOI and SPI.

Expansion of the company to include a software department with the aim of developing applications for traceability.

First application cell for labeling barcodes on printed circuit boards is completed.

The SW application TRAIL (Traceability Layer), for the traceability of printed circuit boards in line segments, is used for the first time.

The company’s own handling devices are given a new design, which is also adopted by the Italian partner for the Genius series.

Project launch of the “TraceCube” traceability terminal.

Two co-shareholders take a stake and the company changes its name to e-cube GmbH. The participation of a sister company from Italy is intended to expand the distribution channels for the products in the European market. A co-partner becomes managing director for electronics and software development.

e-cube GmbH creates all control programs for the entire Genius series.

Development and market launch of VinCam.

The innovative verification and inspection camera system improves the process of classifying AOI results.

A new product series of handling devices is being developed as a modular system. The universal devices offer extensive options and customization possibilities.

The new handling devices have become bestsellers.

Separation from the Italian partner, contractually linked to the abandonment of the brand and the company has to change its name.
The company now operates under the name ACHAT Engineering GmbH.

The company’s products are offered under the new ACHAT 5 brand.

The new brand puts ergonomics and machine safety at the forefront.
A complete SMD line was installed at the EMS service provider Limtronik “smart Factory”.

Some VinCam systems have been installed in Denmark (climate control), France (automotive) and Ireland (automotive).

Expansion of the international sales network.

Achat installs a handling system with additional VinCam for the first time at an automotive customer in the USA, near Nashville (TN).
An SMD line was delivered to Russia via a partner.

A new transfer system for workpiece carriers was also developed this year. The systems are used in automated lines with integrated bonders.

Ground-breaking ceremony for the expansion of the buildings at the Lengede site. The office wing will be doubled in size, an intermediate floor will be installed in a section of the existing assembly hall and the production hall will be doubled in size next year.

The extension to the new production hall was occupied. A pleasant corporate culture develops with successful team events.

A ticket system with access for customers shows the status of the processing statuses.

Jürgen Schaffhausen takes first steps towards succession.

Agate celebrates its 20th anniversary

Nick Heronim becomes Managing Director of Operations.
Jürgen Schaffhausen remains Managing Director of Engineering.

Ground-breaking ceremony for the new future-oriented building
Doubling of production and office space with an innovative approach – everything revolves around production
(offices are located at the edge of production, so it only takes one step to be at the center of “production”).

Presentation of the new Harmonite product series