I have been asked quite often at training sessions, trade shows, and even on the phone; how do I know so many things about how component tapes work with pick and place equipment? I have come about the knowledge I have gained with over 38 years of experience in sales and service of  taping machines, tape feeders and pick & place machines.

Training people and customer service has been engrained in me since my first job at McDonalds back in 1976, starting as a crewperson, then a crew trainer, and finally as a store manager for many years. I got into the electronics industry in 1986 working for a Swiss based SMD taping machine manufacturer, Ismeca USA, servicing and then selling their equipment. In 1988 I started working for a German owned thru-hole taping machine manufacturer, Sillner USA, as National Sales Manager. While working for Sillner USA, I was introduced to the great people from Fritsch GMBH, who manufacture top of the line manual and semi-automatic pick and place equipment.

After meeting the folks from Fritsch, the owners’ son, the export sales manager, and I started Fritsch USA in 1990. As Co-Owner, I was responsible for adding complimentary equipment to sell in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Along with the pick and place machines, we now offered manual and semi-automatic printers and reflow ovens to complete a full line. In the mid 90s we added the new Fritsch automatic placement machines, larger floor model reflow ovens, board handlers, and our first complete line of tape splicing materials!

In 2004, we closed Fritsch USA, but with my current partner Curt Berstler (who worked for me at Fritsch USA), we started Smart Splice. Due to our extensive knowledge of the pick and place industry from beginning to end, we quickly became the recognized leader in tape splicing sales and support. Our goal is to make sure our customers know how to use our splicing products correctly. To this end, we started to focus on the service part of our business; so, at IPC/Apex 2020 we started putting our knowledge to good use and introduced the market to “Professor Splice”. With the introduction of Professor Splice and adding more products to make complete tape splicing solutions, including the addition of the first completely toolless double edge splice tape, our business took on a life of its own. The time has come to teach new operators how easy and stress-free tape splicing can be. We also want to help experienced operators who have had, or are still having bad splicing experiences, to see how the new toolless double edge tape splices are resolving these issues.

We now welcome you to the first of its kind, truly ground breaking tape splicing solution and training aid, SMART SPLICE UNIVERSITY!