When a major printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturer asked Circuit Automation to redesign a machine for its Chinese operations, Omron technology helped meet production requirements, while Omron global support satisfied the customer on the frontline.

For over three decades, Huntington Beach, Calif.-based Circuit Automation, Inc., has been a leading provider of liquid photoimageable solutions. The company combines integrated design, manufacturing, and technology to provide high-quality, fully automatic coating and drying equipment, services, and support to manufacturing organizations worldwide.

Recently, when a global conglomerate with PCB manufacturing facilities in China made a strategic decision to go after new business in the smartphone sector, they turned to Circuit Automation. “The PCB manufacturer’s existing process was not providing satisfactory results, so they decided to look into our process, a double-sided fabrication photo mask for printed circuit boards,” says Yuki Kojima, vice president, operations, at Circuit Automation. “We eventually delivered a machine whose original design was done maybe a decade ago, but with redesigned control systems to meet the more demanding requirements of this customer.” According to Kojima, the machine employed about 12 axes of servo; in the original design, the sheer volume of wiring, particularly for the safety functions, was problematic. “I decided to use the Omron CJ-Series PLC with a MECHATROLINK-II position controller card and put Omron G5 servo drives on that system bus,” he says. “For I/O we use the DeviceNet bus system, and added the Omron NE1A safety PLC on that bus.”

Each year, our Big 50 List is the most widely read section in the magazine — and with good reason. It’s a great way to showcase the biggest names in distribution, along with brief recaps of what these companies have accomplished over the past year. But we found ourselves wondering… what about the companies that almost make it onto The Big 50 List? Or the ones who offer a product line that’s a bit more niche than the list typically highlights? Don’t these companies also deserve some recognition and the opportunity to showcase their accomplishments?

With this in mind, Industrial Distribution introduces The Big 50 Watch List. The next few pages will highlight eight special companies who have convinced us that they’re worth watching. Whether its new developments in value-added service, organic and external growth, or unique programs for employees, each one showcases the kind of strength of purpose that propels our industry forward.

Valin Corporation
Headquarters: Sunnyvale, CA
Core Products: Process control, automation
www.valin.com

Valin is a leading distributor of process control, fluid handling, measurement, heating, filtration, and automation products and systems for a wide range of high purity and industrial applications. Valin represents brand-leading manufactures, offering comprehensive solutions to the process markets including technology, life sciences, energy, and transportation.

Sunnyvale, CA  February 23, 2012 - Valin Corporation, a distributor of process control and automation products and services, has announced that it is now ISO 9001 Certified. The certification is accredited by BSI, the world leader in standards and quality management services.

The certification of ISO 9001 recognizes that the policies, practices and procedures of our company ensure consistent quality in the products and services we provide our customers. With this certfication, our customers can be confident that Valin is dedicated to maintaining the highest efficiency, responsiveness and exceptional service.

January 1, 2012 - Technical Controls and Valin Corporation are pleased to announce the joining of our two companies. Our organization will now operate as Valin Corporation.

Our combined resources will allow us to enhance our services, while providing you with an even broader range of top-quality products and additional technical expertise. As always, you can continue to rely on our timely and professional customer support and our large inventory of products.

The management teams of Technical Controls and Valin Corporation have worked collaboratively in the past and are committed to integrating our operations quickly and efficiently. We hope you share our enthusiasm for this new and exciting association, and we thank you for your loyalty and support. We look forward to continuing to earn your valued business. Please call us if you have any questions or if we can assist you in any way.

January 1, 2012 - Fluid Conditioning and Valin Corporation are pleased to announce the joining of our two companies. Our organization will now operate as Valin Corporation.

Our combined resources will allow us to enhance our services, while providing you with an even broader range of top-quality products and additional technical expertise. As always, you can continue to rely on our timely and professional customer support and our large inventory of products.

The management teams of Fluid Conditioning and Valin Corporation have worked collaboratively in the past and are committed to integrating our operations quickly and efficiently. We hope you share our enthusiasm for this new and exciting association, and we thank you for your loyalty and support. We look forward to continuing to earn your valued business. Please call us if you have any questions or if we can assist you in any way.

It is our pleasure to announce that Valin Corporation of Sunnyvale, California has acquired Pacific PowerTech LLC (PPT) of Portland, OR. Pacific PowerTech LLC (PPT) will now operate as Valin Corporation.

This acquisition will provide Pulp and Paper, and Industrial customers with a new line of suppliers featuring broader complementary product offerings and expert engineering and field service support.

NAW INSTITUTE FOR DISTRIBUTION EXCELLENCE ELECTS NEW CHAIRMAN

AND TWO NEW DIRECTORS TO 2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joseph Nettemeyer, President and CEO, Valin Corporation, Takes Helm

as Chairman of NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence

(April 25, 2011, Washington, DC) — Directors of the NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence, during its Spring Meeting in Washington, DC, this week, elected Joseph Nettemeyer as 2011 Chairman of the Board. Mr. Nettemeyer is President and CEO of Valin Corporation, headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA.

It is our pleasure to announce that Valin Corporation of Sunnyvale, California has acquired Systems Measurement Services LP (SMS) of Bakersfield, California. Systems Measurement Services LP (SMS) will now operate as Valin Corporation.

We strive to be a valued partner to our customers, and through this acquisition we now provide our Energy customers with better solutions through application design, manufacturing of custom process systems, and leading technologies. From net oil solutions, oilfield processing, custody transfer measurement, our experts are here to help you achieve your goals to improve specific process application.

It is our pleasure to announce that Valin Corporation of Sunnyvale, California has acquired Automation Controls Group, Inc. of Campbell, California. Automation Controls Group, Inc. will now operate as Valin Corporation.

This acquisition will provide Industrial, Semiconductor and Sanitary customers with a new line of suppliers featuring broader complementary product offerings and expert engineering and application support.

It is our pleasure to announce that Valin Corporation of Sunnyvale, California has acquired Sharman Company, Inc. of Walnut Creek, CA. The distribution company will now operate as Valin Corporation.

This acquisition will provide our Environmental, Municipal, Process and Industrial customers with a new line of suppliers with broader complementary product offerings and value added engineering and application support.