30 Years of Partnership Between Europlacer and BTU

A Lasting Collaboration — Technological and Human

During the Global Industrie trade show, Europlacer wanted to celebrate a key milestone in its history: 30 years of partnership with BTU International.

To reflect on this exceptional collaboration, Kasia Talec, Head of Marketing & Communication at Europlacer, spoke with Oliver Wehner, Director of European Business Development at BTU International, and Philippe Fauconnier, BTU Product Manager at Europlacer.

Kasia Talec (Europlacer)

Oliver, 30 years of collaboration is quite exceptional. If you had to get to the heart of it, how would you describe this partnership between our companies?

Oliver Wehner (BTU International)

“I would say that this partnership rests on three pillars: trust, complementarity, and a long-term vision. Since 1996, we have worked together in a transparent relationship, built on listening and technical exchange.

BTU brings its technological expertise; Europlacer contributes its industry field presence and process mastery. This complementary balance allows us to move forward together sustainably, with a shared ambition: customer satisfaction.”

Kasia Talec (Europlacer)

Looking now from the customers’ perspective, how does this synergy translate solidly into the projects you carry out together?

Oliver Wehner (BTU International)

“For customers, the main advantage is access to a complete and coherent solution.

With Europlacer, BTU reflow ovens are integrated into a complete SMT line: screen printing, placement, conveying, inspection, and reflow. This ensures high performance, strong reliability, and full process control.

Customers also benefit from strong, responsive local support with a high level of technical expertise.”

Kasia Talec (Europlacer)

Philippe, from Europlacer’s side, what do you think explains the strength and longevity of this partnership?

Philippe Fauconnier (Europlacer)

“The strength of this partnership is built above all on a very natural alignment between our two companies. We share the same values, with a strongly customer-oriented approach.

It is also important to highlight that this partnership extends beyond Europlacer’s own customers, and even beyond the field of electronics assembly.

Over the years, strong relationships have been built between our teams, making the collaboration both effective and very fluid.”

Kasia Talec (Europlacer)

Stepping back a little — what do these 30 years of partnership personally mean to you, Oliver?

Oliver Wehner (BTU International)

“It is obviously very meaningful on a personal level. I started working in SMT in 1992 and have been with BTU since 1995. The partnership with Europlacer began in 1996 — that represents almost my entire career.

We have grown together, learned together, and built relationships founded on trust and even friendship. Today, there is a genuine mutual understanding and a real ease of communication. Above all, it has been a human adventure.”

Philippe Fauconnier (Europlacer)

“For me too, these 30 years represent a truly human story.

Beyond the machines and the projects, these are people who have worked alongside each other for a long time, who know and trust one another.

We have shared successes, risen to challenges, and at times navigated complex situations together. It is precisely all of this that builds a solid and lasting relationship.”

Kasia Talec (Europlacer)

To conclude, Oliver — how do you see the next steps of our collaboration?

Oliver Wehner (BTU International)

“After 30 years of collaboration and more than 300 ovens installed by Europlacer, this partnership continues to evolve and grow stronger.

I am convinced that the next ten years will be even more innovative, even more exciting… and just as fruitful. Onwards to 40 years!”

Kasia Talec (Europlacer)

“Thank you, Oliver, and thank you, Philippe, for this conversation. These 30 years reflect a strong collaboration built on trust, expertise and a truly human dimension.

We are proud of this partnership with BTU International… and excited to write the next chapter. See you at 40 years!”