At Koh Young, we take pride in helping innovative manufacturers like Alan Anderson Manufacturing Ltd (AA) raise their quality standards and maintain their competitive edge.
Alan Anderson Manufacturing Ltd (AA), established in 2022, is a subsidiary of Castello Holding Company Ltd and is based in Hemel Hempstead. The company has evolved from a single SMT line into a dynamic Contract Electronics Manufacturer with two fully equipped SMT lines, supporting consistent growth and rising customer demand.
Offering services including prototyping, SMT and conventional PCB assembly, selective soldering, conformal coating, and advanced inspection, the company has always focused on delivering reliable, high-quality solutions tailored to customer needs. As their production capabilities expanded, the leadership team recognized the need to further enhance inspection processes to keep pace with increased volume and complexity.
The Challenge
As AA Manufacturing grew, the limitations of their earlier benchtop inspection systems, including a Mirtec AOI, became more apparent. With the introduction of a second SMT line and more intricate PCBA designs, they needed an inspection solution that would deliver faster, more accurate results while integrating seamlessly with their automated processes. Phil Bray, Managing Director at Alan Anderson Manufacturing, shared:
“Alan Anderson has been on a remarkable journey in recent years, consistently going from strength to strength—not only in bringing on new customers but also in developing our internal processes to the highest standards. This momentum shows no sign of slowing, and we have ambitious plans for the future.”
To support this trajectory, it became essential to invest in a next-generation system that could handle higher batch sizes, maintain and increase technical inspection capabilities, and reduce reliance on manual processes. The objective was to uphold their high standards of quality control, improve yields, and reinforce confidence in their results.
This prompted the search for a more advanced solution that could keep pace with their growth while delivering enhanced process optimization and actionable data to support continuous improvement.
The Solution
After a thorough evaluation of available options, Alan Anderson chose the Koh Young Zenith Alpha HS+ 3D AOI system. The decision was driven by a shared commitment to process excellence and confidence in our proven technology.
Advanced 3D Inspection Capabilities
The Zenith Alpha HS+ employs four projectors and DLP technology to deliver 100% 3D inspection coverage. This capability allows it to inspect components up to 25mm tall, accommodating the latest high-density designs and complex geometries found in modern assemblies. The system’s sub-micron measurement precision ensures even the smallest deviations are detected, which is essential for maintaining the highest quality standards.
Automation and High Throughput
Designed for inline operation, the Zenith Alpha HS+ integrates seamlessly into production lines. It enables high-speed, automated inspection without compromising accuracy or repeatability. With the right handling equipment, the system supports high-volume production, reducing the need for manual intervention and improving overall throughput across multiple lines.
Process Optimization with KSMART
The system is equipped with Koh Young’s proprietary KSMART software suite. KSMART enables real-time statistical analysis and provides actionable insights to help the Alan Anderson team improve yields, reduce waste, and ensure all production processes operate at peak efficiency. By leveraging this data-driven approach, the team can proactively fine-tune performance and drive continuous improvement.
Ease of Use and Future Readiness
The Zenith Alpha HS+ is designed to be operator-friendly, with intuitive interfaces and straightforward programming that simplify setup and daily operation. This ease of use helps operators quickly build confidence in the inspection results and streamlines production processes. Additionally, the system’s versatility ensures Alan Anderson can adapt to evolving product designs and increasing complexity without being limited by inspection technology.
The Outcome
Since installing the Koh Young Zenith Alpha HS+, Alan Anderson Manufacturing has significantly advanced its inspection capabilities. The combination of true 3D measurement, automation, and KSMART analytics has strengthened their quality control, improved throughput, and reduced the need for manual rework.
Phil Bray reflected on the decision, “The reputation of Koh Young and Altus in the market is clearly outstanding; a glance at their recent news and extensive partner list confirms they are a standout in technology. For us, the decision to invest in the market’s leading 3D AOI solution is driven by a commitment to quality—not simply to catch non-conformities, but to equip our team with the tools needed to measure deviations from perfection and ultimately drive yield improvements. Our customers expect best in class, and that is what we are committed to deliver.”
“Alan Anderson is an exciting organization with significant momentum, and it’s a pleasure to support them as they continue to grow,” said Joe Booth, CEO at Altus Group. “They’re making bold investments in new processes and bringing a positive energy and strong ambition to the UK CEM space. I’m delighted they’ve chosen to invest in a new Koh Young system. This investment takes their inspection process to a new level of automation, with improved handling and a greater level of confidence in the results. When combined with KSMART data, it will ensure they are operating with the highest efficiency.”
By partnering with Koh Young and Altus, Alan Anderson has positioned itself to sustain its growth, confidently take on new opportunities, and deliver consistent, high-quality results to customers. We are proud to be part of their journey.
To learn more, visit www.kohyoungamerica.com and www.aa-manufacturing.co.uk.
