Kester Appoints Experienced Technology Manager to Solder Paste R&D

ITASCA, IL — July 2009 — Kester is pleased to announce appointment of Adrian Hawkins, Ph.D., to the role of Technology and Development Manager. Adrian’s primary responsibility will be to lead the Research & Development for Solder Paste in North America.

Dr. Hawkins comes to Kester with nearly 20 years of materials experience through his work at Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport, TN. He spent the last four years in the semiconductor industry at a start-up company called ZettaCore in Englewood, CO.

Dr. Hawkins obtained a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Arkansas in Monticello and a Ph.D. in Physical Organic Chemistry from the University of Arkansas.

Brian Smith, Kester’s Director of Marketing & Product Technology, stated, “We are thrilled to have Adrian on board to lead our new product development team for solder paste. This is just another move that underscores our commitment to innovative products for our current and future customers. It also clearly demonstrates our willingness to invest in our business, even when many companies are cutting back due to economic conditions.”

For more information about Kester’s full line of products and services, contact Kester by phone at (+1) 630-616-4000 or 800-2-KESTER (53-7837), or by e-mail at customerservice@kester.com. Kester’s Web site may be found at http://www.kester.com.

Founded in 1899, Kester is a world-renowned supplier of solder and related materials and services to the electronics assembly, micro-component, and industrial soldering markets. Kester is known for high quality, advanced technology and superior technical support. With headquarters in Itasca, IL, Kester has additional manufacturing facilities in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Singapore, Germany, Japan, Brazil, Taiwan, Malaysia and China. Its worldwide manufacturing and technical capabilities provide the support required to serve major electronics manufacturing services providers and OEMs.