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February 16, 2005

Calumet Electronics Corporation Adds Plasma

Calumet Electronics Corporation (Calumet) recently purchased March Plasma System's Model PCB-800 plasma treatment system to enhance their printed circuit broad manufacturing capabilities. Their need for plasma processing is driven by a growing market for applications requiring three-point etch back processing (a three-point connection at the inner layer post), and materials that contain higher Tg blend epoxies including Bismalemide Triazine (BT) and Polymide.

When asked why Calumet purchased the March Plasma system, Elden Hendrickson, Jr. - Procurement Manager replied, "We have always been committed to continuous improvement focused on 100% customer satisfaction." We did extensive research to insure the best ROI. We polled our material suppliers, visited several production facilities that own March Plasma Systems' equipment, and met with the March team at their Florida facilities. The results showed that the March Plasma Systems PCB-800 was the best choice for our needs."

While the PCB-800 plasma system was initially purchased for three-point etch back capability, Calumet established that plasma treatment was also more effective for pre-treating materials such as polymides and BTs prior to electro-less copper processing. Plasma increases the surface energy, providing for excellent lamination and wettability for plating through-holes.

About Calumet
Since 1968, Calumet's been manufacturing hi-reliability printed circuit boards. Every board is proudly built in the security of its Calumet, MI, USA facility. The company is registered as a Small Business by the SBA and a certified HUBZone Enterprise. Financial strength is continually rated at 4A1 by D&B. Product realization is achieved within a quality system registered to ISO9001:2000 and certified by the Department of Defense to Military Performance Specifications for Printed Circuit Boards; MIL-PRF-31032 and MIL-PRF-55110. Corporate focus hasn't changed in 40 years; provide optimum value in every board and to every relationship! At 40, Calumet remains committed to providing value beyond performance!

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