Derek Bannon, who recently joined the Company as a Quality Manager, has completed the rigorous, 5 day training course with a local vendor… and is now fully qualified to administer internal workmanship training at GWT. GWT employees currently undergo an internal training program for IPC�610 revision E workmanship training.

GWT has just added a Certified IPC Trainer to its staff. Kathy Griego completed the rigorous 4 day course to achieve the necessary certification. IPC training classes will now be conducted on-site going forward. This enhances an already very effective, ISO grounded program structured around competency based training.

GWT recently reorganized its plant floor layout to minimize contact between non-ESD protected people and the assemblies in process. Also, documents that accompany jobs are placed in anti-static bags to further protect the PCBAs they accompany. Lastly, all workstations have been equipped with continuous wrist strap monitoring devices that will sound an alarm if ESD protection lapses.

Readying itself for the aerospace and military markets, Golden West Technology took a significant step by achieving AS9100 registration in June of 2007. Over the past six months, the company has upgraded and implemented a more stringent set of quality processes and documentation culminating in the approval of its quality system in a 3 day audit by our Registrar, NSF-ISR Ltd. AS9100 fully incorporates the entirety of the current version of ISO 9000 while adding additional requirements relating to quality and safety. Furthermore, potential customers have the ability to tap into the OASIS Database to scrutinize GWT�s quality performance going forward. The bottom line is�GWT is working hard every day to improve its quality programs for the benefit of all its customers.

Golden West Technology has thoroughly addressed BGA X-RAY inspection by acquiring a Nicolet NXR 1400-I X-Ray inspection machine. The Company previously had BGA placement and BGA rework capability, and this acquisition completes full exposure in that area and brings outside reliance on inspection�in-house. Recently, GWT made another investment in the inspection area by purchasing a Yes-Tech YTV-F1 Automated Optical Inspection unit. By embracing the robust features of enhanced technology and machine vision techniques, increased speed and consistency will be obtained by our inspection areas.