Rainbow hails circuit board breakthrough

By SCOTT REID
Published on 03/02/2013 00:00

A TECHNOLOGY firm run by industry veteran Jonathan Kennett is to ramp up production and staffing as it launches a “revolutionary” way to make printed circuit boards (PCBs).

Glasgow-based Rainbow Technology Systems was founded by Kennett in 2005 and is conducting advanced tests on its new system, said to be more cost-effective, quicker and greener than traditional methods of PCB manufacturing.

The firm – which has “strategic alliances” with several companies, including 3M – has taken an additional 600 square metres of space, doubling the size of its Hillington Park base, and plans to hire more 
staff in the coming months, primarily on the production front.

Last year its headcount more than doubled to 15 as it made key appointments in engineering, marketing, production and sales.

Kennett, whose 40 years of industry experience include the launch of 
Renfrewshire engineering company Teknek in the 
early 1980s, said Rainbow has started 2013 in a strong position.

“Manufacturers are telling us we have a process that represents a step change in the way PCBs are made,” he said.

“The equipment is now undergoing beta testing and we are following up the numerous sales enquiries we have from across the world.

“This has given us the confidence to expand our headquarters building. 
We have taken over an additional 600sq m, which will be used primarily for production of the Rainbow system.”

The new technology is currently being tested by “one of the world’s top-ten PCB manufacturers” based in the United States.

The compact self-contained unit used in the process does not require a “clean room” environment.