ITW EAE has completed its first USA-built Vitronics Soltec Centurion reflow oven at its Camdenton, Missouri facility. The November 11 announcement marks a key step in the company’s plan to expand domestic manufacturing and balance production with its long-running site in Suzhou, China.
In the past, Centurion systems were built offshore. By adding Centurion production to Camdenton, ITW EAE gives North American electronics manufacturers a U.S.-based source for a flagship reflow platform. The Missouri plant already builds Electrovert wave soldering and cleaning systems, so the team is familiar with complex thermal equipment and long lifecycle support.
Why Centurion reflow oven production in Missouri matters
The Centurion reflow oven is used on high-throughput SMT lines where stable thermal profiles and tight process control are critical. Moving production closer to many end users can shorten delivery cycles and reduce logistics risk for EMS providers and OEMs. For manufacturing engineers, that can translate into easier planning for line upgrades and new product introductions.
ITW EAE says Camdenton will ramp up Centurion configurations through 2026, including 12- and 17-zone models aimed at advanced PCB assemblies. The same test standards and performance checks will apply in both Missouri and Suzhou, so customers can specify equipment based on lead time, service access, and regional support rather than origin alone.
For Despatch readers, the move highlights a broader trend. Thermal process tools for electronics —reflow ovens, curing ovens, and related systems— are increasingly built closer to the factories that run them. That supports tighter collaboration on profiles, energy use, and uptime across the full line, from reflow to batch or conveyor ovens used for curing, drying, or pre-bake steps.
What to watch next
Process engineers and operations teams should watch how quickly Centurion lead times improve as Camdenton output grows. It will also be worth tracking how many North American PCB manufacturers choose U.S.-built systems for new lines or replacements over the next 12–18 months.
Image & article scource ITW EAE
