Jan 26, 2009 
1. Which new product developments and technologies in the surface mount sector has High-Tech Conversions been focusing on in the past year?
We have been focusing on �green� products. We will be introducing a new product line called friendly greenTM. Two of the wipes from this product line are comprised of 100 percent recycled, biodegradable fiber. At least 80 percent of these fibers will be from post-consumer products. Even the box is made from recycled fiber! This is an effort to help reduce the destruction of old growth forests around the world. friendly greenTM can be used in the assembly area, light industrial settings and in any laboratory.
A friendly greenTM wet wipe is also being introduced. This product is comprised of a very special, low linting and new type of cotton fabric. It is, of course, biodegradable and saturated with a biodegradable cleaning solution that is extremely effective in cleaning stencils. friendly greenTM wet wipes will effectively remove non-reflowed solder paste that includes leaded, lead-free, no-clean, water-soluble and rosin. It is aggressive, non-flammable, non-corrosive, VOC compliant, environmentally safe and CFC-free, and has a pleasant scent. Most importantly, it is safe on stencils and humans.
2. Why is High-Tech Conversions so important to the current electronics industry? What do you provide that competitors cannot?
We believe we are more innovative and can better fill the needs of our customers. We consistently offer fresh new products at very competitive prices. It is usually very easy to figure the return on investment when using our products.
We offer high quality and do not play the �we are cheaper� game. We guarantee all of our products and can customize a product if necessary. Because we are not a huge corporation, we are nimble and can respond to customer needs in minutes, not months. There is no bureaucracy here!
We also keep a robust inventory so that our customers are never out of product. Service is a very important aspect of our business. Very often we are told that it is a pleasure working with us. As a result, some very close relationships have been formed. When you call us, the phone is almost always answered by a live person. We have a simple rule: treat others as you want to be treated.
3. Briefly describe the AQUAVATOR, your newest stencil wiping fabric. What advantages does this provide customers?
THE AQUAVATORTM stencil wiping fabric is remarkable! This truly is a revolutionary new development within the science of automatic stencil cleaning and it offers many benefits. The main breakthrough with this product is that you just add water. That's huge because no longer is there a need for the use of hazardous chemicals that are flammable or unhealthy for people and the environment. Simply add water.
THE AQUAVATORTM has harmless cleaning agents embedded throughout the ESD fibers that aggressively clean the stencil. Water activates this cleaning agent, which cuts through solder paste with ease. Besides being safer for people, the environment and stencils, it eliminates spill concerns, flammability/explosion concerns, VOC issues, hazardous transportation concerns, shelf-life concerns and the high costs of toxic chemicals.
Lead-Free Compatibility/Aggressive Cleaning Surface � Because lead-free solder paste is more difficult to clean, a more aggressive cleaning surface is necessary and has been developed. The unique fiber composition of THE AQUAVATORTM is conducive to cleaning and collecting the weakened solder paste between the deep crevices of its fibrous network. THE AQUAVATORTM does not use weak flat paper fibers that tend to push and smear. Instead, it is comprised of thick, coarse multi-oriented fibers that scrape and plow solder paste into the multitude of �nooks and crannies� that only THE AQUAVATORTM provides. This product cleans so aggressively that it can actually be used dry. Of course, why not �aquavate� the embedded cleaning agents for optimum results?
Vacuum Compatible � The fiber composition of THE AQUAVATORTM is designed to provide the highest possible porosity. This allows maximum utilization of the vacuum system on screen printers; hence, solder paste vacuuming from stencil apertures is fierce and extremely efficient.
ESD � Patent pending, THE AQUAVATORTM is the only stencil wiping fabric that is truly ESD. Companies spend millions making sure everything is ESD safe within the assembly area. The simple action of rolling and unrolling non ESD polyester/paper will cause static build- up on the roll that sits in the machine next to your components. Furthermore, the wiping action on a metal stencil that sits in the middle of a nylon mesh also creates static. Arcing can and will occur under these conditions. Why bring this dangerous static so close to your valuable circuit boards?
4. How does Blue Thunder Technologies fit in with High-Tech Conversions?
The difference is simple. High-tech Conversions Inc. is a manufacturer and sells through a network of distributors around the world. Most of the products that High-tech Conversions manufactures are related to specialized cleaning, i.e., wipes, presaturated wipes, cleanroom wipes, medical wipes, stencil wiping rolls and much more.
Blue Thunder Technologies is a distributor located in the Northeast and is successfully supplying customers throughout the United States. Blue thunder Technologies supplies many other products that are unrelated to High-tech Conversions, i.e., gloves, garments, swabs soldering supplies, soldering equipment, cleanroom and assembly furniture, magnifying equipment, ESD tools, grounding straps and much more.
Both companies have experienced double-digit growth since they were founded and continue to do so. This is because of the practices and ideals stated above. However, the great team of people that make up both companies is the real reason we do so well. Also, we choose to not participate in recessions and economic slow-downs!
5. How does the rest of 2008 and into 2009 look for High-Tech Conversions?
We are excited about the rest of 2008 and 2009! We continue to grow and obtain new business. Mostly through word of mouth as we virtually do not advertise. We have been told that we are �a very well kept secret.� Our products and actions speak loudly. We are adding employees and will be moving to a new facility soon as we have outgrown our current one again! We do what we have to do to grow. Words like �go with the flow,� �let's see what happens,� �average� and �status quo� are terms that are not used here.
