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Alpha Metals, Inc. 600 Route 440 Jersey City, NJ 07304 (201) 434-6778 (201) 434-6548 fax

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Cookson Electronics and Partners Launch Suite of Lead-Free Electronic Assembly Training Courses

Jersey City, NJ, November 29, 2004 – Cookson Electronics Assembly Materials and its partner Automated Learning Corp. (ALC) announce the launch of their suite of lead-free assembly training courses. This suite of technical training courses is part of Automated Learning’s acclaimed LearnTech® series. Its modular interactive multimedia learning approach is designed for process engineers, managers and senior operators involved in the implementation and management of lead-free electronic assembly processes.

Business Electronic Soldering Technologies (BEST) is a key contributor in the first product in the suite -- Lead-Free Soldering: Orientation. Additional LearnTech® lead-free training courses will cover the following subjects: Rework, Wave Soldering and Surface Mount Technology. More courses will follow these, and translated versions will be offered initially in German and Chinese.

"Cookson Electronics has put together a strong team of contributors to make these exceptional lead-free training courses a reality for the assembly industry," said Gerry Campbell, Cookson Electronics' Global Product Manager. "At Cookson Electronics we want to provide the technology leadership and training to make the challenging transition to lead-free as smooth as possible. Partnering with ALC and BEST, leaders in e-learning and workforce training, is allowing us to do just that."

Legislation in Europe and environmental issues in Japan are driving the transition to lead-free processing. The expectation is that many global electronic assemblers who want to participate in international markets will implement leadfree processes. However, the shift to lead-free is not a simple "quick fix" – it requires planning, time, and management of key challenges. Proper training in lead-free technologies and practices can help accelerate a company’s ability to make the transition. LearnTech® training courses incorporate interactive learning checks throughout the instructional sequences and include a criterion-referenced and module-based test, with feedback on every response for enhanced learning.

About Cookson Electronics Assembly Materials
Cookson Electronics Assembly Materials, a Cookson Electronics company, is the global leader in the development, manufacturing and sales of innovative materials used in electronic assembly processes. With a unique worldwide
presence in 50 locations throughout the Americas, Europe and the Asia/Pacific region, CEAM supplies a full line of Solder Paste, Stencils, Squeegee Blades, Stencil & PCB Cleaners, Bar Solder, Cored Wire Solder, Wave Soldering Fluxes, and SMD Adhesives. CE Analytics is Cookson’s resource for diagnostics solutions, analytical services and applications expertise. Cookson Electronics Semiconductor Packaging is the leader in EMC and polymeric materials for semiconductor packaging. SCS is the global leader in innovative coating solutions for electronics and medical applications. Since its founding in 1872, Cookson has been committed to developing and manufacturing the highest quality soldering materials. That tradition continues today through its innovative products, including its line of environmentally friendly, lead-free electronic assembly products. For more information, visit www.alphametals.com.

About Automated Learning Corporation (ALC)
ALC is a leading e-learning company focused on workforce skills training for manufacturing and field-service personnel. In addition to off-the-shelf courses, ALC has extensive design and development capabilities to deliver fully customized training solutions that meet specific customer needs. ALC serves a global market from North America to Singapore, with customers ranging from multinational OEM manufacturers to small, single location EMS companies.
www.automatedlearning.com

About Business Electronics Soldering Technologies (BEST)
BEST specializes in offering products that streamline hand soldering, rework and repair, which also includes lead-free soldering products. BEST is an IPC Certified Center offering Instructor and Operator soldering courses for IPC-A-610, J-STD- 001, IPC 7711/7721 as well as customized classes to meet specific standards or criteria.
www.solder.net

Click here to see our Lead-Free Soldering Suite of courses