From Prototype to Production: How Headhunter Inc. Scaled Their Marine Electronics Manufacturing

Innovation at sea requires more than just good ideas; it requires hardware that can withstand the most demanding environments. For over three decades, Headhunter Inc. has been a leader in that space, providing the marine industry with world-class sanitation and plumbing solutions.

Andres Ortega, Headhunter Inc., holding a circuit board produced with Manncorp equipment.

From their ISO 9001-certified facility, Headhunter designs and manufactures a vast range of products, including their signature Royalflush toilets, advanced water pressure systems, sewage treatment plants, and sophisticated fluid monitoring sensors. Their technology is the backbone of plumbing systems found on everything from ultra-luxury motor yachts and offshore drilling rigs to fast ferries and workboats.

As the complexity of marine electronics continues to evolve, Headhunter recognized the need to bring more of their manufacturing in-house to maintain their strict standards for quality and reliability. Their journey to full-scale production began in 2024 with a strategic move that quickly grew into a complete SMT (Surface Mount Technology) assembly line.

The Foundation: The MC389

In 2024, Headhunter’s team, led by Andres Ortega, took the first major step in modernizing their assembly process by acquiring the MC389 High-Speed Pick and Place machine from Manncorp. This machine provided the precision and speed necessary to handle their increasingly complex circuit board designs, setting the stage for what was to come.

2025: Completing the Line with Record Speed

By 2025, the benefits of the MC389 were undeniable. The increased efficiency and control over their electronic components proved so beneficial that Headhunter decided to take the next leap to become a truly full-scale production facility.

To round out their SMT line, they looked to add the AP435 Automatic Stencil Printer and the CR5000 Reflow Oven. One of the biggest highlights of this expansion was the availability of the equipment. Andres was incredibly impressed to find that both the AP435 and the CR5000 were in stock for very fast delivery. In an industry where equipment lead times can often cause major project delays, getting these machines on the floor and running almost immediately was a game-changer.

Expert Support: The Andy Scheer Advantage

While the hardware provided the capability, the partnership provided the confidence. A major factor in the success of this transition was the hands-on service and training provided by Manncorp technician Andy Scheer.

Andres noted how happy he was with Andy’s expertise. Beyond just the physical setup of the new line, Andy provided the thorough training necessary to ensure the Headhunter team could maximize the potential of their new equipment. This level of dedicated support ensured that the transition to a full-scale facility was seamless and efficient.

Looking Ahead

With a full-scale production line now humming at their facility, Headhunter Inc. is better positioned than ever to provide the high-reliability electronics that the marine world depends on. By combining their decades of industry expertise with the latest in SMT technology, they are ensuring that "Sanitation and Plumbing Products That Work" remains more than just a slogan—it’s a guarantee.