In the spring of 1994, two colleagues – with a shared vision of what the semiconductor industry needed in terms of support for reliability testing – took a leap of faith. Declan Brosnan and Paul Comerford left their jobs and established Abrel—Advanced Burn-in and Reliability—in a modest starter unit in Ballysimon, Limerick. Three decades later, their gamble has paid off spectacularly, with Abrel emerging as a global leader in semiconductor testing solutions.
From Local Startup to Global Pioneer
The early days of Abrel were marked by hard work, determination and good strategic thinking. Without the luxury of email or social media, the founders relied on personal contacts and “feet on the ground” to secure their first international clients. Their initial focus was on Europe’s “Silicon Glen” in Scotland and on the German market, which was buoyant. This international focus from the outset, which was essential in this sector, laid the foundation for Abrel to become a truly global enterprise.
“We were an export company from the get-go,” recalls Declan Brosnan, reflecting on those early years. The company’s willingness to follow the semiconductor industry’s geographical shifts proved crucial to its success. As manufacturing moved to South East Asia in the early 2000s, Abrel adapted, establishing a strong presence in the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand through strategic partnerships with local distributors. “If we needed to jump on a plane, we jumped on a plane” Declan explained.
Evolution Through Innovation
What began as a specialised manufacturer of burn-in boards has evolved into a comprehensive solutions provider. The company’s product portfolio now includes:
A significant milestone came in 2007 with the introduction of the Endzone Burn-in System, which has since become an industry standard platform for semiconductor testing across Asia, Europe, and the USA.
Embracing Automation and Sustainability
The company’s commitment to innovation extends beyond its products. In 2022-2023, Abrel completed a multi-million euro investment in automation, introducing state-of-the-art equipment including:
- Advanced Screen Printing technology
- Pick and Place Robotics
- Reflow Machines
- Automatic Stencil and Solder Wave Equipment
This investment not only enhanced production capabilities but it also aligned with Abrel’s commitment to sustainability, culminating in achieving ISO 14001 certification in 2023.
Building on Strong Foundations
As Abrel celebrates its 30th anniversary, the company stands stronger than ever. The recent rebranding in 2023, which introduced the tagline ‘Your Trusted Burn-In Partner’, reflects both its heritage and future aspirations. The company’s core values of flexibility, knowledge, competence, reliability, and innovation continue to drive its success.
Looking ahead, Abrel is well-positioned to tackle emerging challenges in the semiconductor industry. With the rise of IoT, machine learning, and AI, the company is on its toes and ready to move with the latest advances in tech.
A Legacy of Partnership
“We’ve stayed really close to our clients; physically going where they go, listening to their feedback, anticipating what they’re going to need and maintaining key relationships over the long-term,” explains Declan Brosnan. “Being extremely customer focussed is probably an ethos, not a secret!”
This customer-centric approach has served Abrel well through economic downturns, Brexit, COVID-19, and various global challenges. As the company enters its fourth decade, it continues to demonstrate the same adaptability and forward-thinking that has characterised its first 30 years.
From its humble beginnings in Limerick to its current position as a global leader in semiconductor testing solutions, Abrel’s journey represents a remarkable Irish success story. As the semiconductor industry continues to evolve, Abrel stands ready to meet new challenges and opportunities, maintaining its position at the forefront of reliability testing innovation.
Looking to the Future
With emerging markets in Brazil and Vietnam, new technologies on the horizon, and an ever-evolving semiconductor landscape, Abrel’s 30th anniversary marks not just a celebration of past achievements, but a launching pad for future innovations. The company’s commitment to quality, evidenced by its ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001 certifications, positions it perfectly for continued growth and success in the decades to come.
