The World Leader in Ultrasonic Coating Systems
Sono-Tek creates a clear alternative to typical coating technologies by combining cutting edge technology, applications expertise, and a true passion for the coating process. We care deeply about our customers’ success, and it shows in our dedication to understanding our customers’ needs.
Our mission is to provide
- Proven, reliable full coating solutions
- Maximum process benefits for each customer
- Full service and support worldwide
Sono-Tek designs, builds, installs and services ultrasonic coating systems for R&D through high volume manufacturing operations worldwide. We have replaced or improved thousands of inefficient traditional coating methods in industries such as printed circuit board fluxing, electronics photoresist deposition, medical device coatings, and nanocoatings onto glass and textiles. In recent years, we have introduced our ultrasonic technology into many new markets by leveraging our unique technologies, vast application knowledge, and strong engineering team. For us, always developing means we are constantly finding new applications that benefit from our unique technology.
Our corporate culture is one of collaboration, problem-solving, and attention to detail, with one overall goal in mind – to create delighted customers.
Management Team
Dr. Christopher L. Coccio, Executive Chairman
Dr. Dr. Christopher L. Coccio joined the Company as a Director in 1998 and was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Sono-Tek in 2001. He was appointed Chairman in 2007. During his tenure as Chairman and CEO, Sono-tek grew from $2.5M in sales to $20M, and the share price went from pennies to $5-8 per share. The Company uplisted to Nasdaq in 2021 to increase Shareholder liquidity, and now trades at a significantly higher volume than before the uplisting. A key reason for our growth has been the diversification in applications of our innovative technology as well as a broad outreach beyond our domestic market. Today we serve customers in half a dozen application markets with approximately half our sales now to international customers. At the beginning of 2024, Dr. Coccio transitioned to Executive Chairman, where he can both lead the Board as well as assist the new CEO and our team in continuing our success going forward.
Earlier in his career, he held various engineering, sales, marketing and management positions at General Electric Company, with P&L responsibilities for up to $100 million in sales and 500 people throughout the United States. He also won an ASME Congressional Fellowship and served with the Senate Energy Committee in 1976. His business experience includes both domestic and international markets and customers. Dr. Coccio received a B.S.M.E. from Stevens Institute of Technology, an M.S.M.E. from the University of Colorado, and a Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Chemical Engineering.
R. Stephen Harshbarger, CEO & President
Mr. Harshbarger has over 30 years of experience in ultrasonic coating equipment for the electronics, medical device and advanced energy industries. He joined Sono-Tek in 1993 and was appointed President of the Company in 2012, elected a Director in 2013, and in August 2020, he assumed the Chief Operating Officer position as well. As President, he directed the Company’s Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Service, and Manufacturing Operations. Prior to becoming President, Mr. Harshbarger served as Sales Engineer, World-Wide Sales and Marketing Manager, Vice President & Director of Electronics and Advanced Energy (E&AE) and Executive Vice President. In his years managing the sales organization, Mr. Harshbarger established a worldwide distribution and representative network in more than 40 countries consisting of more than 300 people, and contributing to revenue growth of greater than 400%.
Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Harshbarger was the Sales and Marketing Manager for Plasmaco Inc., a world leader in the development of flat panel displays. In that position, he established that company’s distribution network, participated in venture capital funding, and introduced the first flat panel technology to Wall Street trading floors. Mr. Harshbarger is a graduate of Bentley University with a major in Finance and a minor in Marketing.
Stephen J. Bagley, CPA, Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Bagley joined the Company as Chief Financial Officer in 2005. From 1987 to 1991 he worked in public accounting in various capacities. From 1992 to 2005, he has held various leadership positions as Controller, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance for companies with up to $45,000,000 in revenues. Mr. Bagley earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The State University of NY – College at Oneonta and an MBA from Marist College. He was licensed as a CPA in 1990. Mr. Bagley served as a Trustee of the Board of Education for the New Paltz Central School District from 2010 to 2013.
Chris Cichetti, Vice President, Sales & Applications Engineering
Chris joined Sono-Tek in 2005 as an Electrical Engineer and has served as an Application Engineer, Senior Application Engineer, and Manager of the Application Engineering Department, prior to becoming a Vice President. Chris is responsible for both the Application Engineering group and Sono-Tek Lab Services. Chris has experience in lab testing, process development, project management, and has successfully implemented several important OEM relationships with both customers and vendors. He is a graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a major in Computer and Electrical Engineering and a minor in International Studies.
Maria Kuha, Vice President, Manufacturing Operations, Procurement & Logistics
Maria joined Sono-Tek in 2007. She was appointed VP, Manufacturing Operations, Procurement & Logistics in September 2022. Prior to assuming her present position, Mrs. Kuha served as Operations Director, Purchasing Manager, and several other positions within the procurement aspects of Sono-Tek; providing extensive expertise in several vital areas of Sono-Tek operations.
Prior to joining Sono-Tek, Maria held various positions in high tech manufacturing companies revolving around purchasing and operations. She holds an AAS in business from Dutchess community college.
