EMS@C-LEVEL: Recent Episodes
Philip Spagnoli Stoten
As Forbes, Entrepreneur, Fast Company and SCOOP writer, Philip Stoten, continues to talk to EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services) executives he learns more about their individual and collective experiences and expectations for the electronic manufacturing industry.
Policy is moving faster than most electronics companies can adapt, and the stakes are no longer limited to margins and lead times. When tariffs, incentives, and industrial strategy change overnight, the entire electronics supply chain feels it, from electronics manufacturing services (EMS) and PCB production to IC substrates, components, and OEM sourcing decisions.
I’m joined by Chris Mitchell Vice President for Global Government Relations at the Global Electronics Association to explore why the new Global Electronics Policy Council was created and what makes it different. We talk through the gap it’s trying to fill: a global mechanism where electronics-centric companies can compare notes, align where it makes sense, and engage governments with real operational insight. The point is not just to push a wish list. It’s to build a credible two-way channel so policymakers understand the downstream impact of trade rules, resilience programs, and geopolitical decisions, and so industry understands what governments are trying to achieve.
We also get into the detail of what success should look like, particularly in the first 12 months: expanding representation across the value chain, becoming a recognizable and trusted voice with administrations and agencies, improving communications that raise the profile of the entire electronics supply chain, and shaping research that delivers actionable industry intelligence. Trade volatility comes up repeatedly, including the uncertainty created by shifting tariffs and the importance of preserving USMCA for North American manufacturing stability. Chris shares why the council is intentionally growing at the right pace to protect integrity and long-term credibility across regions, while elaborating on the ideal profile of members and the need for a degree of altruism.
If you care about electronics policy, supply chain resilience, and how government decisions shape manufacturing investment, this conversation will give you a clearer map of what’s happening and what’s next. Subscribe, share this episode with a colleague, and leave a review with the policy question you want us to tackle next.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
PCB lead times are climbing, but the real story isn’t just “more demand.” It’s where the supply chain actually breaks first: copper clad laminate, glass cloth, and resin. I’m joined by Vytautas Ilgunas from TLT PCB and Raymond Goh from Confidee to map the bottlenecks that are turning everyday procurement into a long-range planning exercise, and to explain why availability is beating price across the board.
We dig into Europe’s manufacturing reality, from the long decline in PCB factories to the even more fragile laminate situation, and why rebuilding capacity takes years of commitment, not months of urgency. Then we zoom out to the global picture: how AI servers and data center buildouts absorb advanced material capacity, why that squeeze cascades down into standard FR4, and how single points of failure upstream can ripple through every EMS schedule.
Finally, we get practical about what helps in the short term: better forecasting, earlier ordering, capacity reservations, and approving alternate laminate materials so a program isn’t locked to one source. If you buy, build, or design electronics, this conversation will change how you think about PCB supply chain risk, traceability, and the policies needed to rebuild a complete manufacturing ecosystem.
Subscribe, share this with your procurement or hardware team, and leave a review with your biggest PCB supply chain question.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
The UK is shifting from “can it compete?” to “how fast can it scale?” and the change is showing up in real purchase orders. I sat down with Jon Hurrell, Managing Director at Sellectronics to unpack what’s powering growth in UK electronics manufacturing services, especially the pull from aerospace and rising defense spending across Europe. From a garage origin in Cornwall to running complex SMT assembly at scale, John shares what it takes to grow without breaking quality, delivery, or customer trust.
We also get specific about electronics supply chain disruption. PCB lead times are stretching, and AI data centers are a major force behind it, pulling laminate, capacity, and priority toward high margin builds. John explains how that pressure can spill into component availability, especially for higher end parts and the neighboring ecosystem around BGAs and FPGAs, and why “there’s never a quiet time” if you’re managing procurement and delivery commitments.
As the business grows, customer strategy becomes survival. We talk about the reality of breaking into established prime supply chains, why tier one and tier two system builders can be a better fit, and how startups and neo primes, including fast moving defense and drone programs, lean heavily on manufacturing partners to manage supply chain risk and scaling. We close on the skills gap across UK manufacturing, what it means to home grow talent in a region like Cornwall, and why training and retention are now competitive advantages.
If you found this useful, subscribe, share it with someone in EMS or hardware, and leave a review. What’s the biggest constraint you’re seeing right now: PCBs, components, or people?
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
A rebrand can be cosmetic, or it can be a line in the sand about what you build and how you want to grow. I’m joined by Nick Wasserman, President and CEO of PTG Electronics (formerly Pinnacle Technology Group), to unpack why a 40-year, family-owned EMS company in Southeast Michigan changed its name and what that clarity unlocks with customers who need serious electronics manufacturing services, not commodity volume. Nick shares how the business has transitioned leadership, stayed resilient through diversification, and kept its identity rooted in disciplined quality systems.
We spend a big part of the conversation on PTG’s newly earned AS9100 aerospace certification and what it signals to aerospace and mil-aero buyers looking for traceability, repeatability, and a partner who can handle mid-volume, higher-complexity electronics assembly. That naturally connects to the surge of activity in the drone space, where startups and newer entrants are moving fast and need an EMS partner who can help with design for manufacturability, documentation readiness, and ramp planning, not just build-to-print execution. If you’ve ever watched a promising prototype stumble in production, you’ll recognize why “manufacturable at the right scale” is the real standard.
Nick also explains how digital transformation and AI are changing the unsexy but crucial parts of contract manufacturing: speed to quote, speed to onboard, and speed to launch purchasing. We talk about the balance between turning quotes quickly and still delivering pricing that reflects real sourcing, plus the supply chain turbulence hitting the industry, from memory constraints to emerging FR4 laminate concerns for printed circuit boards. We close with how tariffs, second-sourcing strategies, and regional manufacturing “arms” are pushing more work toward US EMS providers, including opportunities where PTG supports turnkey fulfillment and even ships directly to end customers.
If you care about aerospace manufacturing, drone hardware, EMS partnership models, AI in manufacturing operations, or the reality of today’s electronics supply chain, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave a review with the biggest constraint you’re seeing right now.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Buying a company out of insolvency is one of those decisions that sounds bold from the outside and feels very different at 2 a.m. when you are the owner. I sit down with Carsten Ellermeier to unpack his first fourteen months leading Deltec Group as both CEO and owner, including what the automotive downturn revealed about concentration risk and why trust with customers and suppliers becomes your real operating system.
We get specific about the turnaround playbook in electronics manufacturing services (EMS): diversifying revenue away from automotive without throwing away the quality culture that automotive PCB assembly builds. Carsten explains why many legacy automotive electronics still fit the EV transition, then lays out the non-automotive growth lanes he sees as real, not hype: medical manufacturing with rigorous traceability, robotics and automation with strong German mid-market demand, and energy storage and charging infrastructure that rewards disciplined industrialization.
A big chunk of our conversation goes deep on vertical integration and digital transformation. Deltec is moving from high-tech PCBA into complete modules and products, backed by test strategy and end-to-end data. We also dig into the Panasonic partnership and the new guided manual assembly approach that ties together pick-to-light, camera support, traceability, and KPI measurement, setting up an AI-ready foundation built on inspection data like SPI, AOI, and X-ray.
That vertical integration story gets a concrete second chapter with the acquisition of a former Circor facility in Tunisia, adding wire harness assembly, cable assembly, plastic injection, and over-moulding capability alongside an existing SMT and THT operation. Carsten explains why the site's free trade zone status, German industrial heritage, and experienced local workforce made it the right answer when customers started asking about plan B.
We close by zooming out to supply chain pressure around PCB laminate and how transparent forecasting and hard-but-fair relationships keep production stable.
If you found this useful, subscribe, share the episode with a manufacturing leader, and leave us a review. What part of an EMS turnaround would you tackle first?
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
AI is boosting demand and breaking planning models at the same time, and that tension shows up everywhere in electronics manufacturing services right now. From my home to yours, I sit down with Otto Pukk, President and CEO of INCAP, to take stock after Q1 and get specific about what a stronger 2026 actually depends on: execution, supply resilience, and a footprint that can serve customers where they need to build.
We talk through INCAP’s recent acquisition of Lacon and what “integration” really looks like in a lean, decentralized EMS organization. Otto shares why cultural fit matters more than slide decks, how cross-selling becomes a practical organic growth engine, and why customer concentration risk looks very different today than it did years ago. We also dig into the structural shifts required to scale, including a new regional approach that adds just enough governance to protect leadership time without taking ownership away from factory teams.
From there, we zoom out to geographic strategy and market forces. India plays a central role, not as a simple low-cost bet but as a capability and engineering hub, while the US market still feels like early innings. We also get into automation, early AI use in manufacturing, and the real-world headaches of component availability as AI data centers pull on semiconductor supply. Tariffs come up too, framed as a “new normal” that EMS partners have to navigate calmly. Finally, we tackle the defense boom with a balanced lens, including how startups and drones are reshaping defense electronics and manufacturing expectations.
If you found this useful, subscribe for more EMS leadership conversations, share the episode with a colleague, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Global EMS demand is back in growth mode, yet parts of Europe are still shrinking and the gap is getting harder to ignore. I sat down with Christoph Solka, Director Industry Intelligence at the Global Electronics Association to talk through what the latest data is really signaling and why “Europe vs the world” is too simple to be useful when the market is splitting by region, sector, and exposure to AI infrastructure.
We also get into the behind-the-scenes story of building a unified electronics industry intelligence platform. With European EMS data, European PCB reporting, global rankings, and ongoing market analysis coming together at the Global Electronics Association, the big question becomes: how do you scale the system without breaking the trust that took decades to earn? Christoph explains why the first priority is strengthening the IT foundation, reducing error risk, and creating a platform that can handle larger-scale data collection while keeping the methodology steady and familiar for subscribers.
Then we turn back to the numbers: why automotive weakness and local economic conditions weigh on Western Europe, why certain Eastern European players benefit more from AI-linked demand, and how defense spending can reshape outcomes in places like the Nordics. We also discuss a striking indicator of resilience: many companies improve margins even as revenue falls, and what that mix of cost control, headcount pressure, and agility says about the EMS industry right now.
If you care about EMS market intelligence, PCB industry trends, and practical signals you can use for planning and strategy, this is a must-listen. Subscribe, share, and leave a review, then tell us: what single metric best predicts a turnaround where you operate?
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Carmakers are quietly changing the rules of the automotive supply chain, and it shows up first on the printed circuit board. From my recent visit to ALL Circuits' flagship facility south of Paris, I’m joined by President & CEO Bruno Racault to talk about why some EMS companies are doing better than the doom-and-gloom narrative around European automotive, and what “winning” looks like when the engine is no longer the center of the car.
We get specific about the EV pivot: why ALL Circuits bet early on the growing need for OEM-controlled electronics, how carmakers bring engineering and intellectual property back inside, and why that move can squeeze traditional tier one suppliers that built their business on full ECU design-and-build. Bruno explains the new relationship many automakers want: they define the product, they keep the know-how, and they rely on electronics manufacturing services partners for PCB assembly, process discipline, and consistent quality.
We also dig into what actually creates advantage in automotive electronics manufacturing: support that helps OEM teams understand manufacturing limits, DFX feedback that speeds up design changes, and the real cost of waiting on long logistics cycles. Yes, China can be cheaper and often better at execution, so we talk about humility, learning, and where Europe can still differentiate through innovation, supplier access, and faster iteration close to the customer.
If you care about EV supply chains, PCB manufacturing, and how automakers are reshaping control of the vehicle’s electronics, listen through to the end and tell us what you think the next competitive edge will be. Subscribe, share with a colleague in automotive or electronics, and leave a review so more builders can find the show.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Twelve months after the DBG partnership, we get honest about what actually changes when an acquisition is more than a headline. From my recent visit to ALL Circuits' flagship facility south of Paris, Deputy CEO Stephane Klajzyngier and I break down the real milestones: shared purchasing of high-impact production equipment like SMT machines, AOI, and printers, plus the way joint line design can sharpen cost and competitiveness in the electronics manufacturing services market. The point isn’t “bigger is better” it’s how smarter CapEx decisions help you win the next RFQ.
From there, we move into growth strategy. We talk about the first common customer now starting sample builds and why entering the AI server market matters for diversification beyond automotive electronics. AI infrastructure also rewrites the rules on time to market: instead of 12–18 month ramps, customers expect weeks. That forces new thinking around investment readiness, capacity planning, and how an EMS partner proves it can move fast without cutting corners.
We also dig into what a truly global footprint unlocks: serving large OEMs that want manufacturing options across North America, Europe, and Asia, including Chinese customers exploring production outside China. Finally, we close with CES takeaways: humanoid robots as the next step toward decision-making AI, the potential role of robotics in elder care, and why smart glasses electronics could be a real manufacturing opportunity once the hype curve settles. If you enjoyed this, subscribe, share the show with a colleague, and leave a review with your take: which market will reshape EMS first, AI servers or robotics?
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What if you could move a complex hardware product from dispersed vendors to one accountable partner—and do it in three months? I sit down with Florian Weiss, HANZA's Head of Business Development Region Central Europe to unpack how BMK scaled a Raspberry Pi-based platform beyond PCBA into a complete, end-to-end manufacturing solution that absorbs production and logistics so teams can focus on sales, R&D, and marketing. The story isn’t theory; it’s the playbook for turning hundreds of components and many suppliers into a single, flexible pipeline that ships thousands of units, yet still delivers in quantities as low as one.
We dig into the mechanics of transfer—tooling and test migration, supplier onboarding, firmware alignment, and NPI gates—then connect the dots to real business outcomes: cleaner change control, shorter lead times, and late-stage customization that protects cash. From there, we zoom out to the strategic fit between BMK and HANZA. With HANZA's strengths in sheet metal, mechanics, and cable harnesses across Germany, Eastern Europe, and Scandinavia, the combined team brings vertical integration without overlap, unlocking cross-selling across BMK’s 400-customer base and cutting total cost of ownership with a local footprint.
Expect practical insights on how to stabilize supply chains for complex electronics, build resilience through regional capacity, and shift from siloed sourcing to a unified manufacturing model. Whether you manage a fast-scaling device or a mature product with variant complexity, the takeaways are clear: consolidate accountability, keep design velocity high, and use flexible fulfillment to match real demand.
If this kind of integrated manufacturing strategy could change your roadmap, follow the show, share it with a teammate, and leave a quick review with the one question you want us to tackle next.
This podcast is part of series filmed at HANZA's Capital Markets Day in Stockholm on March 10th 2026.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
They didn’t just trim costs. They rewired the business for the next growth cycle. I sat down with Lou Hughes, CEO of IMI, to unpack a pivotal year that includes sharp net debt reduction, major site consolidation, and a clear shift from stabilization to expansion. If you care about EMS strategy, global manufacturing footprint decisions, and where electronics outsourcing is headed next, this conversation gets specific fast.
We talk through why IMI moved from a sprawling network to fewer, larger campuses and how that changes overhead, execution, and customer confidence. Lou explains the manufacturing investments that matter most right now: building mechanical capability in the Philippines, expanding injection molding, and bringing more critical processes in-house so bulky parts stop riding expensive freight lanes. We also dig into the growth engines IMI is betting on, from power module packaging for EVs, industrial, and data center demand to driver monitoring cameras, megatronics controls, and exterior lighting processes that require real manufacturing muscle.
The episode goes deep on sourcing and supply chain resilience, including what a “strategic supplier initiative” looks like in practice, where an EMS provider can create real value in electromechanical commodities, and why active components like ICs and memory often stay customer-driven. You’ll also hear candid perspective on China’s shifting role amid tariffs and geopolitics, plus why India may be the next serious platform for power modules and camera modules. Subscribe, share this with a manufacturing leader, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Defense electronics is pulling the EMS industry in a new direction, and the companies that move early will shape the next decade of the supply chain. I’m joined by Johannes Lind-Widestam, CEO of NOTE to unpack what’s really behind their latest moves and why the UK has become such a central piece of the puzzle.
We get into the STI acquisition and how it strengthens NOTE’s position in the UK defense supply chain, expands geographic coverage, and adds specialized sites that win in distinct niches. Johannes also shares the story of adding former Chief of the Air Staff Sir Michael Wigston to the board and why board-level defense experience matters when customers are making long-term manufacturing decisions for security and defense programs.
From there, we widen the lens to the broader electronics manufacturing services market: where order coverage is improving, why communication and industrial look healthier, why medtech is softer, and why greentech can swing customer to customer. We also talk supply chain risk in plain terms, including memory constraints, AI pressure on foundry capacity, potential PCB allocations, pricing, and how geopolitical shocks can ripple through logistics and materials. Finally, we tackle regional strategy and growth beyond 2026, balancing organic growth targets with disciplined M&A.
If you care about EMS strategy, defense manufacturing, supply chain resilience, and where electronics production is headed next, hit subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave a review so more builders can find it. What trend do you think will reshape EMS the most this year?
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Defense electronics is moving faster than the supply chain can comfortably handle, and the numbers are forcing a rethink of what “normal” growth looks like. I sat down with Peter Nilsson, President & CEO of Kitron Group to unpack a dramatic jump in defense-related revenue, what’s driving it, and how an EMS provider can scale without getting trapped by over-concentration or runaway complexity.
We get specific about where the demand is coming from: legacy defense primes with long ramps and long program lives, plus a newer wave of defense tech companies building products at startup speed. That difference changes everything for electronics manufacturing services, from how you plan capacity to how you support rapid product development and transition into repeatable production. We also talk about the less glamorous reality behind big order books: lead times, component shortages, and the pain of distributor decommitments even after parts have been on order for a year.
From there, we explore what modern operations teams are doing to stay ahead, including AI agents embedded in ERP to chase recommits, validate the master schedule weekly, and trigger automatic replanning. We also zoom out to broader growth drivers like AI and data centers, and why industrial IoT, connectivity, and data-center infrastructure hardware are creating demand far beyond the server rack. Finally, Peter shares how they think about organic growth versus M&A, what makes an acquisition worth integrating, and why brand expectations around performance and reliability can’t slip during expansion.
If you care about defense manufacturing, EMS strategy, electronics supply chain resilience, and scaling production under pressure, hit play. Subscribe, share with a teammate, and leave a review, then tell us what supply chain risk keeps you up at night?
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
War has sped up everything—demand signals, lead times, and the tolerance for fragile supply chains. I sit down with Mattia Lindhe, HANZA's Chief Strategy Officer at their recent Capital Markets Day to dig into HANZA's Lynx program’s twofold mission: deliver urgent support for Ukraine while building a stronger, more resilient European defense base that can scale locally and reliably. Along the way, we open the toolbox on what HANZA's twin superpowers: deep vertical integration that spans heavy mechanics to electronics, and advisory services that rewire supply chains for speed, flexibility, and lower tied-up capital.
From there, we take a sober look at drones. Everyone has a drone program, but not everyone will matter when the market consolidates and drones behave like consumables. We share why picking the right partners beats chasing every RFP, how standardization and scale shape the winners, and where an integrated manufacturer should commit versus collaborate. The question is not “can we build it,” but “should we build it, and with whom,” so that capability compounds rather than fragments.
We also step beyond traditional EMS boundaries. Drawing on HANZA's experience in heavy construction equipment and near-complete systems, we map the conditions where it makes sense to take on full assemblies and even vehicles—provided volumes and regulatory regimes align. The throughline across all of this is clarity: sell what customers need, not only what they want; put the right people on the same side of the table; and align on outcomes that endure through ramps and redesigns. If you care about European defense manufacturing, supply chain resilience, and the real path to scale in a volatile market, this conversation is a pragmatic field guide.
Subscribe for more candid insights, share this with a colleague who’s wrestling with supply chain strategy, and leave a review to tell us where you want us to go deeper next.
This podcast is part of series filmed at HANZA's Capital Markets Day in Stockholm on March 10th 2026.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What happens when a manufacturer treats values as part of an operating system, not a slide? I sit down with HANZA CFO Lars Åkerblom at their recent Capital Markets Day to unpack how code of conduct and sustainability guide every decision—from factory floor safety and anti-corruption to transparent relationships with customers, suppliers, and investors—and why that stance fuels both resilience and growth.
We trace the recent uptick in organic momentum as customer activity returns and orders turn into revenue, then dig into how vertical integration turns execution into advantage. By pulling more of the value chain inside, HANZA cuts handoffs, speeds problem-solving, and earns room to co-design with clients—lifting margins while deepening loyalty. That same discipline shapes acquisitions: the BMK deal did more than add revenue, it opened powerful cross-selling channels and sharpened the integrated model. Just as important are the deals you walk away from and the customers you let go when the fit is wrong; culture and long-term economics win over short-term volume.
Looking ahead to the 2028 target of 14 billion SEK, we explore a balanced route: expand with existing customers, win new ones through capability-led differentiation, and use market softness to acquire quality assets at the right price. Agility stays central—building footprint, capacity, and geography to serve faster and better—while ensuring every acquisition leaves customers better off on day one. Throughout, two voices steer the ship: customers who reveal where value is moving, and employees who make safe, consistent delivery possible. That alignment turns ESG into everyday practice and strategy into steady compounding.
If this conversation sparks ideas on culture-led growth, integrated operations, or smart M&A, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review so more builders can find it.
This podcast is part of series filmed at HANZA's Capital Markets Day in Stockholm on March 10th 2026.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
AI is changing the electronics economy faster than most supply chains can adapt. We sit down with Shawn DeBravac, Chief Economist of the Global Electronics Association, to unpack the “memory squeeze” and why AI data centers are pulling scarce resources toward high-margin infrastructure, driving memory price pressure even when outright availability doesn’t look dire on the surface. If you build, buy, or plan around semiconductors, memory, EMS, or PCB demand, this conversation helps you separate headline noise from what manufacturers are actually experiencing.
From there, we zoom out to the risks that don’t show up on a BOM until it’s too late: concentrated semiconductor capacity, regional dependencies, and the real-world costs of geopolitics. We talk through the Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz, why energy prices can stay elevated for longer than markets hope, and how higher oil, shipping, and insurance costs can be broadly inflationary. The twist is the split performance inside electronics manufacturing: AI and defense remain strong while consumer electronics faces tougher headwinds as households cut discretionary spending.
We also dig into the long-run rewrite of global trade and supply chains. Once companies start moving production to navigate tariffs and uncertainty, that momentum tends to keep going. Automotive and EV policy in Europe becomes a clear example of competing goals, and Sean explains how data like sentiment and book-to-bill can guide decisions in a more expensive, more volatile environment. Subscribe for more conversations on the semiconductor supply chain, global electronics trends, and manufacturing strategy, then share this episode and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What if scaling production were as simple as one phone call? I sat down with Andres Nordin, HANZA's COO at their recent Capital Markets Day to unpack a customer-led operating model that turns complex supplier webs into a single, responsive partnership—and why the most valuable technology choices start with pain points, not buzzwords. From defining six core capabilities to exploring a seventh and eighth, we walk through how real quote requests shape investment in sub-technologies like specialized welding and assembly, keeping capital focused on outcomes customers actually want.
The conversation gets tactical on supply chain rewiring. Instead of managing forty suppliers to move capacity 20% up or down, the team shows how a unified partner compresses coordination, slashes indirect costs, and responds to volatility in both directions. We dig into a standout example with Mitsubishi forklifts: building out a facility, installing complex assembly, and standing up an operation designed around the customer’s exact needs. It’s solution design over commodity sourcing, with measurable gains in speed, quality, and resilience.
We also talk about integration after acquisition, especially as it relates to the recent acquisition of BMK in Germany. The approach is deliberately humble: listen first, learn what the acquired team does best, and bring those strengths into the broader system.
And on AI, we keep it real—use it where it removes a bottleneck, ignore the hype where it doesn’t. Throughout, the theme is constant motion: what works in 2026 will evolve by 2028 and 2031, so the edge comes from sensing change and building with customers, not ahead of them.
If you value practical strategy, fewer handoffs, and tech that actually serves the work, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share with a colleague who manages suppliers, and leave a review with the one change that would make your operations 10x easier.
This podcast is part of series filmed at HANZA's Capital Markets Day in Stockholm on March 10th 2026.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What if your supply chain felt like one well-run factory instead of a maze of vendors and shifting promises? I sit down with founder and CEO Erik Stenfors at Hanza's Capital Markets Day in Stockholm to unpack a simple but powerful idea: build a manufacturing partner the way a buyer wishes it worked. That means vertical integration where it counts, smart outsourcing where it helps, and a single accountable brain coordinating many capable hands.
We walk through the evolution from scattered globalization to an orchestrated model that turns fixed costs variable, reduces delivery risk, and makes room for growth. As Erik explains, HANZA's framework runs on three axes—geography, technology, and capacity—so investments land where customers feel them most. HANZA 2025 was a phase focused on capacity and balance, HANZA 2028 shift toward technology, adding processes that expand the scope of supply and collapse handoffs. Not every site needs every tool; instead, clusters keep a common backbone while deepening specialities that remove real bottlenecks in electronics, mechanics, and final assembly.
Voice of customer sits at the center. We share a standout story where a client moved from roughly forty suppliers to one orchestrated solution, gaining shorter lead times, clearer data, and fewer escalations. Acquisitions matter only when they extend the backbone or sharpen regional coverage without diluting standards. The aim stays constant: a consolidated supply chain that behaves like an integrated plant, priced like a flexible network, and measured by outcomes buyers actually care about—reliability, responsiveness, and total landed cost.
If you’re ready to rethink how you scale, reduce risk, and free your team to focus on design and market instead of firefighting, press play.
Subscribe for more candid operations strategy, share this with a teammate who’s drowning in vendors, and drop a review to tell us what capability you want added next.
This podcast is part of series filmed at HANZA's Capital Markets Day in Stockholm on March 10th 2026.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Energy prices can spike overnight, shipping lanes can become political flashpoints, and suddenly the “normal” electronics supply chain starts to look fragile. I sit down with Alison James, Senior Director for European Government Relations at the Global Electronics Association to talk through what the latest geopolitical tensions could mean for European manufacturing, including the quiet but critical dependencies many people forget, like petrochemicals across the electronics value chain and helium for the semiconductor industry.
From there, we move into the policy engine room: the European Chips Act review and the next proposal expected from the European Commission as part of a broader tech sovereignty package. We unpack why this matters beyond semiconductor fabs, and why printed circuit boards, EMS, IC substrates, and advanced packaging have to be in the conversation if Europe wants real supply chain resilience instead of isolated capacity.
We also dig into the surge in defense-driven demand and what it means that Europe’s first defense industry program explicitly includes electronics capacity building, with funding and a call that names PCBs and IC substrates.
Then we turn to automotive, where EV competition and new “Made In Europe” style procurement rules could reshape sourcing decisions, define what “origin” means, and create tough trade-offs across a global electronics ecosystem. If you care about European electronics manufacturing, industrial strategy, or how policy becomes real constraints and real opportunity, this is a practical roadmap. Subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave a review with the one policy change you think would help most.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
The stakes around sustainable electronics have never been higher, and the momentum is real. At Productronica 2025 I sit down with Kelly Scanlon, Global Electronics Association's Lead Sustainability Strategist to unpack what “all in” actually looks like across a complex, global value chain—from executive commitment to the nuts and bolts of data, standards, and training that make greener products possible.
We dig into why 99% of surveyed CEOs still prioritize sustainability despite market headwinds, and what that means for design, sourcing, and operations. Kelly shares how shared standards for materials declarations enable reliable data exchange, and why decentralized data models—proven in the auto industry—could unlock secure, interoperable sustainability insights for electronics without exposing sensitive IP. We also spotlight a forthcoming carbon accounting standard focused on consistent methods for calculating CO2, helping teams align product footprints with evolving regulations and customer demands.
Beyond frameworks, we get practical about people and processes. From electrostatic discharge training that directly cuts scrap, to targeted health and safety programs for emerging manufacturing hubs, we outline how workforce upskilling delivers immediate environmental and financial ROI. The conversation then turns to circularity—the “RE” economy of repair, reuse, remanufacture, reclaim, and rework—and how better collaboration with recyclers and refurbishers can inform design choices that extend product life and keep materials in play. Along the way, we highlight the power of convening: bringing component suppliers, PCB makers, EMS leaders, and OEMs into the same room to align on methods, accelerate adoption, and tackle challenges no single company can solve alone.
If you care about supply chain resilience, accurate carbon measurement, and building products that last, this conversation offers a clear path forward—grounded in standards, amplified by partnerships, and delivered through training that sticks. Subscribe to the show, share this episode with a colleague, and leave a review to tell us which sustainability move your team is prioritizing next.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What does it take to turn nearshoring from a headline into factory-ready capacity? I sit down with Lorena Villanueva, who leads Mexico for the Global Electronics Association, to unpack a practical blueprint: align government incentives, open university doors, and certify talent where hiring happens. The conversation starts with a clear shift in strategy after a major rebrand—more resources and attention flow into Mexico, and the results show up in local programs that train hundreds at a time in Guadalajara and Guanajuato.
We dig into the three-helix model that guides the work: government, academia, and industry moving in step. You’ll hear how Education Weeks and Electronics Days translate into portable certifications that employers trust; how universities like UNAM and the Technological University of Querétaro are joining the association, updating curricula, and letting companies train on campus; and how factories reciprocate by bringing students to SMT lines for hands-on learning. It’s a closed loop that reduces onboarding time, strengthens retention, and builds a talent pipeline sized for real demand.
Lorena also shares how advocacy amplifies these efforts. With regional incentives shaping outcomes, the team brings multiple state governments—and soon federal representation—into the room at major trade shows, expanding the Mexico Pavilion and turning policy curiosity into concrete collaboration. The takeaway is simple and powerful: nearshoring isn’t magic. It’s the compound effect of standard-aligned training, open institutions, and trusted convening that shortens the distance between classroom, line, and market.
If you care about electronics manufacturing, workforce development, or how regions win in global supply chains, this one’s for you. Subscribe for more candid conversations with leaders building the next generation of capability, and share your own success stories—we’d love to learn what’s working in your region.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What if the fastest way to fix electronics supply chains starts with the quote? We dig into how targeting that high-pressure moment—where BOM clarity, sourcing, manufacturability, and price collide—catalyzes a broader shift from scattered spreadsheets to connected, resilient operations. By standardizing part data across millions of SKUs, integrating live pricing and lead times, and introducing customer portals, EMS teams cut response times dramatically and win on trust, not just cost.
And that's just the start of this in-depth conversation with Luminovo Managing Director and Founder Sebastian Schaal, conducted on the show floor at productronica 2025. From there, we widen the lens to show how a “tool you use” becomes a “system that works for you.” Always-on monitoring tracks price shifts, lead time volatility, lifecycle and compliance risks, and geopolitical exposure, then flags precise exceptions so teams act before problems surface. We talk through why ERP and MES should keep their lanes while a vertical CRM and SRM for electronics connect customers, suppliers, and the external parts universe. The result is a glass pipeline: shared visibility that shortens cycles, reduces errors, and captures savings that used to slip away.
We also map the trust curve of AI automation. Early stages deliver alerts and recommendations; confidence grows with one-click approvals; mature teams hand routine sourcing to autopilot while keeping humans in the loop for edge cases. With new AI interfaces turning ten clicks into one clear command—and transparent reasoning behind actions—speed no longer requires opacity. Along the way, we highlight collaborations with leading EMS players, expansion from Europe to the U.S., and why openness beats secrecy when the true enemies are bad data, manual processes, and pure arbitrage.
Subscribe for more grounded conversations on connected manufacturing, smart sourcing, and supply chain resilience. If this episode sparked ideas or questions, share it with your team and leave a review telling us what you want tackled next.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Data is only useful when it changes your next move. During my recent 'on location' session with Global Electronics Associates, I sat down with Chris Mitchell, Vice President of Global Government Relations, to unpack how a new, global industry intelligence program is turning raw numbers into decisions that matter for EMS leaders, OEMs, and policymakers. From Washington to Brussels and beyond, the focus is on credible, high-integrity data that can be sliced by sector, region, and supply chain layer—so leaders can act with speed and confidence.
We dig into why the market feels like it is at an inflection point: EV growth is reshaping power electronics, AI hardware is driving demand for advanced boards and thermal solutions, and supply chains are being rewired for resilience and yield. Chris explains the build-out of dedicated data leads across regions, the push for stronger partnerships, and the shift from static annual reports to self-serve analytics. The goal is clear: let members interrogate the dataset, surface the “so what,” and back strategic choices—from capacity bets to localization—with evidence.
Advocacy comes alive when policy meets proof. We explore how hard data informs briefings for governments, helping align on supply chain priorities, incentives, and workforce needs. It’s a two-way street: members gain foresight on policy directions and access to decision-makers, while policymakers gain ground truth on EMS capabilities, quality demands, and bottlenecks. Throughout, we highlight the evolving role of EMS as strategic innovation drivers—partners who manage complexity, lift yields, and enable brands to scale globally without sacrificing reliability.
If you’re navigating electronics manufacturing, this conversation brings clarity on where momentum is building, how to measure it, and how to act on it. Subscribe, share with a colleague who lives in spreadsheets, and leave a review with the one question you’d ask a global industry dataset.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
CES signals are loud and clear: AI is no longer a feature, it’s the infrastructure layer crowding out capital, capacity, and attention across the electronics value chain. I sat down in Washington DC with Global Electronics Association Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac to unpack how that surge touches everything from storage and memory to semiconductors and factory planning, and why even companies “not in AI” are feeling the squeeze. The conversation traces a bigger shift too—mature tech moving from proof to scale—where autonomy is judged by fleet size and uptime, not lab demos.
Robotics takes center stage as physical AI edges toward real work. We compare humanoids that can dance with systems ready for prime-time tasks like palletizing and truck unloading, and we map realistic timelines of 36 to 48 months for broader manufacturing deployment as dexterity and perception improve. With labor shortages set to widen through 2030, we dig into how smart plants rebalance capital and labor, use robots to close repetitive loops, and free people for quality, test, and exceptions. The result is a practical playbook: start narrow, integrate well, and scale when capability and cost cross the threshold.
Zooming out, we chart a K-shaped industrial landscape. AI-adjacent and defense spending push ahead while housing, construction, and parts of agriculture struggle; Southeast Asia, Mexico, India, and Vietnam attract fresh capacity as Europe weighs EV ambitions against automotive sovereignty. Tariffs have shifted from crisis to cadence as EMS providers rewire networks, absorb costs, and—where needed—pass through pricing. We also tackle M&A’s role in securing U.S. capacity and strategic footholds, the financing mix behind AI builds, and why hyperscaler cash flows temper bubble fears even as demand risks remain.
Threading it all together is data. Annual PDFs aren’t enough when decisions can’t rely on a rear-view mirror. We share how a global, real-time data backbone—built through partnerships and internal analytics—turns signals into guidance members can act on: where to invest, which lines to automate, how to hedge trade exposure, and when to break ground on new facilities. If you’re navigating AI’s crowding effect, timing your robotics ramp, or weighing consolidation, this conversation offers the markers to move with confidence. Enjoy the episode, then subscribe, share with your team, and leave a review to help others find the show.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
In this 'on-location' interview with Global Electronics Association President & CEO John Mitchell, I pull back the curtain on the rebrand, then go deep on the tech, policy, and talent issues reshaping the entire electronics manufacturing ecosystem. The hype around AI is loud, but the signal is this: real gains come from faster decisions on real data and from tools that actually change the workflow. Add in a wave of affordable robotics—capable systems near the $5k mark—and you get a recipe for rapid experimentation on the factory floor, new automation patterns, and fresh demands on engineering teams.
John and I talk through the policy shocks that have dominated the past year and why the churn is so costly. It’s not just tariffs; it’s the constant flipping that forces EMS providers to rework impact analyses for every customer, again and again. Agility is now a core competency, and industry leaders need playbooks that tie supply chain scenarios to compliance and cost. That’s where a global association adds leverage: translating signals from Washington and Brussels into actionable guidance, aligning standards, and advocating for coherent national electronics strategies across regions like East Asia, India and Southeast Asia, Mexico, and North America.
Talent is the thread that connects everything. In the short term, AI is a powerful tool that boosts productivity. The looming challenge arrives as agentic AI eats the repetitive work that used to train interns and new grads. If we lose those rungs on the ladder, we risk a skills gap at the mid and senior levels just as seasoned experts retire. We outline how shared curricula, competency-based certifications, and safe convening can protect the pipeline, giving companies consistent training while keeping learning portable across the ecosystem. Finally, we preview Apex: a central rotating forum spotlighting advanced electronics packaging, a strong Mexico pavilion, and leadership sessions designed to turn insight into action.
If this conversation helps sharpen your strategy, share it with a colleague, subscribe for more candid industry insights, and leave a quick review with the one idea you plan to apply this quarter.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What happens when design, software, and manufacturing live under one roof? I sat down with Clarity Design President & Founder Tom Lupfer to explore how an engineering-first culture turns a factory into a learning system—one that moves faster, reduces errors, and keeps shipping even when supply chains seize. From early PCB roots to a modern EMS shop floor, Tom lays out a playbook where DFM is embedded from day one and inspection data powers continuous improvement.
We dig into the feedback loop that transforms SPI and AOI from checkpoints into engines of process intelligence. With Ko Young’s inspection systems on the line, the team closes the gap between design intent and production reality, sharpening paste control, placement accuracy, and yield. That loop gets even tighter with Python-driven automation, cutting manual entry, speeding NPI, and making the design-to-build handoff nearly automatic. It’s not just about equipment; it’s about choosing strategic partners who back tools with training, demos on real boards, and long-term support.
Resilience takes center stage as Tom describes how his team redesigned most active products during the pandemic to match what was actually purchasable—without missing deliveries. That capability becomes an ongoing value-add through sustaining engineering, cost-out rework, and feature updates across a product’s life. We also unpack why medical devices became a strong niche: documentation rigor, traceability, ISO 13485 discipline, FDA registration for Class II devices, and the advantages of being U.S.-based for regulated customers. Along the way, Tom shares a hiring philosophy that puts engineers directly in front of clients, creating a fast, clear path from requirements to architecture, fixtures, and test.
If you care about modern manufacturing, this conversation delivers practical insight: how to select inspection partners, why software belongs at the core of operations, and what culture it takes to align quality, speed, and cost. Subscribe, share with a colleague who lives in DFM and NPI, and leave a review telling us which idea you’ll try first.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
The quiet parts make or break high‑reliability programs. EMSNOW's Eric Miscoll sat down on the Productronica 2025 floor with WERAP Group's Chief Sales Officer Marcus Hoffmann to unpack how our Swiss‑based EMS group is building a dedicated aerospace and defense hub by adding a Lake Constance specialist in cabling and box build—and why that matters for schedules, certifications, and mission success. From EN 9100 qualification to the realities of MIL, DIN, and NATO standards, we dig into what it takes to scale precision interconnects that most people never see but every aircraft and satellite relies on.
We walk through the deal timeline, why the team kept the company as an add‑on rather than folding it in, and how a hub model concentrates know‑how without diluting rigor. Marcus explains how cabling moved from a late‑stage purchase to a design‑critical subsystem: routing, shielding, weight, and environmental factors shape avionics performance, and tiny misses in crimping or coating can stall an entire program. By uniting PCBA, inductives, certified harnesses, and box build under one accountable source, we outline a path to simpler audits, stronger documentation, and faster industrialization for complex LRUs and payload modules.
You’ll also hear a candid strategy view: double down on healthcare, defense, and industrial markets, skip high‑volume automotive and consumer, and grow through targeted add‑ons that deepen capability rather than chase breadth. With a strong inherited customer base and plans to partner for R&D in Southeast Europe, we’re moving toward true turnkey while staying aligned to high‑reliability requirements. If you care about reliability, certification, and supply chain clarity in aerospace manufacturing, this conversation brings the details that actually move the needle.
If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a teammate who wrangles interconnects, and leave a quick review so others building in aerospace and defense can find it.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
The test floor is changing fast: components shrink, panels grow, and product lifecycles sprint. From the buzz of Productronica 2025, I sit down with Seica's Luca Corli to unpack what that means for real factories and real constraints. The conversation zeroes in on modern in-circuit testing, automation, and why secure, integrated workflows now matter as much as raw pin counts.
We explore the new Valid SL, an inline ICT platform built for large, thick boards and multi-up panels that are increasingly common across semiconductors and high-reliability assemblies. With a redesigned mechanical press for stable contact, support for 4,000+ pins, and attention to cybersecurity in connected environments, Valid SL targets throughput without sacrificing trust. We also dig into Valid LR, a practical path for reusing legacy bed-of-nails fixtures from multiple vendors—key for teams that want better diagnostics and software while protecting tooling investments.
The debate every engineering leader faces comes into focus: when does flying probe beat bed-of-nails, and when is it the other way around? Luca outlines where flying probe shines—rapid product changes, short runs, and tight time-to-market—and where high-pin-count, heavy, or large-format boards still make ICT the clear winner. The real gains appear when these methods are integrated with boundary scan, in-system programming, and functional testing to deliver deeper coverage and shorter cycles in one coordinated flow.
We close with a candid look at market momentum. Automotive softness in parts of Europe contrasts with strong growth in India, where the shift from two and three wheels to cars drives electronics demand, and Southeast Asia continues to accelerate as manufacturing relocates. Through all of it, Seika’s customer-led approach anchors the roadmap: more flexibility where change is constant, more capacity where scale dominates, and more security wherever data and firmware touch the line.
Enjoy the conversation, then tell us how your team balances flexibility and throughput. If this helped you think differently about test strategy, follow, share with a colleague, and leave a quick review—your feedback helps others discover the show.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
The best technology rarely shouts; it just works. I sit down with C-MAC CEO Riwan Tamic at Productronica 2025 to unpack how an EMS leader keeps complex programs on track while much of the market wrestles with delays, margin pressure, and shifting demand. From the outside, it looks like a story about parts and lines. Inside, it’s about people, process, and the quiet decisions that keep supply chains stable and customers confident.
We trace a pivotal year that began with a Poland acquisition designed for three wins at once: strategic geography within the EU, a deep bench of high-skill engineers, and new capabilities in complex electromechanical assemblies. That move isn’t just about capacity. It opens doors to high-reliability work like CERN’s radiation-resistant cabinets—systems built to run a hundred meters underground—where documentation rigor, materials science, and integration discipline decide who earns the purchase order. Along the way, we explore why mastering an SMT line means mastering the entire process, from forecasting and procurement to test coverage and change management.
Automotive headwinds still shape Europe, and we address them directly. With historically high exposure to auto, CMAC has trimmed that share while holding profitability, building momentum in aerospace, defense, and medical where traceability and compliance protect value. We dig into how Chinese EV momentum and the arrival of Chinese EMS providers in Europe shift the competitive map—and why diversification beats wishful thinking about a quick rebound. Finally, we talk strategy for 2026: integrate first, align culture and quality systems, then consider more M&A with a steadier base.
If you care about electronics manufacturing, supply chain resilience, and the real levers that drive sustainable growth, you’ll find practical insights and hard-won lessons here. Follow the show, share it with a colleague who lives in NPI or operations, and leave a quick review to tell us what you want explored next.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
From the bustle of Productronica 2025, I sit down with Eurocircuits’ Managing Partner Dirk Stans to decode what a strong prototype pipeline really means for Europe’s electronics industry and why it’s one of the clearest signals that production will follow. Instead of chasing hype, we dig into the decisions that move the needle: smart digitization, tight production engineering, and using AI where it actually improves outcomes.
We walk through the regional waves that shape demand across Europe—why the north can surge while the south softens, and how a pan‑European footprint cushions those swings. The conversation gets specific about capacity strategy too: staying ready for organic growth without overextending, adding equipment where it unlocks throughput, and focusing investment on the translation layer from design data to machine instructions. That’s the difference between a fragile process and a resilient, repeatable one in high‑mix manufacturing.
AI shows up as a practical tool, not a miracle. Dirk explains how their custom optical inspection system handles thousands of unfamiliar components, why classic AOI falls short for prototypes, and how learning systems reduce false calls while catching real defects. With roughly 51,000 new parts added to their library each year—about a thousand a week—the data advantage compounds, informing smarter rules, faster setups, and better first‑pass yields. The takeaway is clear: when variety is the norm, the winners are the teams who turn messy inputs into reliable builds at speed.
If you care about innovation cycles, European electronics, and what it really takes to turn new designs into stable production, you’ll find plenty to apply in your own workflow. Follow the show, share this with a colleague who loves building things, and leave a review to tell us where you see the next wave forming.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Live from Productronica 2025, I sit down with Polytron-Print's Michael Müller to map the real forces reshaping Europe’s PCB landscape. After a year that felt flat across Germany, order flow has finally stabilized since midyear, turning survival mode into measured planning. Michael opens the shop door on what customers are actually asking for: complex HDI builds with blind and buried vias, tighter tolerances, and faster feedback loops. That demand has prompted a concrete move—doubling blind via filling capacity—to meet programs that prize reliability and local collaboration over sheer volume.
We also unpack the defense effect rippling through the supply base. Even without actively serving defense, Polytron Print is seeing oversized RFQs that reveal how hard it is to find vetted European capacity. When a single quote equals a quarter of a factory’s annual load, you know the market is stretched. The downstream impact is powerful: defense-heavy shops get saturated, and industrial and sensor customers look for reliable alternatives nearby. That’s where HDI credibility matters. Years of proving capability are translating into production orders, not just prototypes, as teams choose local partners for sensitive, low-volume, high-complexity boards.
Across the conversation, we get practical about why HDI work stays in Europe: quality oversight, IP stewardship, responsive engineering, and shorter loops during bring-up. We touch on the cloudy automotive picture, the uptick in quotes as some competitors struggle, and how targeted automation supports consistency without sacrificing the flexibility high-mix builds require. If you’re navigating PCB sourcing, evaluating HDI partners, or tracking how defense budgets are rebalancing capacity, this candid update offers a clear, ground-level signal amid the noise.
Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, share this episode with a colleague in hardware, and leave a quick review to help more builders find us.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Europe’s PCB story is changing from survival mode to smart growth, and the signs are finally visible on the factory floor. I sit down with Adeon Technologies' André Bodegom, the leading PCB technology supplier in Europe, to unpack a rare mix of optimism and pragmatism: a spotless new plant opening in Lithuania, major players eyeing expansions up to 50 percent, and defense programs quietly balancing a sluggish automotive sector. The throughline is technology with purpose—intelligent automation, MES-driven control, and AI that turns AOI data into tangible improvements in yield, speed, and consistency.
We pull back the curtain on what “smart factory” really means for high‑mix, low‑volume producers. Instead of one-size-fits-all automation, we’re talking adaptive workflows, software-defined changeovers, and MES as the command center that aligns jobs, machines, and quality gates. Machine data, once ignored, becomes the decisive asset: collected at the edge, normalized, and fed upstream to scheduling and process engineering. The result is a tighter loop where the plant doesn’t just measure defects—it prevents them in real time.
AI plays a breakout role, especially in inspection. You’ll hear how multi-level AI approaches reduce false calls, spotlight recurring defects, and progress from human-in-the-loop suggestions to safe, closed-loop parameter tweaks. We also explore the human side: an older workforce bolstered by a wave of digital-native engineers who expect clean data, clear interfaces, and fast iteration. Pair that talent shift with modern MES and connected equipment, and you get a credible path to European resilience without chasing commodity scale.
If you’re weighing investments in MES, AOI analytics, or data infrastructure—or you’re simply trying to future-proof high‑mix operations—this conversation offers practical steps to climb the trust curve with AI and automation. Subscribe, share with a colleague who cares about yield and cycle time, and leave a review with your biggest challenge on the road to closed-loop control.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What happens when founders decide legacy matters more than an easy exit? I sat down with Eurocircuits’ Founding Partner Dirk Stans to unpack a deal that keeps the company’s engineering DNA intact while unlocking the resources to scale. Instead of becoming the 'fifth wheel' of a sprawling industrial group, Eurocircuits becomes the strategic core of a new platform—built around its digitally native approach, dense customer orchestration, and hard-won process IP.
Dirk and I explore the road to the partnership with Avedon Capital Partners: early talks with industrial buyers who didn’t quite grasp the uniqueness of the model, a healthy skepticism about private equity, and then a meeting with a team whose long-term thesis matched the founders’ own plan. This isn’t a three-to-five-year flip. It’s long-horizon thinking that respects continuity for 750 employees and thousands of customers. Day one, nothing breaks: management stays, customer interfaces stay, supplier relationships stay. What changes is pace, ambition, and the confidence to start a multi-year strategy knowing a thoughtful handover is built in.
We also dig into why private equity is active in EMS despite modest EBITDA margins. Many EMS firms are self-financed and generate steady cash, and the category offers predictable mid-single-digit growth. But Dirk argues the essential point: finance should serve technology, not lead it. The real job isn’t trading components; it’s building reliable electronics with deep process understanding. That focus has kept Eurocircuits ahead, and with aligned capital, they aim to scale without losing what makes them special. If you care about succession, platform-building, and keeping engineering at the center of manufacturing, this conversation offers a clear, practical blueprint.
If this resonated, follow the show, share with a colleague, and leave a quick review—what’s your take on PE as a force for long-term industrial growth?
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Tariffs changed the rules, but they also opened a door. I sit down with Stephane Klajzyngier, ALL Circuits' Deputy CEO, to unpack how merging with DBG transformed a strong European EMS into a truly global partner with the footprint, capital strength, and operational discipline to win in a volatile market. From Mexico and Tunisia to China, Vietnam, India, and Bangladesh, we break down why diversified manufacturing options beat single-country bets and how customers are now optimizing for total landed cost, duty exposure, and ramp speed.
We get candid about integration: what it takes to align cultures and processes, how much “common DNA” you really need, and why being similar but not identical accelerates learning. The conversation drills into the realities of EMS scale—purchasing power for cutting-edge equipment, the cost of every new line, and why financial depth matters to OEMs who fear supplier failure more than unit price. Talent becomes a headline theme: attracting engineers, technicians, program managers, and quality leaders who can connect DFM, test, and compliance, while three design centers in France, Shenzhen, and Shanghai shape BOM strategy and component leverage long before production starts.
RFQs are flooding in for two clear reasons: mid-sized international OEMs want a partner big enough to move programs across continents but attentive enough to prioritize them, and Asia-based companies entering western markets need guidance on compliance, nearshoring trade-offs, and duty-optimized routing. We also dig into automation lessons from China, where robotics must outperform extremely low labor costs, pushing smarter ROI thresholds, standardized work, and relentless continuous improvement. Looking ahead, the plan is focused and pragmatic: modernize EMEA for lower cost per placement, expand in North America as awards land, and explore an additional Asian site to deepen resilience.
If you care about where to build, how to hedge tariff risk, and which levers truly move EMS cost and speed, this conversation delivers practical insight you can use. Subscribe, share with a colleague weighing footprint decisions, and leave a review to tell us what you want us to unpack next.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
EV adoption may be slower than hopes, but the manufacturing map is being redrawn in real time. I sit down with ALL Circuits CEO Bruno Racault to unpack how a DBG–ALL Circuits alliance is positioning a global EMS player to serve fast-growing demand in automotive electronics and data center hardware—while navigating supply gaps, policy twists, and a customer base that wants local build options without sacrificing cost or quality.
Bruno breaks down Europe's move to roughly 50% hybrid and EV sales, the implications for power electronics and 800-volt systems, and the uncomfortable truth that not all components in global channels meet automotive standards. We talk through how a combined footprint spanning Europe, North Africa, the Americas, China, India, and Vietnam enables continent-level builds, access to competitive equipment, and smarter sourcing—paired with strict qualification to keep reliability high. He also shares why legacy thermal customers pose a butterfly-effect risk, and how new relationships with Chinese EV makers entering Europe could reshape program pipelines.
Beyond EVs, we dive into the surge in AI and data center infrastructure, from high-layer count boards to thermal and power distribution challenges. The competitive field is widening as hyperscalers and major EMS firms jostle for position, creating openings for agile manufacturers who can pivot between sectors without losing yield or control. Bruno is candid about the limits of forecasting in a world of tariffs and shifting incentives, arguing for a design-for-agility approach: standardized lines, fast recipe swaps, robust MES, and a decisive bet on automation and AI in the factory to raise quality, speed, and transparency.
If you’re tracking where EMS value is heading—direct OEM relationships, IP protection at the line, smarter global sourcing, and truly regionalized manufacturing—this conversation maps the terrain and the trade-offs. Subscribe, share with a colleague who’s wrestling with EV or AI hardware strategy, and leave a review with your biggest 2026 wildcard.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Factory data doesn’t transform a business until people do. Live from Productronica 2025, I dig into why a decade of Industry 4.0 felt slower than promised and how the tide is turning as engineers connect lines with Hermes, bridge legacy SMEMA with adapters, and elevate insights to the factory layer through CFX. Our guest, David Graham of 4IR.UK, has spent years pushing past vendor silos and championing a simple idea: the most valuable interface in manufacturing is still human-to-human.
We break down what actually moved the needle—reliable machine APIs, repeatable data flows, and a pragmatic standards stack—and what didn’t, like bespoke one-offs that trapped value in custom code. The conversation tracks the journey from adjacency wins, such as SPI-to-printer feedback loops, to line-level stability and then to agentic AI that summarizes performance, accelerates quoting, and targets high-fit customers. Along the way, we examine why success stories remain hidden, how logos shifted from Industry 4.0 to AI without the necessary storytelling, and why internal “marketing” is really about keeping momentum and trust alive.
Talent is the hinge. New grads attracted by real AI problems are joining experienced process engineers on the shop floor. When domain knowledge meets modern software, pilots become production. Standards like Hermes and CFX turn integration from a one-off chore into an asset, giving teams clean data they can trust for quality, yield, and cost improvements. If you’re wrestling with ROI, start small, measure fast, and let the wins compound. Subscribe, share this with a teammate who owns connectivity or quality, and leave a review with the one AI use case you want solved next.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Crowded halls at Productronica set the scene, but the real action is the shift from isolated specialties to a connected electronics ecosystem. I sit down with Mike Buetow, President of PCEA (Printed Circuit Engineering Association and Publisher of Circuits Assembly to talk about the throughline from PCB design to fabrication to assembly—and what it takes to build a workforce ready to carry that vision. From a 40-hour, practitioner-built PCB design curriculum to university partnerships and licensing, we trace how hands-on training and early outreach give students a clear path into hardware careers.
We also address the “missing generation” myth with data and nuance. After the dot-com whiplash and offshoring, the mid-career band thinned, but a new wave under 30 is rising fast. That energy shows up at shows and in startups pushing EDA, manufacturing analytics, and AI. Culture matters: when young engineers see people like themselves on stage and in leadership, they lean in. Surprisingly, gaming and 3D thinking become strengths for layout and systems work—proof that talent pipelines don’t always look like we expect.
Events are evolving to match the systems reality. PCB West and PCB East anchor the calendar, BCB Detroit connects with Wayne State’s training footprint, and PCB East 2026 co-locates with FPGA Horizons while adding a two-day assembly conference. The result is four days that unite PCB, FPGA, and assembly, backed by major vendors and distributors. This is ecosystem engineering—designers learn process limits, assemblers track new packages, and everyone aligns on yield, cost, and reliability before metal is cut. We challenge leaders on Industry 4.0 and AI: the tools exist, the data lakes are filling, but value appears only when management learns the systems, sets real problems, and empowers people to collaborate across silos.
If you care about better DFM, faster ramps, and turning data into decisions, this conversation maps the path forward. Subscribe for more grounded talks with the people building the future of electronics, and leave a review to tell us what topic you want next.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
A Nordic acquisition with outsized impact: I sit down with Kitron Group President and CEO Peter Nilsson to unpack why bringing DeltaNordic into the Kitron family is more than a geographic play. It unlocks entrenched capability in electrical cabinets and control boards for combat vehicles and naval platforms, backed by fresh orders and the kind of incumbency that turns programs into multi-year revenue. We connect the dots between tier-one defense relationships, predictable volumes, and a growth path that targets 1.5 billion euros in top line by 2030. There's also an enthusiastic testimonial here for the great insight provided, and work done, by Shaan Tharani at MP Corporate Finance in supporting and advising Kitron in their M&A activity.
What makes this strategy work is the one-company operating model. Shared production platforms, common equipment, unified processes, and the same training and incentives across sites build speed that scales. That cohesion pays off when a site faces an end-of-product-life issue or a customer shift; the group can redeploy talent, rebalance load, and protect margins. Peter explains how this approach turns footprint into agility, and why integration discipline is the quiet engine behind reliable delivery in defense and beyond.
We also map the market terrain for 2026. Connectivity looks set for the fastest growth thanks to short product cycles and rapid innovation. Industrial shows a gentle rebound. Electrification holds steady after a surge, with data center-driven storage and grid upgrades still critical. Medical remains the smallest slice, but targeted moves into high-level assembly and carve-outs could unlock fresh value by letting OEMs focus on R&D and go-to-market while EMS partners scale manufacturing. Along the way, we discuss Europe’s M&A appetite, cash-rich balance sheets, and why selective acquisitions amplify organic growth rather than replace it.
If you’re tracking defense supply chains, EMS strategy, or how standardized operations beat complexity, this conversation offers a clear view of what’s next. Follow, share with a colleague who watches the Nordic EMS space, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway so we can keep raising the bar.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
The floor at Productronica hummed with a cautious optimism: after nearly two years of headwinds, signs of a turn are appearing in Europe. I sat down with Koh Young’s Michael Zahn and Joel Scutchfield to compare notes across Europe, the US, and Mexico—where industrial electronics, defense, smart home, and heating systems are on the rise while automotive remains subdued. What stood out wasn’t just where orders are coming from, but who is moving first: midsize EMS firms and privately owned manufacturers are investing ahead of the curve, seeking fast payback and dependable support.
Underneath the market pulse is a sharper question customers keep asking: what can we do with the data? High-fidelity inspection images are table stakes; the real value arrives when those images become insight that drives action. Michael and Joel walk through how applied AI delivers measurable outcomes—shorter setup times, preemptive process correction, and fewer defects—making productivity gains visible in hours saved and scrap avoided. The conversation cuts through hype: it’s not “do you have AI,” but “what has AI done for the line this week?”
Collaboration is the hinge that makes it all work. Beyond connecting machines, manufacturers are connecting companies and teams, breaking the habits of siloed optimization. Partnerships with players like Fuji and Cybord show how shared data and agreed response rules enable closed-loop control across printer, SPI, placement, and MES. That’s where a real tipping point forms: consistent global messaging, common data models, and cross-vendor feedback loops that accelerate time-to-stable and lift yield across shifts, lots, and sites.
If you’re aiming to turn smart factory ambition into repeatable results, this conversation maps the next steps: insight layers over raw data, ROI you can measure week by week, and collaborations that compound. Subscribe, share with a colleague who owns yield, and leave a review with the one bottleneck you want to break next.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Deals change the game only when they change what you can do for customers. That's the heartbeat of our conversation as we break down InCap’s planned acquisition of Lacon Group, a Germany-based EMS and ODM player with sites across Bavaria, northern Germany, and Romania. In this conversation with InCap CEO Otto Pukk, I dive into why Germany’s the cornerstone of European EMS, how local engineering talent shifts the work from build-to-print toward design collaboration, and why this move is about smarter capacity—geography, capability, and resilience—more than raw scale.
We map the value Lacon adds: roughly €70 million in revenue, a balanced sector mix across defense, rail, industrial, and medical, and ODM-grade design services that tighten DFM, accelerate NPI, and strengthen lifecycle support. Then we connect the dots to InCap’s existing strengths in Europe, USA and India, showing how small and mid-volume German programs can ramp efficiently across a broader network without sacrificing proximity or quality. The result is a more versatile platform for customers who want speed, engineering depth, and flexible capacity in an uncertain market.
Consolidation across European EMS is heating up, with aggressive moves from regional leaders and higher multiples for high-quality assets. We unpack what’s driving the surge—defense and aerospace demand, AI and data center hardware—and why portfolio balance still matters when geopolitics can shake forecasts. Culture fit plays a starring role here; with multi-site teams and over 600 new colleagues to integrate, shared values and a strong group spirit make the difference between a deal that looks good on paper and one that delivers in practice.
We close with a grounded outlook: stronger Q4 than Q3, cautious optimism for 2026, and a clear focus on integration and operational excellence—harmonizing processes, unlocking cross-site synergies, and standardizing engineering workflows. If you’re tracking the future of EMS, from German proximity to India-based scale, from ODM capability to defense readiness, this is a deep, candid look at how strategy meets execution. Subscribe, share with a colleague who follows EMS M&A, and leave a review with your take on where the next strategic foothold should be.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
A bustling Global Electronics Association booth at Productronica sets the stage for a candid conversation with Chief Global Officer Sanjay Huprikar about what real global collaboration looks like when it’s working. We trace a clear arc: India’s surge through training and engagement, China’s evolution from certification powerhouse to standards initiator, and Europe’s EMS leaders discovering that a neutral room can turn competitors into co-problem-solvers. The throughline is practical and powerful—let standards start where they must, invite the world to shape them, and keep the craft alive through hands-on training that elevates the entire workforce.
We unpack how “think global, act local” moves from slogan to system. A standard might begin in China on rail, draw in Europe’s deep expertise, and then expand through India and North America as shared challenges surface. In Paris, that same spirit created a safe space where CEOs left posturing at the door and focused on the 80 percent of challenges that every EMS provider faces—talent pipelines, digital maturity, supply risk, and operational resilience—while keeping the secret sauce out of the conversation. The result is faster learning, better standards, and teams who can actually apply them.
Beyond the boardroom, we celebrate the human side of excellence. Training programs, hand soldering and wire harnessing competitions, and ongoing education translate standards into muscle memory. Advocacy and industry insight add lift, connecting policy signals to factory floors. The rebrand to Global Electronics Association formalizes a decade of practice: each region can lead, and everyone contributes to a stronger, shared framework. If you care about workforce development, open collaboration, and standards that reflect real work, you’ll find a playbook here worth adopting.
Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, share it with a colleague who cares about collaboration, and leave a quick review to tell us what standard or skill set should be built next.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Productronica 2025 sets the stage for this novel leadership story: how a business major found purpose in the SMT and EMS industry, learned the language of machines and yields, and stepped into the COO role. I sat down with Koh Young Europe COO Solin Ahmed to unpack what it really takes to lead in a technical market without an engineering degree—fluency, curiosity, and the discipline to connect factory realities with customer expectations.
Guided by a 49-year SMT veteran, Solin shows how mentorship converts raw exposure into judgment, and how a trusted advisor emerges from years of watching, listening, and then acting. We also dive into a leadership model built on frictionless collaboration: operations guided by a detail-driven COO, paired with a seasoned sales leader who translates market signals into pipeline. That balance closes the gap between what gets sold and what can be built.
Amid talk of a “missing generation” in manufacturing, this conversation offers a different lens: create visible ramps for mid-career talent, make technical learning non-negotiable, and let emerging leaders prove themselves inside real projects. Solin explains that on the show floor, the mood is unmistakable—busy booths, decisive conversations, and renewed confidence after a hard stretch in the German market. We look ahead to 2026 with cautious optimism, agreeing that partnerships across SMT, backend, and component ecosystems will determine who compounds gains fastest.
If you’re navigating EMS leadership, building an SMT strategy, or rethinking how sales and ops should click, you’ll find practical insights and a dose of hard-won optimism. Subscribe, share with a colleague who mentors rising talent, and leave a review with one shift you think would most improve EMS in 2026.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Europe’s EMS market isn’t just busy—it’s redrawing the map in real time. We sit down at Productronica 2025 to unpack how a slow Q1 turned into a full-throttle M&A sprint, and why the leaderboard is changing faster than most expected. From targeted buys that unlock Spain, France, North Africa, and Switzerland to bold moves in aerospace and defense, the story isn’t growth for growth’s sake—it’s about building resilient portfolios that win on proximity, margin, and capability.
We dig into Cicor’s rise through a string of smaller targets and a revised offer for TT that could catapult it near the top, plus Scanfil’s international push through SRX Global, Atco, and MB Electronica to add reach and A&D exposure. Then we break down Hanza’s surprise acquisition of BMK, the logic behind its pan-European footprint, and how vertical integration—plastics, sheet metal, cable harnesses, and box build—turns PCBA sites into platforms that capture more share of wallet. The throughline: scale matters, but configuration matters more.
Beyond the headlines, we focus on the mechanics that decide whether deals create or destroy value. Culture fit between family-run firms and PE-backed operators, sequencing integration to protect customers, and aligning offerings to the target’s sales motion all determine the ROI. We outline the three enduring M&A levers—geography, end markets, and integrated capabilities—and how different playbooks balance them without overloading the strategy. Looking to 2026, expect more consolidation, at least one game-changing transaction, and several players breaking the billion-euro barrier.
If you care about EMS strategy, post-merger integration, and how to build a durable competitive edge in Europe, this conversation is a roadmap. Listen, share with a colleague who tracks electronics manufacturing, and leave a quick review so we can reach more industry leaders.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
In this episode of EMS & The Economist with Global Electronics Association Shawn DuBravac, we start with the longest U.S. government shutdown on record and how it choked off official data when leaders needed it most. With unemployment figures stale and signals flashing mixed, we turned to industry metrics: book‑to‑bill ratios that look balanced, backlogs that finally eased, and a defense sector still pulling hard, especially in Europe.
From there, we dive into the AI surge. Yes, the investment is huge, but today’s spend doesn’t rhyme with the dot‑com era. Hyperscalers like Meta, Google, and Amazon are deploying earnings rather than piling on fragile debt, building capacity they know they’ll use over a longer horizon. Even if there’s some overbuild, the bigger near‑term constraint isn’t hype—it’s electricity. Power availability, interconnect queues, and grid readiness now shape the slope of data center growth and the electronics demand tied to it.
Tariffs never left the stage, so companies stopped waiting for clean answers. We share how manufacturers are hedging with flexible footprints: in‑sourcing select lines, shifting from China to the U.S. or Mexico, and using USMCA to blunt steel and aluminum tariffs. We also unpack the legal uncertainty around AIPA and what rapid refunds could mean—a de facto stimulus that could unleash purchases and CapEx, or sit idle if policy risk stays high. Across the supply chain, smarter BOM visibility and analytics help teams decide what to absorb, what to pass through, and when to move.
Looking ahead, we set expectations for Productronica and CES. AI touches everything from enterprise infrastructure to wearables, robotics momentum is building, and autonomy has crossed from possible to feasible—especially as a service. Waymo's millions of miles point to real utilization, even if personal AV ownership remains a longer‑term play, with regulation and weather still setting the pace. If you care about where electronics goes next, keep your eye on AI‑enabled demand, power constraints, and the quiet agility moves inside supply chains.
Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review to help more builders find us.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Sitting down at FermionX with Managing Director Will Patrick, we explore how a third-generation MD took a family electronics manufacturer from tribal knowledge to a data-first operation that customers can see, trust, and scale with.
We start with the lineage—granddad’s silkscreen craft evolving to PCBs, then assembly—and why honoring that service and customer focussed ethic made the transformation stick. Then we lift the hood on the digital rebuild: a modern MES for full traceability, powerful dashboards for top-level clarity, and smarter quality tooling including Koh Young's KSMART and Luminovo. The goal wasn’t technology for its own sake; it was a single source of truth where every action leaves a data point and every decision gets faster, cleaner, and easier to audit.
From there, we talk growth. By redesigning processes and floor layout, Will has created headroom to push from around £10M to £25M without stacking overhead. We break down how visibility wins contracts in the EMS world, why customers value shared dashboards and live traceability, and how a long-term, 20–30 year plan changes which investments make sense today. We also get practical about AI: exception-driven MRP alerts, machine feedback loops, and agentic systems that surface the one issue that will derail tomorrow—after, and only after, the data foundation is solid.
If you care about scaling a contract manufacturer without losing your soul—or your margins—you’ll find concrete steps here: where to start with MES, how to drive cultural adoption, which metrics to watch, and how to stitch tools together so operators move faster, not slower. Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of manufacturing, data, and leadership, and tell us what you'd automate first.
EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
How does a manufacturing company double in size with limited workforce availability? What role will AI play in the future of electronics manufacturing? Nicole Russo from Microboard provides powerful insights into these questions and more during our conversation at APEX 2025.
Looking to establish their second manufacturing site, potentially in the western United States, Microboard stands at an exciting crossroads. Having already doubled their business over the past six years, they're strategically planning to repeat this achievement by 2028. Nicole candidly shares their approach to expansion, weighing the benefits of greenfield development against acquisition or partnership models, while emphasizing their unwavering commitment to remaining family-owned despite frequent private equity overtures.
What truly separates Microboard is their dual mission of building cutting-edge technology while helping those living on less than a dollar a day. "There's no U-Haul behind your hearse—you've got to live your legacy while you're alive," explains Nicole, highlighting how this purpose-driven approach energizes their team and shapes their business decisions. We explore their commitment to workforce diversity, including their neurodiversity initiative which, while challenging, reaffirms their belief that "everyone deserves a good job."
The conversation addresses artificial intelligence not as a buzzword but as an essential business imperative. "AI has to start to show up in profit... if you're not thinking that way, you're behind already," warns Nicole. With defense sector strength continuing and other markets awaiting clarity on tariffs and economic conditions, Microboard remains focused on technological advancement—even working with components so rare that only 100 exist worldwide. This fascinating discussion offers valuable insights for manufacturing leaders navigating similar growth and technology challenges.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Amid the bustling energy of APEX 2025, there's a sense that electronics manufacturing is at a pivotal point. Despite swirling uncertainties about politics, trade, and economic conditions, some companies aren't waiting for perfect clarity—some are moving forward with confidence and purpose.
Reshoring momentum is real. "It's a directive, a mandate for certain customers, certain manufacturers, to get out of China," the panel notes. This shift particularly benefits America's mid-tier EMS companies in the $50-200 million range who can absorb returning production without massive expansion. The long-championed principle of "in-region, for-region" manufacturing is finding even more relevance as companies recognize the risks and inefficiencies of stretched supply chains.
Yet significant challenges remain. The industry faces what some call a "missing generation" in its workforce—plenty of 20-somethings and 50-plus veterans, but noticeably fewer mid-career professionals. Companies are getting creative with talent strategies, though compensation remains central: "Pay $50 an hour, your lobby's full", suggests EMSNOW Publisher Eric Miscoll.
Automation continues advancing rapidly, with AI integration moving at remarkable speed. These technologies may help bridge the talent gap while enabling the American manufacturing renaissance that stakeholders across the political spectrum desire to see.
Whether you're navigating reshoring decisions, addressing workforce challenges, or exploring automation opportunities, this insider perspective offers valuable insights for your manufacturing strategy.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
When production becomes the North Star of manufacturing leadership, everything changes. Oscar, who has evolved from engineering manager to leader of engineering and production at ALL Circuits, reveals the shift in mindset that's transformed their Guadalajara facility. His refreshingly practical approach centers on making production results the focal point for every department—from quality to efficiency to personnel.
This conversation delves into one of manufacturing's most persistent challenges: talent management. Operating in Guadalajara's competitive EMS landscape requires innovative approaches to both recruiting and retention. Oscar shares his multi-pronged strategy: creating a genuinely welcoming work environment, providing meaningful challenges that keep team members engaged, investing in state-of-the-art equipment, and—most crucially—building internal talent pathways. Rather than merely competing for existing talent, ALL Circuits takes responsibility for developing its own workforce through dedicated training programs and mentorship structures designed to transform recent graduates into skilled manufacturing professionals.
Perhaps most exciting is the discussion of ALL Circuits' recent acquisition, which integrates them into a global manufacturing family with facilities across Asia. The merger creates a fascinating opportunity for cross-pollination between ALL Circuits' automotive, and automated, manufacturing expertise and their new partners' consumer electronics specialization. As Oscar wisely notes, "Every day is a school day"—a philosophy that perfectly captures the continuous learning mindset driving manufacturing excellence at ALL Circuits.
Filmed on location at ALL Circuits Guadalajara. Learn more at https://www.allcircuits.com/
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
The electronics industry has reached a pivotal moment of transformation, and leading the charge is a familiar organization with a brand new identity. In this revealing conversation, John Mitchell, President and CEO, announces the rebrand of IPC as the Global Electronics Association – a name that finally captures the true essence of the organization.
"The name literally represents who we are and what we've been doing for some time," Mitchell explains, addressing how the former acronym – while iconic in standards and certification – created confusion among media, policymakers, and those less familiar with the association's evolution since its founding in 1957. The new identity boldly declares its worldwide reach while clarifying its comprehensive role across the entire electronics ecosystem.
This rebrand represents more than just a name change. It signals a significant inflection point with substantial investments in global operations, advocacy, industry intelligence, and communications. With a refined vision of "better electronics for a better world" and a streamlined mission focused on supply chain resilience and industry growth, the association is positioning itself at the critical intersection of global and regional interests. As Mitchell notes, "A global supply chain is also made up of regional capabilities."
What makes this transformation particularly powerful is how it embraces the connected nature of modern electronics. The Global Electronics Association now represents every segment of the supply chain – from semiconductor manufacturers to OEMs and everything in between – creating a unified voice for an industry that powers virtually every aspect of modern life.
Ready to be part of this evolution? Visit electronics.org to discover how this renewed organization is shaping the future of electronics worldwide.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Mexico's electronics has always been one of the main events at APEX, but this year they are doubling down! I explore the journey of IPC Mexico and their first-ever dedicated pavilion at Apex after 25 years of Mexican participation at the show.
Lorena Villanueva, the dynamic leader of IPC Mexico, reveals their groundbreaking "three-helix" strategy that's reshaping their position in the Mexican electronics landscape. By forging deep partnerships between state governments (including aerospace hub Querétaro and automotive electronics center Guanajuato), academic institutions, and industry leaders, IPC Mexico has created a powerful ecosystem that drives education, innovation and growth throughout the region.
What truly sets IPC Mexico apart is their authentic approach to community building. "We are huggers," Lorena explains, highlighting how cultural understanding and personal connections have been game-changers in their success. Rather than imposing American methodologies, IPC has empowered their Mexican team to develop strategies that resonate locally while maintaining global best practices. This cultural intelligence has transformed IPC from being perceived as a foreign entity to becoming a truly Mexican association in just the past 12 months.
The future looks bright as IPC Mexico continues hosting regional events that facilitate networking and knowledge-sharing in comfortable, open environments. Their commitment to supporting both members and the broader industry demonstrates how international organizations can achieve global excellence through local relevance.
Want to see how genuine connection and cultural understanding can transform an industry? Follow IPC Mexico's journey as they continue building bridges between Mexico and the global electronics community!
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
The landscape of European manufacturing is undergoing a profound transformation, caught between geopolitical tensions, shifting economic priorities, and technological disruption. Harald Eppinger of Koh Young offers a candid assessment of where Europe stands and what's needed to revitalize its industrial leadership.
"We are competitive in technology, we have the right people in charge," Eppinger asserts, highlighting that Europe's challenges stem not from capability but from hesitation. This wake-up call comes at a critical moment as defense spending increases dramatically across the continent, creating substantial opportunities in communications technology, satellite systems, and aerospace development.
Regional variations tell a nuanced story – the UK has "recovered wisely" post-Brexit, while Scandinavia maintains its traditional strength. Central Europe faces greater challenges, with many potential projects stuck in the "what if" phase of planning. The solution, Eppinger suggests, lies in collaborative partnerships that leverage each vendor's strengths while presenting unified solutions to customers. This shift from isolated competition to strategic collaboration fundamentally changes how manufacturing operates.
For manufacturing leaders looking to navigate this changing landscape, the message is clear: competitiveness requires collaboration, data exchange, and process visualization. Those who embrace these principles stand ready to benefit as European manufacturing potentially rebounds in 2025.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Amid global economic uncertainty and shifting trade policies, how do manufacturing companies navigate choppy waters? Otto Pukk, President & CEO of InCap joins us to reveal the advantages of a decentralized leadership approach during turbulent times.
"There is always some crisis and always some turbulence," Otto reflects with refreshing pragmatism. Rather than centralizing control, InCap has thrived by empowering local management teams across their global facilities. "We have excellent management teams in each unit that are experts on the local conditions and can navigate through that," he explains. This distributed leadership model has become their secret sauce in responding quickly to regional challenges without waiting for headquarters directives.
The financial results speak volumes. While many European EMS companies struggle, InCap reports strong growth and impressive EBITDA margins. Their ultra-lean headquarters—just 10 square meters in Helsinki with a team of seven—minimizes overhead costs that typically eat into profits. Looking ahead to 2025, Otto acknowledges the market hesitancy as everyone waits to see "what are the rules of the game" regarding tariffs and trade policies, but remains optimistic about growth prospects once conditions stabilize.
Perhaps most valuably, he highlights the collaborative spirit within the electronics manufacturing community, where competitors often share knowledge to solve common challenges. "It's a small, very small community actually... you don't need to be afraid to share your experience."
Ready to rethink your company's approach to global uncertainty? Listen now and discover how culture and organizational structure might be your greatest asset in unpredictable times.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
As the landscape of electronics manufacturing undergoes rapid transformation, industry leaders are grappling with how to navigate uncertainty while capitalizing on emerging opportunities. At APEX 2025, Allison Budvarson, COO and co-founder of Out of the Box Manufacturing offered a open and honest look at these dynamics, revealing how her company maintains its core focus amid shifting market conditions.
The conversation tackles one of the most significant trends affecting American manufacturing today: reshoring. "There's an openness to have conversations where maybe customers weren't interested before," Allison notes, pointing to evolving perceptions about domestic manufacturing competitiveness. Yet this potential renaissance comes with substantial challenges—particularly around talent acquisition and production capacity. Rather than simply lamenting these obstacles, Allison articulates a forward-thinking vision that leverages artificial intelligence to transform how work gets done: "If we can eliminate some of the non-value-added processes by allowing AI to do that work and then focusing our personnel and training efforts on the high technology parts of what we do, we can be more successful."
What makes this discussion particularly valuable is its broader industry context. Through her involvement with the EMS Leadership Summit, Allison highlights the power of collaborative problem-solving among industry peers. From talent development strategies to AI implementation, these executives—though competitors in some respects—recognize that knowledge sharing elevates the entire sector. This philosophy resonates throughout the conversation, culminating in Allison's observation that "we do better to serve our customers broadly and to elevate the industry broadly if we all work together."
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Lou Hughes, President and CEO of IMI, brings us inside the evolving world of global electronics manufacturing where uncertainty has become the only certainty. From his perspective leading a major EMS provider through turbulent times, Hughes shares candid insights about how companies are adapting to constant disruption.
The conversation opens with a frank assessment of tariff uncertainties and their paralyzing effect on customer decision-making. "I think our customers are totally frustrated by the whole situation and everybody is just frozen in place," Hughes explains, highlighting how geopolitics directly impacts manufacturing strategies. This uncertainty creates a challenging business environment where planning becomes increasingly difficult.
What emerges as particularly fascinating is Hughes' articulation of a fundamental industry paradox: customers demand manufacturing flexibility across regions to mitigate geopolitical risks, but resist paying the premium required to maintain that capability. "To say you're fast and flexible is one thing, but to truly be able to deliver that to a customer at a competitive price they expect is completely different," Hughes notes. This tension between flexibility and cost efficiency represents perhaps the central challenge facing global manufacturers today.
Hughes then reveals IMI's strategic response - consolidation around "super sites" rather than maintaining numerous smaller facilities. He explains how the company recently sold its Czech facility while expanding operations in Serbia, believing that "fewer bigger sites" improve competitiveness by controlling overhead costs. Similarly, IMI's Mexico operations have become its busiest location for new product introductions, particularly attractive to customers seeking tariff advantages under current trade rules. This practical approach to balancing global presence with operational efficiency offers valuable lessons for navigating manufacturing in an increasingly unpredictable world.
Ready to dive deeper into the realities of global manufacturing strategy? Listen now to understand how leading manufacturing companies are redesigning their operations to thrive amid constant change.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Europe's defense industrial base stands at a critical inflection point. Military experts warn we have just three to five years to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities before facing potentially devastating security challenges.
I talked about these trends and the European response with Kitron Group's President and CEO, Peter Nilsson and Managing Director of Kitron AS, Hans Petter Thomassen, who participated in the “Implementation Dialogue on EU Defence” with Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, held in Brussels recently.
The European Commission recognizes this urgency. They've initiated an "omnibus" bill aimed at helping defense manufacturers ramp up production quickly, bringing together industry leaders from major prime contractors to innovative startups developing cutting-edge battlefield technologies. But the challenges are enormous.
Most electronics components, semiconductors, and specialized materials used in European defense systems come from outside the continent. While stockpiling strategic materials for several years provides a short-term solution, the long-term challenge of rebuilding secure supply chains remains daunting. For specialized materials like munitions chemicals, new production facilities require five years just for permitting and environmental studies.
Regional responses vary dramatically across Europe. Countries feeling immediate threat – the Nordics, Baltics, Poland, and Germany – are leading with bold procurement initiatives and defense budgets approaching 5% of GDP. These long-term commitments provide the certainty manufacturers need for major capacity investments.
Perhaps most exciting is the rise of defense technology startups across Eastern Europe. From drone innovations to laser targeting systems, these companies bring battlefield-ready solutions developed with real-world urgency. As one Ukrainian defense official emphasized: "A system you can provide me two years from now has zero interest – I need something for tomorrow."
The war in Ukraine accelerates these trends, serving as both catalyst for action and testing ground for technologies. Defense donation programs deliver immediate battlefield feedback on new systems, strengthening the innovation cycle.
Want to explore how these defense industry transformations might affect your business? Join us at the upcoming IPC defense event in Brussels on June 10th, where industry leaders will be tackling these critical challenges head-on.
MADE IN EUROPE is an IPC Podcast, produced by SCOOP
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
In this compelling conversation, Sanjay Huprikar shares insights into his expanded role overseeing IPC's global strategy across Europe, India, Southeast Asia, the US, and Canada. As the newly appointed Chief Global Officer for an association serving a $3 trillion global industry, Huprikar offers a unique perspective on how trade associations must evolve to serve increasingly complex, multinational member companies.
Key Discussion Points:
- The New Global Paradigm: How IPC is redefining "global" in an era where regionalization and supply chain resilience have become critical priorities
- Beyond Standards and Certification: IPC's expansion into areas like government advocacy, supply chain sustainability, and industry intelligence
- The Art of Listening: How building credible relationships with industry leaders creates the foundation for meaningful collective action
- Regional Manufacturing vs. Global Supply Chains: Why the electronics industry needs both approaches simultaneously
- Government Relations Success: Insights into IPC's growing influence in policy discussions across multiple regions
- The Connectivity Challenge: How multinational companies make decisions locally while needing global coordination
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Economic uncertainty looms large over the manufacturing landscape as tariffs, interest rates, and geopolitical tensions reshape global supply chains. The slight contraction in Q1 economic growth masks an underlying reality - demand remains relatively stable, but manufacturers face difficult decisions about where and when to invest in new capacity. I unpack this and so much more with IPC Chief Economist, Shawn Dubravac.
Tariff uncertainty has become a permanent feature rather than a temporary disruption. What began as a negotiation tactic appears to be transforming into a long-term strategic tool, with 10% tariffs likely representing the floor rather than a temporary measure. This new normal is driving dramatic shifts in manufacturing locations, with smartphone imports from India to the US jumping from 12% to 28% in just one year as companies diversify away from China. According to IPC sentiment data, 17% of electronics firms are actively seeking new manufacturing capacity in the US, with others looking toward Mexico, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Two sectors stand out as bright spots amid the uncertainty. Defense spending in Europe has surged in response to ongoing geopolitical tensions, creating substantial opportunities for manufacturers serving this market. Simultaneously, we're witnessing unprecedented investments in AI infrastructure, particularly in the Gulf region, where massive data center projects are being announced. These twin forces of defense and AI are creating pockets of high growth even as traditional electronics sectors face headwinds.
Companies that can build agility into their global operations while positioning themselves in these growth sectors will find themselves well equipped to navigate the challenging landscape. Rather than waiting for clarity that may never arrive, successful manufacturers are developing strategies to thrive amid ongoing uncertainty. Listen now to gain crucial insights into where the electronics manufacturing industry is headed for the remainder of 2025 and beyond.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Manufacturing stands at a crossroads, caught between technological opportunity and geopolitical uncertainty. Speaking with Augusto Vilarinho Head of Global Sales at Critical Manufacturing at APEX 2025, we dive into how manufacturers are navigating today's complex landscape while preparing for tomorrow's challenges.
The contrast between European and American manufacturing approaches reveals fascinating insights. While European manufacturers demonstrate strong commitment to reshoring operations, their American counterparts show enthusiasm tempered with hesitation—waiting for tariff clarity before making major investments. This wait-and-see approach makes perfect sense when planning for sustainable growth amid shifting regulations.
At the heart of modern manufacturing excellence lies the crucial integration between physical equipment and intelligent systems. As Augusto explains, "It's a time long gone where buying a new machine delivered a nice throughput." Today's competitive edge comes from contextualizing manufacturing data across operations, from supply chain to production floor. Critical Manufacturing's platform excels here, connecting disparate systems to create a unified view that drives intelligent decision-making.
Perhaps most valuable is how advanced Manufacturing Execution Systems help navigate complex supply chain decisions. When choosing materials, the lowest purchase price rarely tells the full story. By capturing contextualized information about how different materials perform in specific machines under various conditions, manufacturers can make truly informed decisions that balance cost against efficiency and quality. This holistic approach transforms manufacturing from a collection of isolated processes into an integrated ecosystem optimized for excellence.
Listen and explore how data-driven manufacturing is revolutionizing production across industries, and why those embracing these systems today will lead tomorrow's manufacturing renaissance. How is your operation adapting to these new manufacturing realities?
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Manufacturing landscapes are constantly evolving, and few understand this better than Dave Spehar, Managing Director of InCap's US operation. Speaking from the Creative Electron booth at APEX 2025, Dave offers a candid look at the post-acquisition journey since July 2023 that has propelled their business to record performance.
Cultural alignment emerges as the cornerstone of their successful integration. "We had a very good match with the InCap culture, where it's more of an entrepreneurial spirit within the company," Dave explains. This compatibility has allowed them to maintain their operational identity while leveraging the resources of a global organization. From enhanced purchasing power to IT infrastructure support, the benefits of joining a larger family have been substantial without sacrificing the core values that made them successful.
Timing couldn't have been better for this strategic move. With increasing tariff uncertainties and market volatility, having US-based manufacturing capabilities has become a competitive advantage. Their specialization in industrial applications, gas detection systems, and IoT devices continues to see robust demand. Meanwhile, the talent challenge looms large across manufacturing – something Dave addresses through a dual approach of strategic automation and positioning as an employer of choice. "We want to get more efficient with some automation... but at the end of the day, we've still got to rely on that talent," he notes.
Perhaps most telling is the accelerated investment trajectory since the acquisition. Dave reveals they've invested more in the past year than in the previous five years combined, with another significant investment year ahead. This focus on maintaining state-of-the-art facilities and technologies positions them to exceed customer expectations in the challenging high-mix, low-volume manufacturing space.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What truly sets successful electronics manufacturing companies apart in times of global uncertainty? Find out as I speaks with Jay Patel of Amtech at APEX 2025 in this thought-provoking conversation about leadership, adaptation, and competitive advantage in the EMS industry.
The past year has brought extraordinary change – from political shifts to escalating trade wars – yet Patel maintains the refreshing perspective that disruption creates opportunity for those bold enough to embrace it. "Only one thing has changed and that's everything," he observes, capturing the perpetual state of transformation that characterizes modern manufacturing. Rather than viewing challenges as burdens, Patel reframes them as the very reason the industry exists: solving complex problems for their customers requires talented professionals.
The discussion explores the psychological dimension of leadership, highlighting how distinguishing between personal shortcomings and industry-wide challenges transforms morale and effectiveness. Patel shares insights gleaned from the EMS Leadership Summit, where peer-to-peer exchanges provide both practical solutions and validation that others face similar obstacles. While Amtech focuses on specific non-consumer market segments with potential for reshoring growth, the conversation reveals a deeper truth about manufacturing excellence.
"Our competitive advantage is not the gear that we have," Patel emphasizes. "It is the culture that we build." This profound insight challenges any assumption that technological superiority alone determines success. In an industry where equipment and capability become table stakes, with numerous vendors offering similar solutions, organizational culture emerges as the decisive competitive edge. The integration of advanced technologies like AI and IoT matters, but primarily as tools that free people to focus on delivering exceptional customer value.
Ready to rethink what drives manufacturing success? Listen now and discover why your company culture might be more valuable than your equipment lineup.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
The electronics manufacturing landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as companies seek global capabilities and strategic advantages in a post-pandemic world. Chaim from Lincoln International, the largest global investment bank focused on private capital markets, shares exclusive insights from decades of orchestrating EMS mergers and acquisitions.
After a flurry of private equity-driven consolidation between 2015 and early 2020, M&A activity experienced a predictable downturn during COVID and subsequent supply chain challenges. Now, the market is rebounding with renewed vigor, driven by companies pursuing geographic diversification and vertical integration. This resurgence combines both private equity interest and strategic buyers seeking competitive advantages.
What stands out clearly is the critical importance of global agility. Manufacturing leaders face difficult decisions about establishing or expanding operations across various regions including the US, Mexico, and Southeast Asia. Those who can provide customers with production flexibility across multiple geographies possess a significant competitive advantage in today's uncertain regulatory and tariff environment. As Chaim explains, "The best players, the ones that can serve their customers in the way that the customers want, are the ones that have the ability to be global."
For companies considering their strategic options, preparation trumps perfect timing. While cultural fit remains important for integration success, the factors that truly drive valuation multiples are operational fundamentals: revenue growth, profit margins, target markets, and customer relationships. Despite fluctuating transaction volume, multiples have remained relatively stable, reflecting the enduring strategic value of well-positioned manufacturing partners.
Whether you're considering acquiring capabilities, expanding your global footprint, or planning an eventual exit, understanding these market dynamics is essential.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Manufacturing excellence demands continuous adaptation, a truth Patrick Stimpert from Matrix Limited embodies as he shares his company's remarkable journey during our conversation at APEX 2025.
Following a standout year, Matric has expanded their manufacturing footprint by 30%, completely resetting their converted school building facility with a strategic horseshoe workflow design. What makes this transformation special isn't just the physical changes, but the cultural buy-in that's emerged. "I'm not having to do it all," Patrick notes with satisfaction, highlighting how team members now drive improvement rather than simply following directives.
Facing today's manufacturing talent shortage head-on, Matric has pioneered a two-track approach: funding higher education for professionals while creating internal pathways for young people seeking alternatives to college debt. "The younger generation just wants to learn," Patrick observes, describing how they've built career development ladders that allow employees to advance as far as their ambition takes them. This forward-thinking approach not only solves immediate staffing needs but cultivates future leaders and innovators.
Despite economic uncertainty and potential tariff complications, Patrick delivers a powerful message for manufacturers: "Doing nothing is worse than doing something." He advocates for proactive planning and decisive action rather than paralysis in the face of change. When asked about AI's role in manufacturing, his answer is practical rather than theoretical – purchasing automation represents the most promising application, potentially eliminating the repetitive "digging ditches" work that occupies buyers across the industry.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Tariffs on Monday, none on Tuesday? Welcome to the new reality for Mexican manufacturers navigating the unpredictable trade landscape after recent political changes. In this conversation with Jorge Quijano, Head of Sales for Repstronics at APEX 2025, we dive into the real challenges facing companies operating south of the border—and the innovative strategies they're employing to stay competitive despite the chaos.
Jorge paints a vivid picture of manufacturers literally rushing to build products over weekends and ship on Mondays, only to halt operations when tariffs suddenly shift again. Despite this turbulence, forward-thinking companies are positioning themselves for long-term success. "The companies that are really preparing for that moment are the ones that are going to be stronger," Jorge explains.
The conversation expands beyond tariffs to explore how uncertainty is reshaping investment strategies. Rather than traditional equipment purchases, Repstronics now offers creative alternatives like leasing and rental options that convert CapEx to OpEx. Meanwhile, manufacturers are turning inward, focusing on automation to address persistent workforce challenges and exploring AI implementation—though often without fully understanding what they're asking for. As Jorge notes, "Sometimes we get a request that hey, we need to implement AI, but they don't have an idea of what it is." This mirrors the Industry 4.0 hype cycle that preceded it, though AI may finally help companies properly leverage the data they've been collecting for years.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
The AI revolution in electronics manufacturing is gaining momentum, but navigating between hype and practical applications remains challenging. In this candid conversation from APEX 2025, Luminovo Co-Founder Timon Ruban shares a refreshingly honest perspective on AI's evolution in the industry.
Timon recounts Luminovo's journey from AI consultancy to disillusionment with the technology, only to rediscover its potential with recent advances in large language models. This mirrors what many companies experience – initial excitement, followed by frustration, and now a measured optimism about AI's practical applications. What makes today's AI landscape different? "It's not that hard to do," explains Timon, highlighting how implementation barriers have dramatically fallen compared to previous technological waves.
For electronics manufacturers, the path forward involves targeted, ROI-focused applications rather than attempting to transform everything at once. The supply chain, with its abundance of unstructured data in PDFs and emails, presents immediate opportunities. Timon details how AI can extract critical information from these documents and eventually support more complex decision-making through "agentic workflows" – collaborative processes where AI makes proposals that humans can review, refine, or approve.
The key to successful AI implementation lies in balancing two critical elements: context and tools. AI needs both comprehensive data about your operations and specialized tools to verify or execute actions. Companies with established industry expertise and partnerships are uniquely positioned to guide manufacturing teams through this transformation. Rather than replacing human expertise, the future promises a synergistic relationship where AI handles routine tasks while enhancing human decision-making capabilities.
Ready to move beyond AI curiosity to strategic implementation? Discover how leading manufacturers are already capturing value from targeted AI applications in their operations.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
The manufacturing landscape is changing rapidly, with economic headwinds creating a fascinating divide among electronics producers. While some companies hesitate in the face of tariff uncertainties and political tensions, others boldly expand capacity and embrace AI to solve their most pressing challenges. This dichotomy forms the foundation of an insightful conversation with Joel Scutchfield, General Manager of Koh Young America at APEX 2025.
Looking beyond current challenges, we explore the fundamental shift in growth expectations for the electronics manufacturing industry. The explosive post-pandemic growth of 2022 represented an anomaly fueled by inventory rebuilding and backlogged investments - creating a "new normal" that requires technological innovation rather than simply waiting for another market surge. This reality is driving forward-thinking manufacturers to invest strategically in AI capabilities that can increase productivity without expanding their workforce.
Particularly fascinating is the developmental pathway of manufacturing AI systems, which mirrors human learning progression. Beginning with high-quality, trustworthy data collection, these systems evolve from making recommendations (which operators implement) to eventually becoming fully autonomous, self-correcting entities. We explore Koh Young's practical implementation of this approach through their KAP (Koh Young Auto-Programming) tool and review functions, which are steadily progressing toward the autonomous, or 'agentic', model that represents manufacturing's future. For companies seeking manufacturing advantage in uncertain times, understanding this progression - and having the right data foundation - may be the critical differentiator between struggling with today's challenges and thriving despite them.
Curious about how AI is transforming manufacturing floor operations and how economic uncertainties are reshaping investment strategies? This episode provides both high-level perspective and practical insights you can apply to your own operation. Whether you're cautiously waiting for economic clarity or pushing forward with technology-driven solutions, you'll find valuable guidance for navigating manufacturing's rapidly evolving landscape.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Manufacturing is going global, but "Made in USA" still matters. Dr. Bill Cardoso reveals how Creative Electron's groundbreaking joint venture with Unicomp is redefining X-ray inspection technology while maintaining their American manufacturing roots.
In this interview with Eric Miscoll on the show floor of IPC APEX 2025, Bill shares how the partnership creates a 1,200-employee global enterprise with facilities spanning Hungary, India, Malaysia, and China. This strategic expansion arrives just as international trade faces growing challenges from protectionist policies and tariff barriers, positioning Creative Electron to serve customers worldwide while strengthening their San Marcos, California manufacturing operations.
The joint venture combines complementary technological strengths. Unicomp brings hardware expertise optimized for Asia's high-volume, low-mix production environments, while Creative Electron contributes user-friendly software tailored for Western manufacturing's high-mix, low-volume challenges. All systems—including those based on Unicomp technology—will be American-made for the American market, maintaining the quality and warranty that distinguishes Creative Electron in the marketplace.
Behind this expansion lies a closely aligned customer-obsessed philosophy driving everything from R&D to organizational structure. Dedicated business units now focus on specific product lines, ensuring specialized attention to customer needs. For Cardoso, this represents just the beginning of an ambitious journey to grow Creative Electron into a multi-billion dollar enterprise bridging technological silos to deliver inspection solutions that work across global manufacturing environments.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
The landscape of European electronics manufacturing is undergoing substantial shifts as geopolitical tensions rise and tariff uncertainties loom large. In this revealing conversation, NOTE CEO Johannes Lind-Widestam and Kitron CEO Peter Nilsson share their frontline perspectives on navigating these turbulent waters while maintaining the exceptional performance that has become synonymous with Nordic EMS providers.
As tariffs and regional manufacturing requirements reshape global supply chains, both leaders offer pragmatic insights into the challenges ahead. Despite the push for regionalization, the specialized nature of electronic components means complete supply chain localization remains impractical. "Everyone talks about how fast it is to move a factory," Johannes notes, "but if you want to move the electronic production that the US is making in China, that's going to be an enormous investment."
As the conversation switches gear to the topic of Nordic EMS Exceptionalism, we examine why Nordics companies consistently stand out for their resilience, profitability, and customer relationships. Scandinavia is the most outsourced market in Europe by some distance, but what exactly drives these advantages? Our guests peel back the curtain on the unique cultural factors that have positioned companies like Note and Keytron at the forefront of the industry.
"I think there is no secret formula," Johannes reflects, "it's a dedication to do things better and better, to never become complacent." This philosophy of continuous improvement permeates the entire ecosystem, from management approaches to factory floor operations. Peter adds that when American customers visit their Swedish factories, they frequently mistake production operators for senior engineers – a testament to the depth of talent and problem-solving capability built into their workforce.
The conversation reveals how the region's manufacturing heritage, stemming from telecom giants like Ericsson and Nokia, created not just technical expertise but a distinctive approach to business relationships. Unlike more protective manufacturing cultures found elsewhere in Europe, Scandinavian companies embrace openness and partnership. This cultural orientation creates sticky, strategic relationships with customers rather than merely transactional ones.
Discover why cultural factors and leadership approaches may ultimately determine which manufacturers thrive in this uncertain environment, and why the Scandinavian model offers valuable lessons for the broader electronics industry.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
With tariffs monopolizing an extraordinarily rapid news cycle, I ask IPC Chief Economist and regular guest, Shawn DuBravac, to appear in this impromptu episode of EMS & The Economist late last evening (around 10:30pm in Washington DC).
Tariffs are changing by the hour, not just by the day. What began as reciprocal measures against specific countries has morphed into a sectorial approach targeting entire industries regardless of manufacturing location.
The market response has been predictably volatile, with tech stocks swinging wildly as announcements and clarifications emerge in rapid succession. Business leaders across the electronics landscape find themselves paralyzed by uncertainty, delaying investment decisions while trying to navigate the shifting policy landscape. This hesitation alone increases recession probability, with many experts, including our guest IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac, now seeing an economic downturn beginning in Q3 2025 as likely.
Most revealing is the likely motivation behind these tariffs - not merely to punish foreign manufacturers or rebalance trade relationships, but to drive domestic electronics production within the United States. Yet even American-made electronics rely heavily on imported components, creating a complex challenge that tariffs alone cannot easily solve. As companies worldwide reconsider their market priorities, there's growing concern that global supply chains might realign in ways that reduce American centrality in the electronics ecosystem.
The electronics industry stands at a pivotal moment. How manufacturers, policymakers, and investors respond to these unprecedented challenges will reshape global trade relationships for years to come.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What happens when women bring their authentic selves to male-dominated technical fields? Transformative leadership emerges.
At APEX 2025, I spoke with Jody Urquhart, the standup comedian and motivation speaker giving the keynote at IPC's Women in Electronics Reception, about her provocatively titled message, "This Would Be Funny If It Wasn't Happening to Me". Rather than adapting to traditional expectations, Jody advocates for women to leverage their natural strengths—empathy, emotional intelligence, and deep understanding—as competitive advantages in technical environments.
The conversation unpacks a remarkable success story: a junior female engineer who rose to lead a major automotive facility simply by connecting authentically with her boss while male colleagues missed opportunities by prioritizing social dynamics over meaningful connection. This illustrates Jody's central thesis that belonging isn't about fitting in but about showing up as your complete self.
We explore the business case for diversity beyond quotas or representation. As one design leader pointedly asked, "How could you design a product where 50% of the consumers are female without women on your team?" The answer lies in recognizing that diverse perspectives directly impact product quality and market success.
Drawing from her background in stand-up comedy, Jody creates transformative experiences for organizations by helping teams recognize unconscious patterns—poor listening, disregarding others, procrastination—without triggering defensiveness. Her most profound insight may be that "the way you lead yourself is the same way you lead others," suggesting that self-compassion directly influences leadership effectiveness.
Ready to discover how bringing your authentic self to work can transform your organization? Listen now and share your thoughts on how empathy becomes a superpower in technical fields.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
NOTE: This show was recorded on April 8th, days after President Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs had been announced, but before a 90 day pause was applied to those same reciprocal tariffs, apart from those on China. The comments and opinions reflect this point in time.
Sweeping tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions have manufacturers worldwide questioning their next move. What happens when no one can predict tomorrow's trade landscape?
In this premiere episode of MADE IN EUROPE, an IPC Podcast, host Philip Stoten dives deep with Bo Lybaek of GPV Group A/S and Markus Aschenbrenner of Zollner Elektronik AG into the challenges facing EMS companies and their customers as they navigate the unpredictable waters of global trade tensions. Far from just reacting to headlines, these industry leaders reveal their strategic approaches to uncertainty.
"Most important thing is to stay calm, follow what is happening, and be agile when needed," shares Bo Lybaek, capturing the measured response many manufacturers are taking while awaiting clarity. Yet beneath this wait-and-see approach lies sophisticated preparation – from comprehensive supply chain data modeling to strategic global footprint development that has been years in the making and continues to be an imperative.
The conversation reveals how current disruptions are accelerating an existing trend toward "region for region" manufacturing – a localized approach that provides greater resilience against cross-border complications. Both Bo and Markus offer fascinating insights into how they've built truly global operations that maintain agility through shared equipment platforms, standardized processes, and most importantly, consistent corporate culture.
Perhaps most compelling is their perspective on Europe's position in this changing landscape. As Markus Aschenbrenner notes, "We need a strong European Union with real value for others to negotiate with." This includes not just the recently announced infrastructure investments, but critically, reducing bureaucracy that hinders competitiveness.
Join us for this thought-provoking discussion that goes beyond tariff headlines to explore how leading manufacturers are building resilience in uncertain times. Subscribe to MADE IN EUROPE now to hear more insights from European manufacturing leaders in future episodes.
MADE IN EUROPE is an IPC podcast, produced by SCOOP and hosted by Philip Stoten. Learn more about the IPC and their activities in Europe at https://www.ipc.org/europe
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
A fascinating glimpse into the rapidly shifting landscape of global electronics manufacturing reveals dramatic contrasts between regional approaches and priorities. From India's emergence as the "poster child" for end-to-end electronics ecosystems to Europe's struggles with cohesive industrial policies, this conversation with IPC's Sanjay Huprikar, filmed on location at APEX 2025, illuminates the complex challenges and opportunities facing our industry.
India stands at the precipice of transformational growth, with major semiconductor investments, a flourishing EMS sector, and revitalized PCB fabrication capabilities potentially creating a market of a billion consumers. Meanwhile, European electronics companies face a mixed landscape – dwindling PCB manufacturers but relatively robust EMS providers, increased defense spending, but a critical missing element: "a cohesive policy around how electronics manufacturing fits in the industrial base."
The conversation highlights IPC's impact and influence across the world and Europe in particular, growing from a team of two to ten professionals driving unprecedented engagement with executives, engineers, and workforce development initiatives. European leaders are increasingly recognized within IPC, earning President's Awards and Board positions while strengthening the organization's truly global perspective. The UK's strong aerospace and defense focus has made it second only to the US in IPC certifications, demonstrating the critical importance of standards and training in high-reliability applications.
Looking forward, IPC's ambitious agenda includes aerospace-focused events with Airbus and the European Space Agency, EMS Leadership Summits in the UK and Paris, and continued advocacy for comprehensive industrial policies that integrate electronics manufacturing strategies with workforce development, regulatory frameworks, and economic initiatives. These efforts address the universal concerns we all share – from responsible AI implementation to talent development and navigating political uncertainty. As Sanjay notes, IPC is fundamentally about "interconnection" – bringing diverse stakeholders together to solve our industry's most pressing challenges.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
The economic landscape once again shifted dramatically with the White House's "Liberation Day" announcements, and Shawn DuBravac, Chief Economist of IPC, brings clarity to the chaos. His analysis reveals how the newly announced tariffs - including a surprising 46% on Vietnamese goods and 34% on Chinese imports - are already causing companies to pause production, announce layoffs, and rethink their supply chains.
What makes these tariffs particularly disruptive is their timing and scope. Vietnam had emerged as a key alternative to China for electronics manufacturing, capturing 27% of US laptop imports compared to China's 66%. Now, those diversification efforts face severe headwinds. Shawn estimates laptop prices could surge by as much as 48%, a cost neither manufacturers with their tight margins nor financially-strained consumers seem prepared to absorb.
The conversation takes a concerning turn when discussing recession probability. While the US economy was on solid footing before these announcements, Shawn notes the probability of a 2025 recession continues to rise with these policy announcement. Consumer sentiment was already weakening with Americans "spending everything available to them." The timing creates a potential economic storm: short-term panic buying followed by significant demand contraction as prices rise.
Mexico and Canada emerge as potential winners due to USMCA exemptions, while European manufacturers face difficult decisions about their US export strategies. Companies are responding with various approaches - 31% investing in automation, nearly 30% switching suppliers, and 60% attempting to push costs upstream through renegotiated contracts. Meanwhile, 18% have already announced hiring freezes with another 36% considering similar measures.
Join us for this critical and timely conversation about global trade realignment, manufacturing strategies, and how organizations like IPC are evolving to provide both global and region-specific insights during this period of economic uncertainty. The landscape is changing daily - understanding these shifts has never been more important for anyone involved in global manufacturing and supply chains.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
The global electronics industry stands at a crossroads of political uncertainty and economic volatility. Few understand this challenging landscape better than Chris Mitchell, Vice President of Government Relations at IPC, who shared valuable insights with me during this candid conversation recorded at APEX 2025.
Chris, who oversees both government relations and industry intelligence programs, reveals how IPC has strategically expanded its global footprint to better serve members navigating complexity. With dedicated representatives now covering North America, Europe, and soon Asia, the organization provides crucial intelligence that helps companies make confident decisions despite market turbulence. As Chris observes, "Companies are looking for clarity," which explains why many have temporarily paused investments and expansion while awaiting greater certainty.
The political dimension looms large throughout our discussion. Chris offers a sobering assessment that volatility will likely continue for six to nine months as the US administration reshapes its approach to domestic governance and international relationships. Yet he remains optimistic that opportunities will emerge once the situation stabilizes. Meanwhile, in Europe, IPC focuses on revitalizing weak industry segments by helping policymakers recognize and address fundamental challenges.
What truly distinguishes IPC is its evolution into a respected global authority through strategic investment in expertise. The organization has assembled an impressive internal team including chief economist Shawn Dubravac, sustainability leader Kelly Scanlon, and engineering specialist Matt Kelly. Together, they transform overwhelming amounts of data into actionable insights, particularly valuable for companies evaluating supply chain diversification or new investment locations. As Chris notes, the challenge isn't just having data—it's having quality data delivered with meaningful context.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
A remarkable transformation is sweeping through European defense policy, creating new opportunities and challenges for the electronics industry. In this revealing conversation with Alison James, Senior Director Europe, Government Relations at IPC, we explore the European Union's dramatic shift in defense strategy, which she describes as a genuine "sea change" in approach.
The EU has moved with unprecedented speed to modify debt ceiling rules, creating essential "fiscal space" for member states to increase defense investments. This comes alongside proposals for simplification and joint procurement programs expected by June - lightning fast by European standards. What's driving this urgency? Growing recognition of critical vulnerabilities in Europe's electronics supply chain at a time when technology increasingly determines military capability.
IPC's timely new report reveals that electronics will comprise around 25% of defense systems' value by 2035. This data-rich study highlights why Europe must strengthen its electronics industrial base to achieve even modest autonomy in defense production. The goal isn't complete manufacturing independence but establishing what Alison calls a "minimum autonomy threshold" to address the most critical vulnerabilities.
For electronics manufacturers, particularly EMS companies, many deriving 10-30% of business from defense contracts, these developments present significant opportunities alongside challenges. While European companies maintain strong relationships with American partners, uncertainty around tariffs creates planning anxiety. As Alison astutely notes, "Businesses need certainty," something in short supply during this geopolitical realignment.
Looking ahead, IPC continues building coalitions across the European electronics ecosystem to advocate with one voice for policies supporting technological sovereignty. Understanding the "silicon system" beneath emerging technologies like AI becomes increasingly crucial as Europe reconsiders its place in the global technology landscape. Join us for this illuminating discussion on how defense priorities are reshaping the electronics industry's future.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Trade policy turbulence is creating unprecedented challenges for electronics manufacturers as they navigate a rapidly shifting landscape of tariffs, material cost increases, and regulatory uncertainty. Speaking from the final day of APEX 2025, Richard Cappetto, Senior Director North American Government Relations for IPC, reveals the behind-the-scenes advocacy work happening in Washington to represent the industry's interests during this critical period.
At the heart of the conversation lies a fundamental tension: while the administration aims to spark a manufacturing renaissance in America, the policy tools being deployed—particularly aggressive tariffs—may inadvertently undermine that very goal by destabilizing established supply chains. Rich shares how IPC submits formal comments and participates in closed-door meetings to educate policymakers about electronics manufacturing realities, emphasizing that the global networks built over decades cannot be reset overnight without significant disruption.
The interview illuminates the complex interconnectedness of modern manufacturing, where a single Silverado pickup truck crosses borders between the US, Mexico, and Canada numerous times during production. This example powerfully demonstrates why stability is crucial—manufacturers need predictability to plan investments, hire workers, and commit to long-term strategies. With copper tariffs potentially impacting every electronic device produced and tax policy changes looming on the horizon, IPC is gathering crucial data through industry surveys to strengthen their advocacy position. Rich's work extends beyond Washington, coordinating with counterparts in Europe and Asia to ensure a globally coherent approach that reflects the international nature of electronics manufacturing.
Ready to have your voice heard on these critical issues? Complete the IPC survey that was distributed to APEX 2025 attendees and help shape the policies that will determine the future of electronics manufacturing.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Supply chain disruption, tariff uncertainty, and the quest for manufacturing stability take center stage in this enlightening conversation with Philip Gulley, Chief Strategy Office and Co-Founder of Cofactr. Recorded at APEX 2025, the discussion reveals how manufacturers are finally clarity amid prolonged uncertainty about global trade policies.
"The unfortunate situation is there's a lot of instability, and that is not great for the world," Phil acknowledges. Yet this instability has catalyzed remarkable growth for Cofactr, whose practical solutions help companies navigate the complexities of international commerce. Their focus on documentation, traceability, and strategic planning enables manufacturers to understand landed costs, avoid double-paying tariffs, and maintain production schedules despite customs delays.
What distinguishes Cofactr's approach is their refreshingly pragmatic use of AI. While many technology vendors make grandiose promises about digital transformation, Phil describes their AI applications as "insanely boring and very practical"—precisely what manufacturers need. By automating procurement processes, tracking vendor communications, and surfacing potential issues before they impact production, Cofactr delivers measurable ROI that resonates with operations leaders.
The conversation also explores the crucial but unglamorous work of data normalization across disparate systems. Before manufacturers can achieve the dream of integrated, enterprise-wide AI insights, they must first establish accurate, accessible data foundations. As Phil explains, "Right now, I think we're all pushing the idea down in the weeds, getting your bit right—just how do you get that foundation of data accurate and accessible?"
From a company that was "loitering in the aisles" at trade shows three years ago to a 40+ person organization opening a new West Coast facility, Cofactr's growth story reflects the urgent need for practical solutions in today's manufacturing landscape.
Listen now to understand how smart data management is transforming supply chain resilience during these turbulent times.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Ever wonder how large manufacturing organizations balance standardization with maintaining close customer relationships? Mike MacKenzie, recently appointed at Creation, pulls back the curtain on this delicate balancing act during a revealing conversation at APEX 2025.
Creation has built its reputation through acquiring smaller, customer-focused manufacturing units. Rather than imposing rigid corporate structures, they've preserved the entrepreneurial spirit and customer intimacy these businesses are known for while strategically harmonizing operations where it makes sense. "We're trying to maintain some of that intimacy but also leverage best practices and standards," MacKenzie explains, noting they're about 75% through their harmonization journey.
The approach to equipment standardization particularly stands out. Instead of forcing wholesale equipment replacement across facilities, Creation allows functional equipment to naturally age out before standardizing. MacKenzie shares what they prioritize in technology partners: performance, support capability, and systems that will integrate with other tools. "We keep our assets for 10, 15 years preferably," he notes, emphasizing the need for vendors with staying power. They've successfully built communication interfaces across 90% of their equipment, though MacKenzie acknowledges the expense of creating these connections across dozens of different platforms.
The conversation takes a fascinating turn when discussing Industry 4.0's unfulfilled promises and whether AI will deliver better results. MacKenzie sees potential in AI for predictive capabilities but emphasizes the need for practical applications. The vision of an "agentic AI" that could coordinate between specialized systems across production, inspection and supply chain management represents an exciting future direction that could finally deliver the digital dividend manufacturers have been waiting for.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
The electronics manufacturing world stands at a critical intersection of talent challenges, AI transformation, and global trade uncertainties. This fascinating conversation with IPC CEO John Mitchell, recorded on the final day of APEX 2025, dives deep into how industry leaders are navigating these complex waters.
Talent acquisition and development remains the industry's perennial challenge. John offers a fresh perspective, suggesting that finding the mythical "pink unicorn" candidate with perfect qualifications is less effective than growing talent from within. "You hire somebody because they're the right fit, but if you don't keep investing in that person, they're no longer the right fit because technology keeps moving," he explains. This approach resonates with many manufacturers who've established internal training programs that attract candidates seeking alternatives to traditional university education and its associated debt.
Artificial intelligence implementation has emerged as both an opportunity and a concern. While electronics manufacturers are eager to harness AI's power, they're cautious about intellectual property protection. John delivers another memorable quotes: "AI is not going to take your job. The person next to you who knows how to use AI is going to take your job." The discussion explores how IPC is working to promote industry-specific AI solutions that protect proprietary information while leveraging investments in technologies like CFX that provide the quality data AI systems require.
Against the backdrop of what John and I both diplomatically call a "curious" global trade environment, electronics manufacturers crave stability more than specific political outcomes. The industry has always operated amid disruption, but consistent policy frameworks are essential for capital investments and expansion planning. As we navigate these uncertain waters, industry collaboration through organizations like IPC becomes increasingly vital. Join John and I for this thought-provoking exploration of electronics manufacturing's present challenges and future opportunities – and discover how industry leaders are designing for agility in an ever-changing landscape.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
As day two of APEX 2025 draws to close, I sit down for some group therapy with Creative Electron CEO Bill Cardoso and EMSNOW Publisher Eric Miscoll to explore the key takeaways from two show days, and more than forty interviews.
The manufacturing world stands at a crossroads where artificial intelligence meets production reality. At APEX 2025, manufacturing leaders are showing up in unprecedented numbers, driven by what experts call "AI curiosity" - a strategic mission to implement AI effectively without repeating the paralysis that plagued Industry 4.0 adoption.
What's fascinating is how manufacturers are approaching AI implementation. Rather than diving headfirst into comprehensive digital transformations, companies are seeking small, tangible projects with clear KPIs and measurable returns. This pragmatic approach stems from hard-learned lessons about technological adoption. Meanwhile, a crucial debate rages between using powerful cloud-based AI platforms versus developing proprietary systems that keep sensitive manufacturing data secure from competitors. For many electronics manufacturers whose customers restrict network connectivity, edge computing isn't just preferable—it's essential.
Market uncertainty continues to challenge capital investment decisions, with tariff fluctuations creating chaos particularly along border regions. One example cited shows how the price of a single vehicle can fluctuate by thousands of dollars as components cross borders multiple times during production.
Through this uncertainty, business agility has emerged as the defining competitive advantage, with global manufacturers able to shift production strategically across regions. Mid-sized EMS companies, especially those with defense industry exposure, are weathering conditions most effectively by exploring automation solutions that boost productivity without proportional headcount growth. Looking toward the future, industry leaders emphasize that technological adoption without clear metrics is directionless—or as one executive cleverly quoted, "If you don't know where you're going, you're never lost."
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
The manufacturing revolution we've been promised for decades might finally be within reach. In this interview with Kevin Surace about his keynote at APEX 2025, he cuts through the hype to reveal how artificial intelligence is transforming production floors in ways Industry 4.0 never quite delivered.
"We want a lights-out factory," he explains, painting a compelling vision where equipment runs autonomously, maintenance requirements disappear, and yields reach 100%. What makes today's AI revolution different from previous technological waves is its accessibility and immediate productivity boost. For just $20 a month, professionals across every function can generate more ideas and solutions than they had "five seconds ago."
The most fascinating revelation comes when Kevin discusses humanoid robotics as the bridge technology between our current manufacturing infrastructure and fully automated facilities. Since existing equipment was designed for human operators, humanoid robots represent the fastest path to automation without redesigning entire production systems. This approach could accelerate reshoring efforts by making labor costs less relevant to manufacturing economics.
Beyond the factory floor, our conversation explores how AI is revolutionizing content creation, supply chain management, and business forecasting. Kevin draws compelling parallels to the early Internet days, reminding us how technologies initially viewed with skepticism quickly become indispensable. "There was a time when the Internet showed up and no one wanted it at work... And today, you can't live without it."
Looking to stay ahead of manufacturing's AI revolution? Subscribe to our podcast for more insights from industry visionaries who are transforming how we design, build, and deliver the products of tomorrow.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
While much of the European electronics manufacturing industry faced a 14-15% downturn in 2024, InCap Corporation demonstrated remarkable resilience. In this conversation filmed at APEX 2025, CFO Antti Pynnönen reveals how InCap not only weathered the storm but thrived, delivering double-digit EBITDA performance and particularly strong Q4 results.
The secret to their success? According to Antti it's a combination of prescient timing and operational excellence. Antti explains how InCap experienced inventory challenges a year before many competitors, allowing them to adjust early and return to growth mode while others were still struggling. This advantage was magnified by their decentralized organizational structure, which keeps overheads minimal while fostering entrepreneurial spirit and rapid decision-making across their manufacturing sites.
Looking toward the future, Antti outlines InCap's strategically balanced approach to growth amid geopolitical uncertainties. Despite the "limbo situation" created by potential tariff changes and trade tensions, the company maintains an active M&A strategy with a decades long investment horizon. Their financial strength positions them well for targeted expansions in North America, Germany, and Southeast Asia. Particularly promising growth sectors include defense (especially with increased European spending), renewable energy technologies, electric vehicle infrastructure, and data center power solutions driven by AI development.
Whether you're navigating manufacturing challenges, seeking insights on international expansion, or exploring growth markets in electronics manufacturing, this conversation offers valuable perspective from a company that's mastered the art of thriving during industry downturns. Listen now to understand how organizational agility and strategic foresight can transform challenges into opportunities.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
The curtain has fallen on IPC APEX 2025 after an intensive three days that yielded over 50 interviews with industry leaders. As attendees and exhibitors drifted out into the California sunshine, they left behind conversations that revealed the electronics manufacturing industry at a crossroads of political uncertainty, technological transformation, and talent challenges.
Tariffs dominated discussions, creating a palpable sense of unease. EMS companies aren't necessarily advocating for specific policies but seek stability to make confident investment decisions. This uncertainty extends to manufacturing locations, with executives questioning whether operations should be in the US, Mexico, Canada or elsewhere. The business decision of where to manufacture has become a complex calculation influenced by shifting political winds.
Talent development emerged as a critical focus during the EMS Leadership Summit. Audrey McGuckin delivered a compelling keynote and facilitated discussions on linking business strategy with talent acquisition and development. Companies recognize that addressing the talent pipeline is fundamental to future success, regardless of technological advancement.
The AI conversation has evolved significantly. Unlike the overwhelming scope of Industry 4.0 initiatives that left many disappointed, companies now favor targeted AI projects with clear KPIs and solid ROI potential. Many attendees came specifically to identify trustworthy AI partners who could guide them through implementation without expensive missteps. At least, previous work undertaken in the name of Industry 4.0 has provided valuable connectivity and data foundations that are essential for successful AI deployment.
European politics also received some attention, with discussions about the recent German elections and defense spending increases. This political focus underscores IPC's crucial government relations work undertaken in Brussels, Washington and around the world.
Subscribe to our YouTube channels at https://www.youtube.com/@scooptv3275 and follow the EMS@C-Level podcast to catch all the upcoming interviews as we dive deeper into these industry-defining conversations. The insights shared at APEX 2025 will undoubtedly shape manufacturing strategies around the world.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What if AI could revolutionize the manufacturing industry by making data not just accessible, but actionable? Join us as we uncover the transformative power of AI with Emily Laird, an AI integration technologist and fellow podcaster. Emily offers a wealth of experience, sharing her insights on how generative AI is reshaping manufacturing by enhancing data connectivity and delivering predictive insights. We explore the exciting challenges and opportunities in making historical data useful, improving predictive maintenance, and refining decision-making processes. Emily highlights the potential of AI to predict demand cycles and connect consumer signals throughout the supply chain, drawing fascinating parallels with the fast fashion industry. Discover how AI's adaptability offers innovative solutions to design optimization and material efficiency, accelerating industry processes like never before.
As we navigate the impact of AI on job roles, we tackle the ever-present concern of AI replacing human jobs, adding a touch of humor to lighten the mood. AI isn't here to take over; it's here to assist, enabling individuals to specialize by automating tasks outside their primary roles. We dive into the balance between AI and human expertise, focusing on maintaining tribal knowledge and training new employees. With customized AI training and multilingual systems, personalized learning and efficient knowledge sharing become possible. Emily and I express optimism about AI’s evolving role, painting a vivid picture of a future where AI and humans work together to enhance productivity and innovation.
Check out Emily's podcast - Generative AI 101 at https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/generative-ai-101/id1750985562 or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can also reach Emily on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/meet-emily-laird/
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
White House policy shifts and tariff uncertainties are creating a complicated landscape for electronics manufacturers trying to plan their future. While recession whispers grow louder in media and economic circles, EMS and PCB industries are showing surprisingly strong book-to-bill numbers - though some of this strength may come from companies rushing orders to beat potential tariff implementations.
A fascinating dynamic is emerging between regional markets. US manufacturers maintain cautious optimism despite economic headwinds, while European companies expect modest growth following last year's significant decline. The unpredictable nature of tariff policies, particularly regarding México and Canada, has created planning nightmares for companies with cross-border operations. What was once a straightforward decision to invest or manufacture in Mexico now requires complex analysis of potential tariff exposures and exemption qualifications.
Perhaps most intriguing is the structural shift happening in Europe. With defense spending increases and raised debt ceilings specifically for military investment, EMS companies in the defense sector stand to benefit significantly. This represents more than a temporary boost - it signals a fundamental change in European defense strategy and reduced dependence on the US.
Meanwhile, beneath all the geopolitical noise, technological innovation continues driving industry growth, with AI's massive energy consumption creating entirely new opportunities for electronics manufacturing.
For industry leaders navigating these waters, staying informed and adaptable has never been more critical.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Ever wondered what it takes to turn a reluctant start into a flourishing entrepreneurial journey? Discover the fascinating story of Mike Konrad, a podcaster, author, and industry raconteur, as he shares his unexpected path to entrepreneurship and authorship. With his book, "The Reluctant Entrepreneur," at the heart of our conversation, Mike opens up about the motivations that fueled his writing and the invaluable lessons learned from a 32-year business journey. He recounts how engaging with university students helped him reflect on significant anecdotes, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes. Mike also shares his thoughts on the evolving entrepreneurial landscape and the vital qualities of resilience and adaptability amidst the ever-changing venture capital market.
Shifting gears to the essence of customer relationships, Mike draws inspiration from iconic brands like Nike and Patagonia to illustrate the power of emotional connections. Through his active involvement with the Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA), he highlights the unique, volunteer-driven approach that fosters genuine networking and collaboration within the electronics assembly industry. As we round off our conversation, there's an air of excitement about upcoming industry events such as Apex in Anaheim, California, where opportunities for future connections abound. With a delightful mix of personal anecdotes and industry insights, this episode promises to enrich your understanding of entrepreneurship and the profound impact of networking.
USEFUL LINKS
Information about The Reluctant Entrepreneur Podcast is available from Mike at:
mike@mikekonrad.com
The Reliability Matters Podcast website: https://www.reliabilitymatterspodcast.com
Links to my book, The Reluctant Entrepreneur - Anatomy of a Business Start-Up - From Uncertainty to Unstoppable: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFFN6ZG2/?bestFormat=true&k=the%20reluctant%20entrepreneur&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_de_k0_1_26&crid=1YOISPXML4C0N&sprefix=the%20reluctant%20entrepreneur
Aqueous Technologies: https://www.aqueoustech.com
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What if the key to business success lies not just in market strategies but in the untapped potential of your workforce? Join me as I explore the intriguing intersection of talent and strategy with Audrey McGuckin, CEO of McGuckin Group, and a visionary in aligning talent with business goals in the electronics manufacturing services industry.
Audrey shares her insights on starting discussions with revenue objectives to guide talent strategies, highlighting the 'six Bs' framework as crucial for aligning business outcomes with talent needs. From retaining pivotal leaders to adapting to global challenges, discover how company culture and CEO influence form the bedrock of a powerful talent strategy.
We also tackle the evolving landscape of talent recruitment and development amidst a manufacturing renaissance in the U.S. Audrey explains innovative approaches to drawing young, diverse talent into traditionally low-margin sectors, emphasizing recognition of potential over formal qualifications. Personal stories and strategic tools, like predictive index assessments, illuminate how businesses can nurture hidden gems.
Finally, we discuss the journey toward gender equality in leadership, showcasing the powerful benefits of diverse teams and the role of tailored development programs.
This episode is an essential listen for those seeking to transform their business through strategic talent alignment and inclusive leadership.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
In a world where innovation is often driven by collaboration, Philip Stoten explores an exciting new joint venture between Creative Electron and Unicomp, both leaders in x-ray manufacturing. This transformative partnership aims to bridge product offerings across continents and enhance customer accessibility to cutting-edge technology and the relentless pursuit of excellence in product and serve.
As we delve deep into the strategies behind this joint venture, emphasizing the critical role that timing and cultural compatibility play in its formation. Philip and Creative Electronics founder and CEO, Dr. Bill Cardoso, discuss the two company's mutual dedication to customer satisfaction and the shared values that brought them together. Throughout the episode, we highlight how different market dynamics require tailored approaches, especially in diverse regions and in particular in a world where geopolitics creates additional challenges.
Listen in as Bill unveil plans for leveraging expertise while maintaining a stand-out quality that Creative Electron is known for, something that resonates deeply with customers and creates loyalty. The partnership opens doors for new levels of service excellence and agility to respond to market demands, showcasing how adaptability can drive growth even amidst geopolitical changes.
Ultimately, this episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the intersection of technology, business strategy, and international relations. Discover how collaborative efforts foster innovation, help companies stay competitive, and redefine what’s possible in the technology sector.
Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to support our deep dive into the future of EMS and tech partnerships!
Learn more about Creative Electron at https://creativeelectron.com/, and Unicomp at https://www.unicompxray.com
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
In the episode of EMS@ C-Level we explore the intricate world of mergers and acquisitions in the electronics sector. We dive into how global macroeconomic trends impact the strategies companies adopt amid shifting political landscapes. With Shaan Tharani's expertise, we unravel the complexities of M&A, discussing the implications of recent geopolitical changes and how they shape investment decisions.
You'll discover how tariffs and economic uncertainties have influenced corporate strategies, particularly in the burgeoning electronics field. Shaan shares valuable statistics that shed light on investment patterns in the industry, illustrating a landscape filled with both risk and opportunity. We analyze case studies of recent acquisitions, highlighting successful initiatives and what they reveal about market participants’ strategies.
This conversation is particularly relevant for executives looking to navigate these turbulent waters. To remain competitive, businesses must engage in proactive planning and establish a clear M&A strategy that aligns with broader business goals. As we look to the future, the discourse focuses on how to position effectively for forthcoming opportunities while also maintaining a critical eye on market dynamics.
Join us for this enlightening discussion, and if you find value in what we cover, please subscribe, share, or leave a review. Your engagement helps us continue to bring forward-thinking conversations to the forefront!
You can find Shaan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaantharani/ or email him at tharani@mp-corporatefinance.com
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the manufacturing landscape, particularly within the inspection sector. In the latest episode of The EMS (Eric Miscoll Show), we dive into how inspection processes are not only evolving but becoming a linchpin in the AI revolution. Join Eric and Philip Stoten as they welcome industry experts Oshri Cohen, CEO of Cybord, and Joel Scutchfield, General Manager of SMT and Semicon Business Operations for Koh Young America. They share invaluable insights into the realms of AI, quality control, and the future of manufacturing.
Listeners will gain an understanding of how AI significantly enhances reliability and accuracy in inspections, moving beyond traditional methods to create a more efficient production environment. We discuss the critical role of data collection in shaping effective AI systems and how manufacturers can leverage these technologies to reduce defects and improve traceability. As customers increasingly seek automated solutions, the episode explores their expectations for immediate action vs. alert systems when it comes to quality assurance.
The important conversation touches on collaboration within the manufacturing ecosystem, emphasizing that sharing data across platforms can maximize the efficacy of AI solutions. With predictions on the future trajectory of AI in manufacturing, this episode is packed with thought-provoking insights and practical applications for industry leaders seeking to navigate the future of manufacturing.
Don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and leave a review! Join us in exploring how AI can revolutionize quality control and elevate operational excellence in the manufacturing space.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Tariffs under Trump’s new administration are creating rapid shifts in trade dynamics with significant economic implications. This discussion raises concerns about inflationary pressures, market uncertainty, and opportunities for domestic manufacturing.
• Tariffs viewed as an ‘easy button’ for policymaking
• Panic among businesses rushing to secure imports pre-tariff
• Significant increase in imports ahead of anticipated tariff effects
• Inflation expected to impact multiple sectors as costs rise
• Tightening labor markets due to stricter immigration policies
• Domestic manufacturing investments influenced by tariff uncertainties
• Mixed global sentiment, especially regarding Europe’s economic position
• Technology trends at CES juxtaposed against tariff challenges
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Join me for an insightful conversation with Arno Kolk from the Estonian Electronics Industry Association, who sheds light on Estonia's pivotal role in the European electronics manufacturing landscape amidst a world of rising geopolitical tensions and protectionism. Explore how Estonia, despite its geographic proximity to Russia, remains steadfastly oriented towards Western markets, offering a reliable manufacturing partnership for Western Europe. Arno addresses the modest decline in industry growth following a boom year, while highlighting the encouraging upward trajectory witnessed as 2024 year progresses. This episode promises a deep dive into the strategic dynamics of Estonia's electronics sector and its resilience in the face of global challenges.
Discover the key investments Estonia is making in technology and sustainability, keeping its electronics industry competitive amidst increasing labor costs and the growing demand for eco-friendly practices from Northern European customers. Arno discusses the critical role of automation, emphasizing advancements such as cobots and selective soldering machines that are not only cost-efficient but also align with the industry's sustainability goals.
Learn about the essential shift toward green initiatives that is reshaping Eastern European manufacturing, as Estonia positions itself at the forefront of innovation. This episode is a compelling exploration of how technological advancement and sustainability are interwoven with the future of manufacturing in Estonia and beyond.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Discover why Costa Rica is becoming a hotspot for the electronics and semiconductor industry as I chat with Carolina Sánchez, Director - Advanced Manufacturing at Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (PROCOMER) at Electronica 2024. You'll gain insights into how this small Central American nation is attracting giants like Zollner, Intel and Siemens with its skilled workforce, enticing tax breaks, and a reliable legal environment. The conversation takes a fascinating twist as we explore the strategic advantages of nearshoring and Costa Rica’s impressive network of free trade agreements, positioning it as a key player for businesses targeting North and South American markets.
But there's more to Costa Rica's allure than economics. Uncover how the country's commitment to sustainability — boasting up to 99% renewable energy — aligns it as a perfect partner for Europe's green-oriented business landscape. Carolina reveals how Costa Rica’s stable political backdrop, underscored by its long-standing democracy and investment in education and healthcare, fosters a fertile ground for innovation. Hear about the buzz at Electronica 2024 and learn why attendees are showing unprecedented interest in Costa Rica’s dynamic tech ecosystem.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Join EMSNOW Publisher Eric Miscoll and I on an exhilarating journey through the bustling corridors of electronica 2024. Uncover the hidden dynamics and global connections of the electronics industry as we navigate the challenges of excess inventory and explore India's burgeoning role as a manufacturing powerhouse. Discover the bold tactics employed by sales people from China that reveal the pressing drive for business in this ever-evolving arena. We'll unravel the complexities of regionalization, protectionism, and tariffs, and discuss how companies are reshaping their global footprints in response to these geopolitical shifts. Learn how the shift from low-cost labor to "low-cost-local" manufacturing is reshaping infrastructure and supply chains across the globe.
We go on to explore the transformation of the global electronics landscape as we shift focus to Industry 4.0, where the old guard meets new innovators who bring new ideas and new tools. Automation and AI are at the forefront, bridging the experience gap between seasoned veterans and the fresh ideas of newcomers.
Meanwhile on the political stage we unpack the recent US election, and discuss ho organizations like IPC are leading the charge with initiatives that highlight individual skills and the broader economic implications of the industry, lobbying governments around the world.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Join us for a compelling conversation with Kevin Decker-Weiss, the former Managing Director of CircuitByte, now steering sales for the electronics division at znt-Richter. We unravel the strategic acquisition of CircuitByte by znt-Richter—a formidable force in manufacturing digitalization and a trusted Siemens ally. Kevin unveils the synergies born from this merger, spotlighting the enhanced capabilities of the BOM Connector product and how the collective three decades of digital supply chain prowess are now turbocharged by znt-Richter's expansive resources and expertise. This union not only amplifies their market presence but also propels their mission to deliver cutting-edge solutions for a streamlined and transparent supply chain, particularly in the booming Asian market.
As we navigate the evolving landscape of the electronics industry, Kevin underscores the transformative power of digitalization and AI, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of real-world experience over a purely AI-driven approach. He challenges the notion that AI tools can single-handedly turn startups into industry leaders, instead advocating for a harmonious blend of human expertise and AI innovation.
Our discussion also touches upon the hard-learned lessons from inventory mismanagement and the critical need for a cohesive digital thread connecting consumer demand to suppliers. Discover how CircuitByte and znt-Richter are poised to spearhead a new era of connectivity and transparency in manufacturing.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What if a pandemic experiment could lead to a groundbreaking innovation in power supply technology? Join me as Mo Mirvakili from Seron Electronics shares his story of necessity and invention, which began in the unlikeliest of places—a bathroom lab during a global pandemic. With an impressive academic journey from UBC to MIT, Mo's drive to solve complex research challenges birthed a precise power platform that's now catching the eyes of markets worldwide, including optics and stretchable electronics.
At Electronica 2024 in Munich, Mo reveals the unique features that set Seron's system apart, emphasizing its precision and intuitive software interface. As he reflects on the competitive landscape and the growing significance of electric vehicles, Mo provides insightful commentary on how Seron Electronics is carving out a niche in a crowded marketplace.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What happens when speed, agility, and digital transformation collide in the vibrant world of electronics supply chains? Join me, Philip Stoten, alongside Richard Barnett, CMO and SaaS Sales Lead at Supplyframe, as we explore the energy and optimism at Electronica 2024. Despite political uncertainties and market challenges, the electronics supply chain is buzzing with possibilities. Richard shares his expertise on the industry's need for proactive strategies, including customer program reviews and strategic inventory management. Through our discussion, we emphasize the transformative power of transparent relationships and digital advancements in enhancing communication between demand and supply signals, paving the way for sustainable margin growth.
Venture into the evolving mindset of modern supply chain management, where AI is not just a buzzword but a catalyst for change. By drawing intriguing parallels with fast fashion’s nimble approach, we explore how AI can revolutionize the electronics industry’s data analytics and predictive capabilities. Our conversation reveals how a value-driven strategy that starts with customer needs can harness AI's potential to create meaningful outcomes across the value chain. With a personal touch, we even share anecdotes that illustrate AI’s impact on communication, offering insights into its broader implications for business processes.
This episode promises to illuminate the path toward a more collaborative, AI-enhanced future in supply chain management.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What does the future hold for electronics manufacturing as we edge towards 2025? Join me for a conversation with Jeff Ray, SVP from TTI, as we explore the complexities of untangling post-COVID supply chains and navigating the predictions and challenges that surround the sector. We tackle the tempered growth expectations head-on, diving into how the recent US election, protectionism, and tariffs are reshaping global supply chains. Learn about the role of rare earth elements and the perspectives emerging from industry leaders at the bustling Electronica show in Europe.
Witness India's rise as a player in manufacturing and how it stacks up against China's well-established dominance. Jeff and I dissect the potential for a manufacturing renaissance in the USA, considering both opportunities and the constraints of capacity and resources. We examine how geographic shifts in production and strategic supply chain management can leverage big data and AI for improved demand forecasting.
This episode promises a comprehensive exploration of the nuanced strategies needed to thrive amidst political and economic fluctuations, offering insights to keep you ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of electronics manufacturing.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Nicolas Denis, the CEO of Asteelflash Group, and Dragan Persic, GM of their Tunisia facility, share the strategic pivots and forward-thinking measures guiding this global French-based EMS company through a challenging 2024. Despite a dip from 2023’s record-breaking revenues, Nicolas and Dragan remain optimistic for 2025, bolstered by emerging business prospects and investments in technology and manufacturing.
Their insightful discussion, with host EMSNOW’s Eric Miscoll, provides a look into how Asteelflash leverages its robust presence in Europe with expansion into Tunisia, Poland, and China to remain competitive. You’ll gain valuable perspectives on how strategic resilience and adaptability are key to navigating industry fluctuations.
Nicolas and Dragan predict market recovery and growth by the latter half of 2025. Although the upcoming year may start on a challenging note, hear why both leaders hold a confident belief in a marketplace resurgence, attributing this to the groundwork laid in previous years. From balancing automation with skilled manual work to meeting diverse customer needs, the discussion is packed with actionable insights for staying ahead in an evolving market landscape. Tune in to understand why they believe the tide will soon turn, promising a brighter future for Asteelflash Group and the entire industry.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Join me for an inspiring conversation with Yevhen Horniuk from IKT Electronics, an EMS company demonstrating remarkable resilience amidst adversity. As the world focuses on the conflict in Ukraine, Yevgen takes us behind the scenes of navigating significant supply chain disruptions and the human impact of team members stepping away for military service or fleeing the country. Hear firsthand how IKT Electronics has adapted to these challenges, restructured their supply chain, and maintained crucial operations to continue serving both Ukrainian and international markets. Yevhen's tenacity, positivity, and strategic foresight shine through as he discusses the company's journey and future ambitions.
Yevhen doesn't dwell on the hardships; he shares a vision of hope and growth that extends beyond current conflicts. Discover the company's bold move to open a new factory in Bulgaria, a strategic step to ensure service continuity and expand their European footprint. Yevhen's optimism is infectious as he reflects on the need for decisive political action and his belief in triumph on multiple fronts—not just militarily but economically and socially. This episode is a testament to the strength and persistence of people and businesses committed to thriving even in the toughest of times.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Discover the secrets behind the success of Eleonetech, a rising star in the Tunisian electronics manufacturing landscape, as Khaled Daami, their charismatic CEO, gives us an insider's tour. Along with host Eric Miscoll of EMSNOW, Khaled shares the innovative strategies and lean operations that have propelled Eleonetech in the automotive, industrial, and IoT sectors. As part of the formidable One Tech Group, Eleonetech harnesses cutting-edge technology and a dynamic workforce of over 1,000 skilled professionals in Tunisia, positioning itself as a trusted partner for clients worldwide.
What makes Tunisia a hidden gem for electronics manufacturing? Khaled reveals the strategic advantages that this vibrant country offers, from its robust infrastructure of over 40 EMS companies to a culturally diverse and highly skilled labor force. Despite the challenges in the automotive industry, Eleonetech continues to expand its reach, drawing in new European and Asian clients and embracing emerging technologies.
Tune in to learn why companies invest in Tunisia, and how Eleonetech is poised to serve over 50 countries with high quality and comprehensive solutions.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Discover how innovation meets sustainability with Steve Driver, CEO of Jiva Materials as we uncover the transformative journey of creating a green solution for printed circuit boards (PCBs). When industry veteran Steve teams up with young innovator Jack, sparks fly, igniting a revolution in electronic materials. Together, they're addressing the pressing need for sustainable options within an industry known for its resistance to change. From overcoming skepticism to reaching significant milestones in 2024, learn how this dynamic team has navigated the challenging path of introducing a disruptive product that promises to reshape the market.
Explore the strategic moves that brought them to the forefront, including securing a major American OEM as a customer and the importance of OEM involvement in promoting the product's life-cycle benefits. Steve shares valuable insights into the excitement and hurdles of bringing a new technology to market, emphasizing the vital role of fresh talent in keeping the industry vibrant. Whether you're an industry insider eager for the latest in green technology or simply curious about the future of PCBs, this episode is packed with lessons on innovation, collaboration, and the drive to commercialize a sustainable product in a competitive landscape.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Discover the remarkable journey of Aimtron with Nirmal Vasani, part of the original ownership family, and the current Senior Director of Technology, as he shares his insights from the show floor of Electronica 2024. What does it take for a company to grow from humble beginnings to a successful IPO, and why is investing in Indian manufacturing more crucial now than ever? This episode provides a deep understanding of how Aimtron stands out in a competitive market by bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world industry skills. Nirmal discusses the strategic growth and adaptation of Aimtron, both in India and the United States, amidst rising geopolitical tensions and protectionist policies.
Learn how Chairman and CEO Mukesh Vasani's personal educational journey has fueled a commitment to skill development, benefiting both emerging talent and Aimtron's competitive edge. With facilities in the US and India, Aimtron is positioned to navigate and capitalize on shifting global dynamics. From nurturing local talent to meeting international demands, Nirmal provides a fascinating perspective on the company's strategy and future outlook in the evolving manufacturing landscape.
Tune in to hear how Aimtron balances tradition with innovation, turning challenges into opportunities.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
EMSNOW discusses Slovenia's thriving EMS industry with Klaus Schuster from SG Automotive. His company faces fierce competition to maintains its position in the automotive sector. Klaus discusses SGA's unique approach, offering a wide range of services from development to box building and catering to both large and small series manufacturing.
Learn how SGA leverages its strong customer relationships and high-quality standards to stand out in a challenging market environment. Klaus Schuster's passion for the industry shines through as he reveals the strategies that keep SGA stable and competitive. With the industry poised for significant growth in the coming years, Klaus provides valuable insights into strategic planning and resource investment. He addresses the mix of optimism and caution prevailing among industry professionals, highlighting the necessity for businesses to prepare now for future opportunities.
Whether you're an industry veteran or curious about the future of EMS in Slovenia, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into the exciting opportunities on the horizon.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Join me as I sit down with Peter Gutschi at Electronica 2024 to explore how the future of manufacturing is being reshaped by artificial intelligence. This episode unravels the real-world impact of AI on the shop floor and beyond, uncovering how it's not just another buzzword but a powerful tool driving efficiencies and innovation. Discover how AI is transforming equipment utilization, quality management, and even product design, as Peter shares insights from his extensive consulting work with industry giants like ESCATEC and cutting-edge startups. Learn how AI technologies, such as Luminovo's platform and Cybord's component inspection tools, are handling data at levels far beyond human capabilities, providing companies with unprecedented clarity and control over their processes.
Explore the exciting developments that AI brings to manufacturing, including the ability to more accurately predict supply chain demands and advance sustainability efforts right from the design phase. Reflecting on past supply chain crises, Peter explains how AI's enhanced data visibility and transparency can lead to more reliable and efficient production cycles. Don't miss this opportunity to understand how businesses can leverage AI for smarter decision-making and a competitive edge in today's rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape. Whether you're an industry veteran or a curious newcomer, Peter's insights are sure to inspire and inform.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Discover how inspection technologies are reshaping the future of manufacturing with insights from Grischa Wasmus of Omron. Promising a transformation in quality control, Grischa discusses Omron’s innovations, like their latest SPI system and the 3D SN80 AOI system, and explains the significance of the high-resolution X-ray solutions, VT-X750, X850, and X950, for PCB and semiconductor industries. Join us as we uncover the impact of inline X-ray machines on high-speed production lines and the emerging trend of integrating cross-discipline data to yield actionable insights.
In a conversation that bridges industries, Grischa and I delve into how Omron's Q-App Suite software connects various machines to enhance production efficiency. We explore the promising partnerships with companies like Fuji and Panasonic, which are creating real-time feedback loops for instant production line adjustments.
This episode offers a compelling look into the evolving landscape of electronic inspection and the quest for a more integrated, data-driven approach to manufacturing.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Catch the latest insights from Matthew Haber, co-founder and CEO of Cofactr, as we explore how their inventory management solutions are changing the EMS and OEM industries. Find out how Cofactr is tackling persistent supply chain challenges, making their platform indispensable for mid-market EMS companies and major OEMs. Hear Matthew's perspective on the industry's shift from crisis-driven strategies to embracing resilience and efficiency, especially in today's complex macroeconomic environment.
Discover how Cofactor, as a digitally native company, is leveraging AI to future-proof supply chains and transform the manufacturing landscape. Matthew shares compelling examples of how their customers are integrating tech-driven solutions to enhance operational efficiency and supply chain resilience.
Don't miss this engaging discussion on the intersection of digital technology and manufacturing, and what it means for the future of the industry.
For more information about Cofactr, visit https://www.cofactr.com
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What if the future of Europe's microelectronics industry hinges on the critical yet often overlooked role of printed circuit boards? Join me as I sit down with Matthias Pirs, the Director of Corporate Affairs at AT&S, to explore this narrative and the dangers it poses. Matthias explains his strategic role in advancing AT&S, a leading manufacturer of high-end PCBs and IC substrates, as they ambitiously transition into the semiconductor industry. Discover how AT&S is amplifying its global influence with substantial investments, such as their 500-million-euro development in Austria, aimed at fortifying production capabilities to meet cutting-edge trends like AI and advanced packaging.
Gain insights into the complexities of the European microelectronics ecosystem as Matthias sheds light on the challenges and opportunities it faces. He highlights the critical role PCBs play in securing supply chains and the European Union's efforts, supported by the industry, in fostering resilience and competitiveness. Hear about the pivotal function that trade associations like IPC serve in rallying the industry for collective advocacy. Matthias underscores the necessity of a united front in communicating with EU policymakers, reflecting on IPC’s successful initiatives to amplify the industry's voice.
Tune in for a compelling discussion on the future of PCBs and Europe's place in the global market.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Unlock the secrets behind Stentech's industry-leading innovations with Sergio Juarez Madrid, Mexico GM and co-founder, as we explore the evolution of this pioneering company at SMTA Guadalajara 2024. Sergio sheds light on how their engineering team’s first-hand industry experience plays a crucial role in effectively addressing customer challenges and staying ahead of the curve.
Discover the groundbreaking technology behind Stentech's BluePrint Stencil Coating, which has earned significant accolades such as the Circuits Assembly NPI Award and most recently a Mexico Technology Award. Sergio details how this innovation not only enhances the printing process by improving consistency and stencil longevity but also reduces chemical usage. Learn how Stentech’s solutions are redefining design boundaries and supporting the dynamic needs of the electronics manufacturing.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What if the future of European electronics hinges on rekindling the pride of 'Made in Germany'? Join Eric and as we explore this notion with Harald Eppinger from Koh Young Technology at Electronica 2024. As we journey through the evolution of the electronics industry, Harald sheds light on Europe's resilience amidst global shifts, emphasizing the indispensable role of automation and AI in tackling labor shortages and enhancing production quality. Discover why there's cautious optimism for economic recovery beyond 2025 and how innovations are paving the way for the region's manufacturing excellence.
In the second part of our episode, we tackle the rippling effects of the Chips Act across Europe and the US. While initial excitement has faced headwinds, companies such as TSMC and Infineon are navigating these challenges with strategic caution. Despite slower progress, Harald shares his optimism about Europe's potential to emerge as a semiconductor powerhouse, thanks to its outstanding talent and strategic foresight. Tune in as we spotlight the region's drive for independence in semiconductor production, a crucial step toward solidifying its standing in the global electronics arena, amidst current challenges and the promise of future success.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Unlock the potential of AI in manufacturing as I sit down with Augusto Vilarinho from Critical Manufacturing to explore the future of digital transformation in electronics and semiconductors. Augusto shares his expertise on the paradigm shift towards integrated solutions that enhance connectivity and data analysis, offering a comprehensive approach to harnessing AI's full power. You'll gain valuable insights into the strategic necessity of shifting focus from mere capacity expansion to prioritizing efficiency and performance as companies navigate economic challenges.
Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the convergence of the electronics and semiconductor industries. Discover how a unified supply chain is becoming the norm, challenging companies to adapt and innovate to remain competitive. Augusto and I delve into the strategic benefits of investing in advanced capabilities and efficiency improvements rather than just increasing production capacity. Find out how partnering with experts can offer a distinct advantage in this rapidly evolving landscape.
learn more at https://www.criticalmanufacturing.com/
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Uncover the groundbreaking innovations in sustainable electronics with my guest, Jack Herring, Founder and Chief Product Officer of Jiva Materials, as he shares the journey from a university assignment to transforming the PCB industry. Witness how Jiva is revolutionizing electronic waste management by replacing traditional glass fibers and epoxy resins with eco-friendly, biodegradable alternatives. With their cutting-edge Soliboard technology already making waves in single and double-layer boards, Jack reveals plans to venture into multi-layer applications and discusses dynamic collaborations with major OEMs like Bosch, proving the commercial viability and energy savings of their innovative products.
In our exploration of production scaling, discover how Jiva navigates the integration of new materials into established manufacturing processes with minimal disruption. Jack sheds light on the seamless partnership with PCB fabrication partners, ensuring that the transition aligns smoothly within industry standards. He also highlights the design flexibility of Jiva’s materials, akin to traditional FR4 boards, and shares design guidelines for those eager to adopt this sustainable innovation. With a solid strategy for controlling their supply chain and partnerships in Hungary, Jiva stands at the forefront of eco-friendly electronics.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Experience the cutting-edge world of test technology through the eyes of Luca Corli, Sales Director from SEICA. Discover how the electronics industry is pivoting from simply expanding capacity to enhancing capabilities with a sharp focus on quality, efficiency, and traceability in the post-COVID world. We reveal SEICA’s transformation journey from a traditional test company into a dynamic software and consultancy provider. With AI playing a pivotal role, learn how it’s reshaping testing processes by improving decision-making and test coverage, alongside SEICA’s innovative Pilot VX flying probe technology making waves in semiconductor testing. The convergence of PCB and semiconductor industries, especially in the electric vehicle realm, signals an exhilarating era of innovation and collaboration on the horizon.
In this captivating dialogue, we emphasize the importance of early customer collaboration in product design. Luca and I unpack the significance of engaging with clients at the concept stage, turning ideas scribbled on paper into successful products through early design for testing. This strategic partnership not only aligns with the customer's vision but often leads to superior outcomes.
Join us for an episode filled with insights and forward-thinking discussions that promise to inspire and inform.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Join us as we uncover the complex dynamics of the European electronics industry with Dirk Stans from Eurocircuits. What if the key to thriving through geopolitical shifts lies in a robust balance between prototype development and volume production? Dirk shares how Eurocircuits has harnessed a data-first strategy, utilizing digital twins to revolutionize design processes, resulting in substantial time and cost savings. Discover how their emphasis on precise data and right-first-time accuracy has propelled impressive growth in their assembly business. This conversation offers an in-depth look at the ongoing digital transformation and the pivotal role of technical data management in driving industry success.
However, the conversation doesn't stop there. We delve into the urgent need for a unified European response to global challenges like energy transition and market integration. Can the European Union effectively compete with economic giants without cohesive collaboration? Dirk illuminates the critical role of industry in sustaining local economies and funding social infrastructure, while highlighting the persistent shortage of skilled workers in regions like Flanders and Germany.
With initiatives like the Budapest Declaration and the influence of industry advocacy groups like the IPC, there's a growing awareness of the need to prioritize industrial development within the EU. Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on how European collaboration can forge a resilient future in the global market.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Explore the challenges of navigating the rapidly shifting electronics landscape as I catch up with IPC Vice President of Global Government Relations Chris Mitchell at Electronica 2024 in Munich. With political changes on the horizon, especially following the recent US elections, we explore the high stakes of educating new political figures about the crucial role of electronics manufacturing.
Dive into a world where regionalization and protectionism are reshaping strategies, and learn how IPC adapts its global government relations and messaging to fortify domestic manufacturing and safeguard a resilient electronics supply chain everywhere. This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in balancing global supply chains with local manufacturing imperatives, with a special focus on global government relations.
The episode underscores the importance of robust programs and initiatives that resonate across the world, and across diverse needs, offering a glimpse into a promising future for electronics manufacturing.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Join me for an engaging conversation with Sanjay Huprikar, President, Europe and South Asia Operations at IPC, as we explore the vibrant and collaborative atmosphere of the IPC booth at Electronica 2024. You'll gain insights into how IPC is making waves with its strategic efforts to unify European EMS and PCB industry leaders and foster bilateral learning with the EU. With hands-on activities for engineers like the World Soldering Championships, CEO panels, and insightful political discussions, the booth was a hub of interaction and forward-thinking presentations. Sanjay and I discuss how IPC's commitment to standards, education, advocacy, and innovative solutions is shaping the future of the global electronics landscape.
We also shine a light on the power of storytelling and collaboration in transforming the industry narrative. Learn how panel and meetings foster openness and shared vision. Throughout our discussion, the joy of serving the industry and the personal fulfillment derived from it are recurring themes, underscoring the IPC's dedication to the industry's progress and the dynamic exchanges that fuel it.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
IPC Senior Director Europe, Government Relations Alison James sheds light on the intricate relationship between the electronics industry and European institutions, delving into the significant strides made through collaboration and constant communication with the European Commission. As Europe stands on the brink of major policy changes and leadership transitions, Alison emphasizes the strategic importance of maintaining a robust dialogue to ensure the continent's competitiveness in the global electronics market. Her insights offer a nuanced look at the complexities of working within the EU's multifaceted structure.
This episode navigates the geopolitical currents steering the electronics trade, highlighting the shifts toward protectionism and their implications. A memorable quote from Emmanuel Macron serves as a metaphor for Europe's evolving trade strategy, underscoring the necessity for strategic self-reliance. The conversation underscores IPC's multifaceted approach—balancing global initiatives with local application—to tackle challenges head-on. Join us to uncover how these efforts are paving the way for a resilient and thriving European electronics ecosystem.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Can AI revolutionize the workforce without placing jobs at risk? Join me as I uncover the intricacies of this pressing question with John Mitchell, President and CEO of IPC, at Electronica 2024. We dive into the current talent issues and explore how AI is not just a tool for efficiency but a transformative force in the labor market. John shares his insights into the European market's struggles and paints a vivid picture of AI's potential to enhance rather than replace human workers. Through intriguing examples like the high-speed world of fast fashion, we reveal how AI can streamline operations and optimize decision-making in expected and unexpected ways.
We also emphasize the importance of preserving tribal knowledge as seasoned professionals retire from the EMS industry. Discover how AI can act as a custodian of this invaluable expertise while maintaining the growth and learning curve for newcomers. Together, we strike a balance between leveraging AI for efficiency and ensuring experiential learning remains a cornerstone for emerging professionals.
Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of AI's role in shaping the workforce's future and equipping businesses to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Explore the shifts in the electronics manufacturing services industry alongside special guest and M&A expert Shaan Tharani at Electronica 2024. In a year fraught with challenges like high inventory costs and rising interest rates, discover how the sector is being reshaped by financially distressed companies seeking salvation through mergers and acquisitions as well as larger players exploring options for scale, technology and footprint. Private equity-backed consolidations are forming formidable alliances. As we dissect these trends, we also confront the transformative potential of political changes, including Trump's election and expected tariffs, and how these factors might fuel a new wave of strategic consolidations.
Our conversation with Shaan also uncovers the critical role of strategic planning in this volatile landscape. We delve into how expert guidance can help companies not just survive, but thrive, by aligning acquisitions with future visions. The importance of a comprehensive strategy that transcends mere transactions is underscored, offering a roadmap to long-term success. We also explore the importance of a deep domain understanding in the industry, which Shaan has developed over many years and numerous deals.
Join us as we navigate the complexities of upcoming deals, the lessons learned from past strategies, and the imperative of global diversification. This episode promises a wealth of insights for anyone invested in the future of electronics manufacturing M&A.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What if the future of electronic manufacturing didn't just involve automation, but intelligent and flexible automation that learns and adapts like a human? Join us as we dive into a fascinating discussion with a trailblazer in AI-driven electronic manufacturing services, Fideltronik, who is transforming how we think about production. My guest, Ficdeltronik President, Piotr Owczarek details their innovative journey, revealing how a team of 170 engineers in Krakow is spearheading efforts to bring flexible, AI-powered robotics to life. These advancements don't just promise to overcome labor shortages; they're set to revolutionize the industry by mimicking human-like flexibility and working tirelessly 24/7.
In this episode, explore the groundbreaking pilot programs that are garnering the attention of major EMS companies eager to see AI in action. Piotr shares insights into creating an academy for robots teaching each other, while amassing collective knowledge in the cloud. This intriguing concept holds the potential to reshape not just how EMS companies operate, but how the entire electronic manufacturing landscape is perceived. Whether you're captivated by cutting-edge technology or curious about the evolving role of AI, this conversation promises to enlighten and inspire.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Explore the bold ambitions and strategic vision of Simas Rutkauskas, CEO of Teltonika, as he shares their mission to revitalize Europe’s dwindling PCB industry. Discover how this family business, known for its prowess in GPS tracking and networking solutions, is taking strides towards vertical integration and establishing a pioneering PCB manufacturing facility in Lithuania by 2025. This episode explore why PCB manufacturing in Europe is so important, with a deep dive into the significance of IP protection, speed, and security in the high-stakes world of electronics manufacturing, as well as Teltonika’s approach to navigating these challenges.
Simas sheds light on the potential impact of this venture, both for Teltonika's products and as a service to other OEMs and EMS companies. We discuss the critical need for local competence and how Teltonika plans to lead the charge in a European renaissance for PCB manufacturing. With state-of-the-art automation and significant investments, Simas envisions a future where Europe regains its competitive edge in the global market.
Tune in for an insightful conversation that covers the past, present, and future of electronics manufacturing in Europe, all through the lens of a company poised for transformative growth.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Unlock the secrets of digital transformation in electronics manufacturing with Rob Picken, Sourceability's newly appointed SVP of Digital Transformation. Rob reveals how digital transformation isn't just about tweaking processes but is a strategic overhaul aimed at making data more accessible and actionable. Discover how the pandemic shed light on weak links in supply chain information exchange and how AI-driven data transparency can mend these fractures. This transformation promises to restore trust and strengthen relationships between EMS companies and their partners, ensuring all stakeholders can access reliable, actionable data insights.
Explore the game-changing role of AI in supply chain management, a tool poised to revolutionize operations by streamlining processes and reducing errors. Rob discusses how AI can handle vast data sets, significantly improving decision-making and demand prediction. This approach is particularly crucial for OEMs consolidating suppliers, aiming to reduce over-ordering and double-ordering issues. With the right SaaS team to implement AI solutions effectively, the future of supply chain management looks promising and much more efficient. Join us for an illuminating conversation that leaves us excited and optimistic about the potential of AI to transform this vital industry sector.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Riwan Tamic, CEO from C-MAC joins us at the IPC booth during Electronica 2024 to share insights into the world of electronic manufacturing services. From its humble beginnings in 1986, C-MAC has grown into a medium-sized player in the industry, known for its high-reliability solutions across automotive, aerospace, and medical fields. Riwan and I explore how the company is navigating geopolitical hurdles, tariffs, and trade wars while maintaining agility and expanding its global footprint in regions like Belgium, the UK, and Canada. As Riwan sheds light on their strategies, we gain valuable perspectives on keeping competitive in a rapidly shifting market.
Learn how C-MAC leverages automation and AI to enhance efficiency and predictive maintenance amidst varying labor rates in different countries. Riwan discusses the current state of overcapacity in electronic manufacturing and how C-MAC is positioning itself to better serve its clients in this challenging economic climate.
With a focus on cost competitiveness and staying close to customers, this conversation unveils the challenges and innovations shaping the future of EMS. Join us for a compelling discussion that captures the essence of C-MAC's journey and their vision for the future.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Uncover the original blueprint behind Hanza Group's ambitious global expansion with Mattias Lindhe, the freshly appointed Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), as he takes us through shifts in the manufacturing landscape. Mattias presents a compelling narrative on how Hanza is poised to thrive amid evolving tariffs and regional market dynamics. You'll learn how their unique focus on comprehensive solutions, rather than traditional EMS offerings, sets them apart, driving resilience and growth, and leading to results that outperform industry trends. By leveraging vertical integration, Hanza promises a seamless transition from raw materials to finished products, positioning themselves as an indispensable partner ready to meet the complex needs of their customers.
Explore how Hanza's philosophy of "dig where you stand" propels them forward in uncertain times, ensuring they are primed for the market's eventual resurgence. Mattias shares insights into their proactive strategies that emphasize deep customer engagement and responsiveness, highlighting the company's readiness to seize opportunities when the market rebounds.
This episode offers invaluable lessons on adaptability and foresight, with Hanza setting the stage to redefine what it means to be a complete manufacturing solutions provider in an ever-shifting global market.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Discover the intricate world of PCB brokering with our guest, Vidar Olsen, CEO of Confidee, who shares his wealth of knowledge about the industry's evolving challenges. With Confidee's remarkable growth from one employee to a growing and skilled team of 23, Vidar highlights the urgent need for compliance and certifications like ISO 9001 and AS9120 in today’s protectionist trade environment.
Confidee is a company specializing in compliance-focused solutions within the printed circuit board (PCB) industry. Established in 2022, the firm aims to be a leader in ensuring regulatory adherence and transparency throughout the PCB supply chain. Confidee has developed a proprietary IT platform to manage, document, and verify compliance data, emphasizing supply chain integrity and the avoidance of counterfeit or non-compliant products.
As geopolitical factors reshape the landscape, we explore the hurdles Europe faces with inadequate PCB manufacturing capacity and the disparity in production costs compared to Asia. Vidar provides a candid look at the pressing need for modernization, automation, and government support to revive European PCB manufacturing and discusses the potential implications of initiatives like the US Chips Act.
Stay tuned to hear more about the policies shaping local industry investments and the innovations that promise to define PCB manufacturing in the future.
More about Confidee at https://confidee.com/
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Discover how Luminovo is reshaping the electronics supply chain industry with insights from founder & CEO, Sebastian Schaal, recorded live at Electronica 2024. Imagine a world where AI and data-driven platforms transform manufacturing processes to avoid pitfalls like overordering and inefficient inventory management. That's what I explore in my conversation with Sebastian, as Luminovo evolves from offering niche solutions to providing a robust, comprehensive software platform. You'll gain valuable insights into how their innovative technology supports a wide range of business models, aiding both EMS and OEM companies in their quest for supply chain and operational excellence.
Sebastian also shares Luminovo's vision for the future of AI in manufacturing, aiming to set a global standard in supply chain visibility and transparency by 2026. We delve into the significance of strategic partnerships, like those with Sluicebox, and how they contribute to creating an adaptable ecosystem. Learn how these collaborations are paving the way for faster, cost-effective, and sustainable product development across the supply chain.
Join us to explore the potential of AI in manufacturing, and how Luminovo plans to touch countless products worldwide with their forward-thinking approach.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Prepare to navigate the dynamic world of sustainability in electronics manufacturing with my guest, Otto Pukk, CEO of InCap, fresh from his insightful presentation on the IPC stage at Electronica 2024 in Munich. As the tech industry returns to its vibrant, full-scale events post-COVID, Otto and I discuss the newfound focus on ethical evolution within businesses. With sustainability, diversity, and inclusion now taking center stage, Otto shares how InCap is integrating these crucial elements into their corporate culture, driven by both emerging EU regulations and genuine commitment.
Join us as we explore how manufacturing companies like InCap are shaping a more sustainable future through strategic prioritization and collaboration. Otto offers a compelling look at the challenges and opportunities within supply chain management, emphasizing the importance of data utilization in enhancing business efficiency. With topics ranging from ESG priorities to the necessity of industry-wide cooperation, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of tech manufacturing.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Join us as we explore the future of component traceability with Oshri Cohen, CEO of Cybord, who unveils their groundbreaking Real-Time Interceptor (RTI) at Electronica 2024. This AI-driven tool promises to transform electronic component inspection and traceability, delivering real-time quality checks that dramatically reduce waste and inefficiencies. OEMs are eager to minimize brand damage and warranty headaches, while EMS companies are drawn to the enhanced efficiency and profitability. Oshri also shares how Cybord's versatile platform addresses critical needs like traceability, cybersecurity, and compliance with country-of-origin regulations, illustrating its wide-ranging impact in a world of greater restrictions and tariffs.
We also tackle the often chaotic world of supply chain management. Between missing components and surplus inventory, surprises seem to lurk at every turn. Our discussion highlights the crucial need for innovative tools and strategies that help businesses adapt and thrive amidst these fluctuations. With a focus on harnessing large databases to develop value-adding solutions, we advocate for data-driven strategies as a means to improving supply chain efficiency.
Tune in to gain insights into how technology is poised to tackle some of the industry's most persistent challenges.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What strategic moves can help companies navigate the complex global manufacturing landscape amidst geopolitical upheavals? Join us as we uncover the transformative strategies IMI is employing, led by our insightful guest Lou Hughes, who recently transitioned from a consultant to CEO. Lou offers a fresh perspective on shifting away from a China-centric model, emphasizing the significance of regional operations in Mexico, the Philippines, and Eastern Europe.
Discover how IMI is harnessing competitive labor rates and skilled workforces to adapt to changing market conditions, including downsizing in China and closing a US facility and investing further in Mexican operations. Lou’s insights into the operational excellence of sites in Serbia and Bulgaria highlight the agility and strategic location necessary to face future challenges head-on. Lou also waxes lyrical about the work being done in their facilities in the Philippines and the availability of a young talented workforce.
Our conversation further explores the intricate world of electronics manufacturing services (EMS) and the crucial role of a skilled sourcing team. Learn how digital tools are enhancing sourcing efficiency amid the challenges of a high inventory environment and volatile supply chains. We tackle the evolving dynamics of supply chain management in the semiconductor industry, highlighting the need for strong distributor relationships and strategic collaborations to maintain a competitive edge. Lou sheds light on how changes in geopolitical climates and the rise of Eastern silicon production are reshaping the industry. This episode provides valuable insights and practical solutions for navigating the future of global manufacturing and supply chains, as well as an update on the strategy at IMI.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Bruno Racault, President of ALL Circuit joins me on the IPC booth at Electronica 2024 to unravel the intricacies of navigating the electronics industry amidst geopolitical tensions and economic unpredictability, which Bruno describes as chaos.
We explore how ALL Circuit’s recent CSR report showcases impressive advancements in diversity, sustainability, and corporate governance, reflecting not only Bruno and the team's personal values but also resonating with their customer base. Gain insights into how these initiatives fortify relationships with clients during times of uncertainty and learn why Bruno believes flexibility and customer-centricity are more crucial than ever.
Discover the influence of AI and digital transformation on the electronics sector as Bruno shares his thoughts on the opportunities and challenges they present. The conversation highlights the necessity for agility in both business systems and teams to stay responsive in an ever-evolving landscape.
With compelling anecdotes, Bruno underscores the shift from traditional planning to a more adaptive approach, emphasizing the importance of making swift, strategic decisions. This episode offers a compelling look at how companies like ALL Circuit are bracing for a future that demands constant innovation and adaptability, while maintaining a focus on 'doing the right thing'...
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Prepare for a compelling exploration into the world of global manufacturing as I sit down with Kitron CEO Peter Nilsson at Electronica 2024. How does a leading company like Kitron navigate the shifting tides of geopolitical unrest and emerging protectionist markets? Peter shares valuable insights into these challenges and reveals Kitron's strategic move towards the U.S. market. We discuss the complex balance between local production and the looming threat of tariffs and wage inflation. Gain a new understanding of how Kitron maintains agility and regionalization in their operations to stay ahead of the curve.
We also look at the broader trends and the road ahead for the industry in 2025 and beyond. Peter sheds light on anticipated market stability in the early part of 2025 and potential growth opportunities in the latter half. We address pressing concerns, like inventory buildup in the green technology sector and the implications of tariffs acting as a de facto consumption tax in the U.S. market.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone keen on understanding how businesses like Kitron are strategically positioning themselves to thrive amidst economic and geopolitical uncertainties, with a keen focus on regional advantages and neighboring low-cost production opportunities.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
I join Bo Lybæk GPV CEO on their booth at Electronica 2024 to unravel the complexities of global strategy in a world rife with political and economic uncertainties. How do businesses plan for the year 2025 with the recent US elections and potential rate cuts on the horizon? Bo offers a glimpse into GPV's strategic expansion efforts across Southeast Asia, Slovakia, and Mexico.
He sheds light on how the company is navigating the transition from globalization to regionalization, all while contending with the competitive pressures from China. As the global business landscape becomes more unpredictable, adapting to shifting regulations, tariffs, and market restrictions becomes crucial. My conversation with Bo delves into the vital agility required to flourish in this volatile environment. While past trends leaned towards globalization, today's challenges demand flexibility and resilience.
Bo & I also discuss the numbers behind the numbers, exploring what makes GPV unique, as well as the importance of team and culture, and doing business in an 'orderly' and planned fashion. Bo’s strategic insights provide a firsthand look at how EMS businesses like GPV can thrive despite global uncertainties, offering valuable lessons in competitiveness and resilience.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Explore the strategies behind staying ahead in the global market as I chat with Markus Aschenbrenner from Zollner. Markus unpacks how the inventory bubble, geopolitical influences, inflation and interest rate shifts, and a tilt toward protectionism, are shaping manufacturing strategies. He also shares Zollner's recent moves in broadening their reach, such as acquiring EIT and Bluechips, to create a more versatile, globally-spanning manufacturing network designed to weather economic shifts and meet diverse customer demands.
We delve into the pivotal role digitalization plays in fortifying supply chain agility. With a network of 7,000 suppliers delivering 300,000 products, Zollner is at the forefront of harnessing AI and forming strategic alliances, like their technology partnership with Luminovo. These technological advancements are not just about keeping pace but about achieving new heights of predictive insights, transparency, and operational agility. We spotlight Zollner's steadfast commitment to innovation and adaptability, ensuring they remain true to their culture and vision, and not just participants but leaders in the ever-evolving supply chain landscape.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What strategic moves transform a company from 1980s cable manufacturing roots into a global EMS powerhouse? Join me in our electronica studio, hosted by IPC, for an insightful conversation with Jeroen Tuik, CEO of Connect Group, who shares the company's journey through strategic mergers and their recent rebranding efforts.
Discover how Connect Group is setting its sights on global expansion across key regions like Mexico, Asia, and Europe. Jeroen delves into the importance of an agile and transparent supply chain, illustrating how data-driven decision-making and cloud integration are enhancing operational reliability, especially in light of the challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
We discuss Connect Group's proactive approach to industry hurdles and the strategic establishment of a plant in Mexico to preempt potential geopolitical disruptions. Jeroen reflects on how the pandemic was a pivotal moment for reassessing corporate agility and readiness. The discussion highlights the value of flexibility and transparency in maintaining seamless operations, ensuring that Connect Group remains a dependable partner for OEMs worldwide.
EMS@C-Level at electronica 2024 was hosted by IPC (https://www.ipc.org/)
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Fresh from their 2024 On Tour of Eastern European EMS companies, Eric Miscoll, Publisher of EMSNOW and Dieter Weiss, Founder of in4ma share their thoughts with Philip Stoten in this must-hear interview recorded at electronica.
The conversation begins with Dieter’s findings from his recent European PCB research, including speculation about why an EMS company they visited in Lithuania is convinced they must build PCBs in-house for their products and customers.
The discussion covers the outlook for the industry overall in the Baltic region, how labor issues are driving many strategic decisions in Europe, and the many examples of impressive highly technical manufacturing capabilities and automation they witnessed on their tour.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Uncover the path to digital transformation in electronics manufacturing with Andrew Scheuermann, Cofounder and CEO from Arch Systems. Andrew shares invaluable insights into how Arch, with 85 professionals in 13 countries, is partnering with major EMS players like Flex, Jabil, and Plexus to redefine efficiency.
Learn how their innovative Action Manager tool is revolutionizing the transition from data to intelligent actions that significantly boost KPIs. Discover the strategic approach behind scaling from proof-of-concept projects across multiple facilities, and why large EMS companies are cautiously embracing digital change to stay ahead in the competitive landscape.
Be inspired by the transformative power of AI in manufacturing. Imagine harnessing generative models like GPT to automate complex tasks such as downtime analysis, retaining expert knowledge, and driving the fourth industrial revolution.
Andrew walks us through Arch's ambitious plans to expand capabilities from SMT lines to box would and to new industries like semiconductor advanced packaging and injection molding. By collaborating with MES providers such as Aegis Software, Arch aims to unlock untapped efficiencies in less optimized sectors.
Join Andrew amd I as we explore a future that promise to reshape manufacturing and the exciting innovations that lie ahead.
For more information about Arch Systems visit https://archsys.io/
Listen to Andrew's own podcast "Manufacturing Intelligence" at https://archsys.io/blog/introducing-the-manufacturing-intelligence-podcast/
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Explore the labyrinth of the global political and economic world with Philip Stoten and Shawn DuBravac, Chief Economist for the IPC. You'll gain a nuanced understanding of how U.S. elections ripple through global investments, and why a peaceful transition of power is more critical than ever. Listen as we unpack how international elections shift investment strategies, spotlighting the unique challenges and opportunities in various regions. From Europe's struggles with low-cost Chinese EV imports to the burgeoning optimism in markets beyond Europe, we dissect the interplay between politics and economics on a grand scale.
We also explore the latest monthly book-to-bill ratios for EMS and PCB from the IPC, as well as their newest "Sentiment" report.
Shift gears with us as we discuss the forces shaping the future, from Spain's economic ascent in Europe to the APAC region's strategic pivots away from China. We'll take you through the challenges facing the U.S. electronics industry, despite bold moves like the CHIPS Act. Plus, uncover innovative energy strategies as I ponder relocating data centers to cooler climates.
With geopolitical risks looming, our conversation will leave you informed and ready for the unpredictable journey ahead.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
I explore machine behavior with our special guest, Vitor Barros from iRaptor, as he introduces us to their revolutionary 4D profiler. This episode provides insights into how temperature and vibration mapping are transforming quality control and equipment maintenance on production floors. Vitor walks us through the meticulous development process of this Portuguese-made, handcrafted technology and shares fascinating discoveries about how seemingly minor factors like fan vibrations can significantly impact machinery performance and product quality.
We discuss the unique features of the 4D unit, its universal application across equipment beyond just ovens, and the enthusiastic market reception it has garnered. With its user-friendly interface and powerful data insights, this game-changing product not only identifies potential equipment failures before they happen but also sets new standards for traceability and reliability in manufacturing. Lastly, discover how the strategic partnership with Quiptech is propelling iRaptor’s penetration in Mexico and beyond.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Join us as we unveil how Priyansha Bagaria, founder of Loopr.ai, is steering the AI revolution in manufacturing. From her roots in a family-run electrical insulation business in India to pioneering AI solutions, Priyansha shares insightful anecdotes about tackling quality control hurdles in the aerospace and automotive sectors. Our conversation unravels how AI not only minimizes the cost of inspection and mitigates labor shortages, but also preserves the invaluable knowledge of retiring experts, ensuring the transition of expertise and adding consistency and insight.
Explore applications like IQ Inspect and IQ Verify that are reshaping manufacturing processes. Priyansha shines a light on these versatile tools, which transcend camera limitations to identify defects and verify assembly with precision. Hear how Loopr's commitment to continuous learning and customer alignment leads to solutions that resonate with real-world needs, accompanied by success stories that illustrate how initial projects can ripple into vast improvements across the board.
We also touch on the importance of the software ecosystem, touching on Loopr's partnership with Microsoft and other companies that participate in their own innovator ecosystem.
Finally we switch gear to celebrate the inspiring journey of an immigrant woman of color breaking barriers in a male-dominated landscape. Together, we reflect on Priyansha's narrative of resilience, community support, and the unwavering belief that powered her through her entrepreneurial journey. Her story is a testament to perseverance and innovation, offering lessons that echo the importance of staying true to one's vision, coupled with the excitement of what lies ahead.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Join me as I talk to Aaron Shelton from WIT, a pioneering Japanese company, to uncover the secrets behind their inspection solutions. Aaron explains how their technology serves as a critical verification tool for Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) systems, enabling operators to make more accurate judgments and significantly reducing the risk of defects escaping. Discover how their system enhances the entire AOI process by integrating live camera images, fostering continuous improvement, and driving quality excellence.
As Asian companies increasingly establish operations in Mexico, the market presents unique growth opportunities and challenges. Aaron highlights the crucial role of their local partner, Quiptech, in expanding WIT's footprint and providing indispensable customer support. With an extensive network of representatives, Quiptech ensures that WIT can deliver high-quality solutions tailored to the specific needs and mindsets of Mexican customers.
Tune in for an important discussion on the importance of local partnerships and how they contribute to successful market adoptation and customer satisfaction.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What if a grassroots event could transform into a major industry powerhouse? Join us as Jaime takes us through SMTA Guadalajara's rise from a small tabletop event in a hotel to a major trade show, showcasing how collaboration among industry professionals, including competitors, can drive innovation and growth.
Jaime also shares his firsthand insights on the vibrant automotive sector in northern Mexico, as it show signs of recovery, and the bustling activity around new projects and equipment renewals.
In this episode, we also dive into Pemtron's impressive success in the market, led by their groundbreaking dual lane systems and bespoke inspection equipment. Jaime discusses the surging demand for their technology and the award they recently clinched.
Tune in to discover why many companies are eager to adopt new solutions and gear up for future recovery, and hear about the promising trends Jaime is witnessing. Don’t miss this episode packed with industry updates and inspiring success!
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
How are EMS companies navigating the tumultuous world of electronics manufacturing and supply chain, as recent disruptions like port closures and hurricanes put the industry's resilience to the test yet again. Join Shawn DuBravac, IPC chief economist and futurist, as we tackle the resolutions of these challenges while dipping our toes in the ongoing debates surrounding automation and jobs.
Explore how this strategic industrial action, timed at year-end, may impact the supply chain landscape, especially with businesses keen on avoiding surplus inventory. We also emphasize the pressing need to attract younger talent by updating traditional labor roles, ensuring a balanced approach to efficiency and job security.
Venture further into the economic trends, like IPC's book-to-bill and in4ma's half year report, impacting the manufacturing sector amid the slow growth of bookings and the looming U.S. election. Shawn and I dissect how interest rate expectations influence investment decisions, alongside assessing the potential headwinds for market expansion.
Shawn briefly comments on the presidential candidates' strategies to enhance domestic manufacturing, including the decoupling from China and proposed tariffs and investment incentives. With insights from an international lens, we highlight the reliance on Mexico within the U.S. supply chain, bringing a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected global landscape.
I also provide some insight from the EMS leaders I talked to at IPC EMS Seminar in Gdansk last month.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Curious about how Hanwha transformed from a Samsung acquisition to an innovator in technology? Join me as Jonny Nichols, VP of Marketing for North America, shares the brand's journey, offering insights into their strategic innovations and market growth. We chat about the challenges within the reshoring trend, and the need to optimize for floor space and performance for North American assemblers. We also explore the groundbreaking HMD2 system that revolutionizes dual product assembly in a compact line. This episode shows how Hanwha's dedication to excellence and innovation has positioned them as a leader in the industry.
Switching gears, we explore the global electronics market, emphasizing the critical importance of understanding and adapting to cultural differences. We also focus on the strategic initiatives by Hanwha that keep them at the forefront of the market.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Discover the game-changing advancements in stencil manufacturing with Brent Nolan, President & COO of Stentech Holdings as he explains the thinking behind their award-winning BluePrint technology. Learn how Stentech is tackling long-standing screen printing challenges with precision engineering and innovative solutions.
Join Brent and I as we explore the evolution from traditional polymer coatings to Stentech’s groundbreaking metal coating technology. By utilizing ion sputtering and vapor deposition, Stentech has developed a metal coating that is just 200 nanometers thick, setting new standards for accuracy and durability in stencil applications. Brent shares the journey of creating BluePrint, a product that is transforming the assembly process and winning awards. Brent underscores how Stentech’s commitment to problem-solving and technological excellence is paving the way for the future of screen printing, thanks to their large experienced engineering team.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Join me at SMTA Guadalajara 2024 as I sit down with industry expert and old friend Juan Arango, newly appointed at Head of SMT and Business Development at PARMI USA. Juan shares PARMI's strategic vision for expanding their footprint in the Americas, delving into their pioneering use of laser inspection technology that has been their focus since 1998. Hear firsthand how PARMI is leveraging its expertise in the industry, with new offices and a growing team who are driving their success across the continent.
Juan reveals how PARMI's innovative AI applications are enhancing efficiency, streamlining programming processes, and allowing for multiple machines and multiple lines to be run with fewer people. From trade show demonstrations that leave potential customers impressed to PARMI's focus on high-resolution inspections in semiconductors and microelectronics, this episode is packed with fascinating insights.
Don't miss Juan's expert perspective on the future of inspection technology and the pivotal role of AI in this ever-evolving field.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Meet John Tobin, México Manager for Quiptech, as he shares insights on how their own "Made in Mexico" technology is not only winning prestigious awards but also creating local jobs and boosting the Mexican market. Hear about their cutting-edge microfine pitch stencil cleaning roll and the celebrated Stannol solder brand. John takes us through Quiptech's impressive journey from its roots in Ireland to its impactful expansions in Eastern Europe and México, showcasing how staying close to customers and offering exceptional service sets them apart globally.
John dives into the secrets behind Quiptech's outstanding customer support system, including their ISO 9000 certification and SAP system that streamline spare parts management. With an impressive team of service engineers across México and a centralized database, Quiptech ensures minimal machine downtime and maximum customer satisfaction. Learn how their focus on quality, performance, and automation not only meets but exceeds industry demands.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What if you could streamline your supply chain and cut costs without sacrificing quality? Join us at SMTA Guadalajara 2024 as we chat with Justin Worden from ROCKA, who uncovers the secrets behind the company's rapid global expansion and its unique manufacturing strategy. Get an inside look at how ROCKA's focus on producing high-quality consumables like stencil rolls and ESD equipment in North America translates to competitive pricing and superior products for customers around the world.
Justin also shares insights on ROCKA's impressive partnerships with major industry players like Indium, Weller, and Zestron, as well as their approach to meeting diverse market demands. From leveraging their manufacturing roots in Guadalajara to eliminating middlemen, discover how ROCKA has positioned itself as a leader providing cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
This is an episode packed with valuable lessons for anyone looking to understand the nuances of global manufacturing and distribution in the electronics manufacturing industry.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Discover the secrets behind SMTA's success in Mexico's booming electronics industry with insights from Tom Forsythe, a former board member of the SMTA, and Vice President of Kyzen Corporation, recoded on location at the SMTA Guadalajara 2024. Explore how SMTA's grassroots spirit has transformed a humble gathering into a powerhouse trade show rivaling international events like APEX and Productronica. Learn about the critical role Mexico plays in global electronics, especially in the face of evolving global trade dynamics, and why proximity and local expertise matter more than ever.
Join Tom and I as we uncover the milestones Mexico has achieved, such as becoming the largest importer into the US, and how SMTA events have become a magnet for engineers and experts eager to solve the industry's toughest challenges. Tom talks about the vibrant participation at these events and the association's dedication to fostering collaboration and innovation.
This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the ever-evolving world of electronics manufacturing and the vibrant communities that powers it forward.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Can the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts revive stagnant capital investment and business confidence? Join IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac as we unravel the intricate dynamics shaping the North American economy in our latest episode of EMS & The Economist. Utilizing IPC data, we uncover persistent demand weakness in the manufacturing sector, underscored by poor book-to-bill ratios for both PCB and EMS. Listen as we dissect the long-term investments and recent project delays of semiconductor giants like TSMC, Intel, and Samsung, and consider their implications for future growth.
Our exploration doesn't stop at North American borders. The episode dives into global trade and the hurdles manufacturing faces amidst a challenging economy. We navigate the geopolitical mazes of the semiconductor supply chain, touching on China's dominance over rare earth materials and negotiations to ensure the US has access to the materials needed to manufacture the semiconductors they and China need.
The discussion shifts gears to China's domestic growth initiatives and the burgeoning EV market, where companies like BYD are shaking up the industry. As we wrap up, we emphasize the importance of sustainable supply chains and ponder the potential impact of the upcoming presidential debate on manufacturing jobs. Don't miss out on this comprehensive analysis of today's most pressing economic issues.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What if cutting-edge technology could revolutionize the lives of children in need, especially those in refugee camps or war-torn environments? Join 3DP4ME.org founder, Jason Szolomayer and I for a captivating conversation uncovering the incredible strides made in their first hearing project, supporting 52 children with customer hearing aids as well as with home visits and essential ongoing support.
Thanks to a generous three-year funding commitment from His Royal Highness Prince Mired Bin Raad, President, Higher Council of Affairs of Persons with Disabilities (HCD) in Jordan, as well as other donations, the project continues to thrive despite the ongoing challenges of securing additional institutional donors.
But the story doesn't end there—Jason also introduces us to their pioneering work into 3D-printed prosthetics, inspired by the need for these solutions in the war-torn region of Gaza, with a promising pilot project in Jordan.
In our second segment, Jason unpacks the comprehensive approach necessary for delivering customized prosthetics, from physiotherapy to psychological support and family involvement. Collaborations with other NGOs, corporates, and tech juggernauts like Intel and Accenture are crucial, showcasing the importance of strategic alliances and timely tech transfers.
Learn about the inspiring efforts in Gaza and Ukraine and discover an innovative online modular speech therapy program designed to break down logistical barriers for families.
This episode shines a light on the transformative power of technology and the essential role of collaboration in tackling real-world challenges, not to mention the amazing work done and sacrifice made by exceptional people like Jason.
Learn more at https://www.3DP4ME.org or donate at https://3dp4me.org/step-by-step-gaza/
Filament Innovations - https://www.filamentinnovations.com/
Bionic P&O - https://www.bionicpo.com/
His Royal Highness Prince Mired Bin Raad, President, Higher Council of Affairs of Persons with Disabilities (HCD) in Jordan - https://www.hcd.gov.jo/Default/En
DHL - https://www.dhl.com/global-en/home.html
Ottobock - https://www.ottobock.com/en-ex/home - Mafaz Medical, Ottobock - Jordan distributor - https://mafazmedical.com/
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Whether it was a chip crisis or fake news (spoiler, Dieter thinks the latter is more likely), how did the inventory bubble, inflation and a slow economy become a perfect storm for the EMS market, and what strategies can companies use to weather the storm? Check out this episode of EMS@C-Level, where Dieter Weiss (in4ma and Data4PCB) joins me to dissect the OEM behaviors that led to this artificial surge in demand and subsequent market decline.
We explore the harsh reality many companies face as they operate below capacity, with looming losses in 2024. Through insightful discussions, well researched data and real life examples, we highlight how strategic mergers and acquisitions can offer much-needed stability. While, those companies with a sharp focus on aerospace and defense sectors emerge as resilient players in this challenging environment. Dieter underscores the challenge of being a ‘me-too’ business in a tough market.
The EMS industry in Europe is a tale of two regions, and we break that down. Eastern Europe, dominated by global giants like Foxconn, Flex and Jabil, contrasts sharply with the more fragmented landscape of Western Europe. We dive into the financial health and significant revenues of major players in both regions, while shedding light on the precarious and critical state of the European PCB industry. With recent closures and incidents adding to its woes, and stress in the supply chain, the future of European PCB manufacturing hinges on local production and a shift in OEM mentality. We tackle this pressing issue in our discussion, emphasizing the importance of supply chain security and independence from regions like China.
The IPC seminar in Gdansk, Poland, on 25th September is a focal point for industry leaders to gather, collaborate, and forge better paths forward. This free event by IPC and in4ma is a must-attend for those looking to gain essential insights from top executives, as well as access real analysis from in4ma around the first six months of 2024. I am delighted to have been asked to host the event, conduct the keynote interview with a senior leader from one of the industries largest players, and moderate the leadership roundtable where we plan to explore the pendulum like swing from globalization to regionalization. I really hope I see you there!
Join us for this episode and in person in Poland next month as we help navigate turbulent waters and uncover valuable information to help your business thrive amidst uncertainty.
For more information check out https://in4ma.de/?lang=en
To register for next months IPC Day in Gdansk - https://www.ipc.org/event/ipc-day-gdansk-poland
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
I ask IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac, what's behind the latest stock market turmoil, as we dissect the sell-off of tech stocks that rocked the market. We explore the compelling factors driving this volatility, such as Yen carry trade and a comprehensive repricing of risk, while considering the broader context of global uncertainties like conflicts and a potentially slowing US economy.
As is traditional on EMS & The Economist, we walk through the latest book-to-bill numbers from IPC Research, as well as other data, like NVR's annual survey and in4ma's half year report produced in partnership with IPC. As well as presenting the numbers, Shawn and I dig into the anecdotes and trends behind them, while exploring some of the external factors driving them.
Switching gears, we delve into the potential impact of the US presidential election on industrial manufacturing, considering new Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris. We explore how her policies might reshape the industrial landscape, especially in the Midwest, and the pivotal role of Vice Presidential candidates and swing states in this narrative. Shawn looks forward to what we might see as the candidates debate each other in the coming weeks.
We also discuss the critical need for stable and clear policy frameworks for long-term business planning, the implications of Federal Reserve decisions, and the necessity of financial support and stimulus opportunities. Stay ahead of the curve as we anticipate our next show and the chance to discuss new data and political developments in the ever-evolving landscape.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Want to understand how tariffs shape global trade and impact our industry as well as your daily purchases? In this deep dive, we explore the real-world consequences of tariffs on the electronics industry, specifically focusing on how measures like those implemented by the Trump administration and upheld by Biden have changed market dynamics.
From production shifts out of China to new beneficiaries like Mexico, Vietnam, and Malaysia, we unpack the economic ripple effects and discuss who ultimately bears the cost—businesses or consumers. We also delve into consumer behavior and price sensitivity, offering examples that illustrate how tariffs can dramatically reshape supply chains.
Curious about whether tariffs actually succeed in protecting domestic industries or simply redistribute the global market? Our in-depth discussion, enriched by insights from recent history, reveals that while tariffs may push production and imports away from China, the cost is often absorbed by multiple stakeholders. We look at the electric vehicle (EV) sector and other categories to highlight the complexity of these economic measures.
Join us as we dissect these nuanced topics to understand the long-term implications for global trade and consumer markets.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Can a slowing economy reshape the future of the PCB and EMS sectors? Join me and Shawn DuBravac, Futurist and IPC's Chief Economist, to uncover the nuances of the current economic landscape in North America. Following the release of IPC data, Shawn provides a deep dive into the gradual softening of order books and the impact of working through backlogs amidst a decelerating economy. We also venture into the political uncertainties surrounding the forthcoming US presidential election, discussing its potential ripple effects on reshoring trends.
Our conversation extends globally, analyzing the implications of anticipated interest rate cuts and the geopolitical strategies of President Trump's running mate concerning Ukraine and Taiwan. Shawn breaks down the effects of enduring tariffs on Chinese goods, revealing how they are altering global supply chains to the benefit of countries like Mexico, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Discover the adaptive strategies of Chinese companies and the intricate dynamics of the EV supply chain spanning North America and Europe.
In the second half of this conversation we explore the role of tariffs, if and how they work, who pays, and the likelihood that they will continue after the US election, regardless of the outcome. We also touch on other economic levers available to governments, including purchase regulations for strategic markets like defense, and subsidies.
This episode offers a comprehensive look at the PCB and EMS industrial landscape, as well as considering interconnected global trade policies. All providing valuable insights for businesses navigating turbulent economic waters.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Curious about how the latest EMS trends are shaping the industry landscape? Join me as I sit down with Johannes Lind-Widestam, CEO of NOTE AB, to uncover key insights from the latest quarters results. As we start with the top line sales revenue in different regions and markets, Johannes explains that despite growth in Western European industrial sectors, the communication sector has slowed somewhat, particularly with 5G infrastructure projects in China. Johannes offers a peek into how strategic order management and stellar customer service are helping navigate these choppy waters and paints a brighter picture for future customer partnerships.
Some of this softer demand is a result of economics and some is a result of the inventory bubble moving from EMS to OEM. Johannes explains the impact of inventory through complex supply chains and highlights their excellent cash position and the security and opportunities that presents going forward. We'll also explore how NOTE is positioning itself for future success through facility expansions in Torsby, Pärnu, and Lund, and the critical role of talent acquisition across the UK, Sweden, and China.
The episode wraps up with a discussion on the complexities of geopolitics and trade policies, like the hefty 100% tariff on Chinese EVs recently applied by the USA. Johannes underscores the importance of balancing short-term agility with long-term strategic planning to ensure a sustainable global footprint.
Tune in for a comprehensive look at the forces driving EMS industry dynamics today and tomorrow.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Could a no-code, highly customizable Manufacturing Execution System (MES) be the game-changer the EMS industry needs? Join me for an insightful conversation with Matthias Andersson, the founder and CEO of MTEK Industry AB, as he shares the revolutionary features of their MBrain product. Mattias provides a behind-the-scenes look at the development journey of MBrain, detailing how it stands out in the crowded MES market with its rapid deployment capabilities. These are some of the features that led to MTEK being named a Global Leader in the MES space, and an Innovation Leader by ABI Research!
We discuss the significant challenges faced by traditional MES systems and highlight a compelling case study where a customer achieved zero defect production within just 100 days, underlining MBrain's efficiency and impressive time-to-value.
In another segment, we shine a light on the transformative potential of AI in manufacturing utilizing Microsoft's latest innovation, Microsoft Fabric, exploring how Fabric's data integration and analytical capabilities can impact manufacturing processes. We discuss the strategic alliance between Microsoft and MTEK, which promises mutual benefits and opportunities. As we trace the evolution from Industry 4.0 to today's AI-centric approaches, personal anecdotes from the Nokia days in the '90s illustrate the impressive advancements in the field.
Tune in to understand how combining deep domain knowledge with AI expertise can drive meaningful digital transformation and process improvements in manufacturing.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Join the conversation with industry insider Ramon Hernandez from ASMPT and me, Philip Stoten, as we explore the landscape of Mexico's electronics manufacturing services sector. From the ASMPT headquarters in Guadalajara, we dissect the impact of global shifts, electoral influences, and the anticipated market resurgence. Ramon provides an insider's perspective on the region and the strategic moves companies are making during quieter times to focus on operational excellence and digital transformation.
This episode is a must-listen for those keen to understand the fusion of operational excellence and digital transformation in manufacturing. We tackle the critical issues of talent acquisition in a tech-driven world and delve into the collaborations shaping a skilled workforce for the future. Ramon's insights into adapting to industry 4.0 and staying competitive in the face of rising wages are invaluable for industry anyone manufacturing in México.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Is the era of globalization in manufacturing coming to an end? In this episode, we sit down with Bo Lybæk, President & CEO of GPV to uncover the shift from global to regional manufacturing. We unpack the driving forces behind this change, from ESG sustainability efforts to the geopolitical tensions between the US and China. Bo provides insights into the ripple effects on the supply chain, logistics, and customer demands, explaining why American companies are increasingly eyeing Mexico as a manufacturing hub. We also discuss the post-pandemic order rebalancing, noting trends in sectors like building technology and the semiconductor industry, and how evolving inventory management practices are reshaping sales performance and cash flow.
We also explore GPVs expanding in Sri Lanka, Mexico and Slovakia and break down the strategic factors influencing these decisions, including trade, tariffs, inflation, and freight costs. We explore China's changing role from a manufacturing giant to a significant market and consider India's potential future impact. Bo highlights the critical need for attracting and training young talent to sustain the industry's growth and innovation in both engineering and operator positions. Finally Bo shares some inspiring ESG initiatives from Denmark, Sri Lanka, and Mexico that are making a real difference in local communities. Tune in to understand how maintaining an orderly approach to business and operations as well as open communication is driving growth and meeting evolving customer needs.
Learn more about GPV at https://gpv-group.com
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
I talk to Bill Hornbaker, CEO of ACDi, a company that evolved from simple beginnings in PCB layout to an EMS powerhouse with three locations. My guest guides us through ACDI's strategic transformations, acquisitions, and a timely pivot to assembly services that heralded a new era of growth. You'll see the significance of each strategic move, from embracing the defense sector to breaking into the EV market, as we traverse a journey of adaptability and foresight that mirrors the global manufacturing landscape's shift towards reshoring and technological innovation.
Celebrating the people behind the machines, we explore ACDI's company culture, where promoting leaders from within fosters a loyal and dynamic workforce. Bill explains the dynamics of maintaining a customer-centric ethos that's as responsive as it is flexible, something he learned in PCB design and a vital ingredient in developing enduring partnerships and ongoing success. This episode is a testament to ACDI's relentless pursuit of manufacturing excellence and the continuous evolution required to stay ahead in an industry where only the adaptable survive and thrive.
Learn more about ACDI at https://www.acdi.com/
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
How does a small North African country like Tunisia stand out in the global EMS industry? Prepare to take a look behind the scenes of Tunisia's electronics manufacturing sector with Dieter Weiss of in4ma and Eric Miscoll of EMSNOW, as the EMS industry's favorite couple take to the road in their 4th tour. Dieter and Eric share stories and insights following visits to Zollner, AsteelFlash, Lacroix, TIS (part of ALL Circuits), ATEMS, Circor, La Pratique Electronique, emkaMED and OneTech. Dieter shares some of the significant metrics of revenue, headcount, and SMT lines, and discuss the promising trends in productivity that are setting Tunisia apart in the competitive EMS market.
Eric explains the unusual dynamics of Tunisia's export-only business model, where factories operate almost as independent trade zones, benefiting from streamlined customs processes that facilitate tax-free importing and exporting. We dive deep into the operational specifics of these factories, which serve primarily the automotive and communication sectors, and are equipped with technological capabilities like high and low-volume SMT lines and THT wave soldering lines.
We navigate the challenges and opportunities in Tunisian manufacturing, focusing on the expansion and optimization of facilities, as we shed light on the highly skilled yet underemployed talent pool of Tunisian engineers and explore how cultural pride influences their career choices. This coupled with Tunisia's competitive labor costs, have positioned it as a viable alternative to manufacturing hubs in Eastern Europe and the Far East.
Don’t miss this comprehensive look at Tunisia’s potential as a key player in the EMS industry and a key supplier to Europe.
Dieter Weiss of in4ma was sponsored on this tour by IPC who are doing sterling work in Europe and globally to support the electronics manufacturing supply chain.
While Eric and EMSNOW EMSNOW thanks their sponsors of this research:
Cogiscan – the factory digitalization partner for electronics manufacturers globally
Luminovo – your copilot for quoting and procuring PCBAs
Mycronic – Bringing tomorrow´s electronics to life
TrustedParts – Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Join me as I chat with Xaver Feiner, Vice President Marketing & Sales, Zollner Elektronik AG and Sebastian Schaal, Founder and managing Director of Luminovo about their groundbreaking journey to streamline the EMS prototyping process. We explore how customer feedback drove the need for speed and agility in prototyping, and how Luminovo’s user-friendly tool enabled customers to effortlessly place prototype orders. Xaver shares how this tech-forward approach has been warmly embraced, even in an industry that traditionally values face-to-face interactions. Meanwhile, Sebastian sheds light on the critical balance between digitization and maintaining the trusted B2B relationships that define the EMS world.
In the second part of our conversation, we dive into the transformative power of digital self-service solutions beyond just the quoting phase and their most recent collaboration. Hear about the challenges and rewards of integrating these tools across supply chains and why collaboration with customers and suppliers has been more straightforward than expected.
Finally, we explore the strategic partnership between Luminovo and Zollner, Europe's largest EMS company, and how their collective expertise is pushing the boundaries of industry innovation through digitization and the adoption of AI. This underline Zollner's approach to partnering with world leaders in enabling technologies and their unique and insightful approach to partnerships the are enduring and mutually valuable.
Learn more about Luminovo at http://luminovo.com and Zollner at https://www.zollner-electronics.com/en/
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Unpack the future of talent in the electronics manufacturing services industry with insights from industry experts David Hernandez of IPC and Gustavo Sepulveda of Panasonic North America. And of course, plenty of views and comments from your host, EMSNOW publisher Eric Miscoll, and his forever curious and opinionated co-host Philip Stoten.
Together, the panel unravels the complexities of building a skilled labor force and the vital role of early career exposure to the manufacturing landscape. The conversation navigates through the challenges of developing a team to capitalize on reshoring demand, the myths surrounding manufacturing jobs, and how educational programs are crucial for cultivating a new generation of industry professionals.
This episode is a deep dive into the transformative power of automation and AI in the manufacturing sector, challenging any narrative that these advances are a threat to employment. We explore the relationship between high-tech automation and job quality, revealing how countries with high robot density thrive with the strongest employment rates. But it's not all about the machines; we also highlight the human element, emphasizing the importance of reskilling and the exciting new job roles that technological advancements can create.
The heart of this episode lies in workforce development and retention strategies that turn jobs into careers. We share success stories from organizations like Microboard and Pride Industries and delve into the strategic benefits of standardized training and certification. The key takeaway? A competent, evolving workforce is not only good for business but also for the industry's future. Join us for this journey through the dynamic world of electronics manufacturing, where innovation and human capital go hand in hand, and where a more sustainable future is possible.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Explore the rapidly evolving manufacturing industry with Bob Miller, Vice President of SMTC Corporation, filmed on location at Apex 2024. Bob and I delve into how defense needs and geopolitical shifts are carving new paths for production in the US and beyond.
While covering demand we explore the importance of forging strategic partnerships with customers is now more critical than ever. As the conversation turns to operational excellence with a customer-first philosophy, Bob highlights the need to align technological roadmaps with customer expectations to cement lasting partnerships.
Our chat concludes on a high note, with an optimistic look at the potential unleashed when data-driven strategies and transparent collaborations converge, setting the stage for a resilient and efficient future in manufacturing.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Explore the potential of seamless data integration in manufacturing with insights from industry leader from Cogiscan and Koh Young, filmed on location at Apex 2024.
Cogiscan's Product Manager Julie Cliche-Dubois and Koh Young's Global Smart Factory Manager detail the driving forces and strategic moves behind their partnership, demonstrating how connecting inspection systems to broader MES and ERP frameworks can turn customer challenges into triumphs. Cogiscan's mastery in interfacing SMT line machinery with a variety of protocols complements Koh Young's advanced equipment and software, showcasing the value of their collaboration. This episode underscores the advantages of a 'Switzerland' approach to vendor cooperation and the transformative power of common protocols like CFX in creating successful partnerships based on trust, openness and domain expertise.
With expert guests Julie and Ivan leading the charge, this episode offers a plethora of insights for anyone looking to leverage the strategic benefits of integration to not just meet, but exceed industry standards. Watch, listen and understand how an open approach to data and partnerships can redefine success in the manufacturing world.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Explore the power of diversity with insights from IPC President John Mitchell, filmed on location at APEX 2024. John explains why inclusion of diverse talent pools leads to proven benefits like profitability and innovation. John describes the intricacies of fostering diversity within our workforce, explaining how a mix of backgrounds and perspectives is akin to a potpourri that enlivens the senses and enriches our work environments. From gender diversity to hiring neurally diverse individuals, we uncover inspiring strategies that underscore diversity as a strategic business advantage.
We also dig into how IPC aids companies in nurturing an inclusive culture, including the success stories of organizations like Microboard and Pride Industries, who are actively embracing inclusivity. John and I share anecdotes of how IPC's accessible training materials and programs, such as the apprenticeship program, pave the way for transformative personal and professional growth, turning overlooked potential into star employees.
Join John and me for an interview that celebrates diversity's impact on innovation and decision-making.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
India's electronics manufacturing landscape is changing at an unprecedented rate. In this interview I, Philip Stoten, chat with Colonel Sharath Kumar Bhat of Kane Technology India about why and how India is transforming itself into a manufacturing hub for the region and the world. We discuss the strides made by the Indian electronics sector, fueled by government initiatives and global mega trends like 5G, AI, and the EV revolution. Sharath sheds light on India's ascent to becoming a formidable force in the global manufacturing arena, navigating the opportunities and challenges that this journey presents.
We also delve into Kane Technology's innovative strategies and their significant acquisition of Digicom in the US, underscoring their commitment to delivering end-to-end solutions from conception to service to a global market. He also share insights from his own journey, where military precision and a strategic approach to leadership have been pivotal. Sharath explains the importance of talent in the business, and of hiring global expertise while cultivating local talent, all key to sustaining their sector's growth.
We close by celebrating the story of veterans like Colonel Sharath, whose military-honed skills in HR and attention to detail have proven invaluable in the corporate sphere.
Filmed on location at APEX 2024.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Discover the collaborative efforts promoting Europe's electronics manufacturing industry as I, Philip Stoten, sit with Xaver Feiner from Zollner and Thomas Michels from Ilfa at APEX 2024. Together we explore the complexities of uniting diverse trade associations and their role in advocating for the supply chain's significance to European governments. This episode offers insights into how these industry champions are influencing policy and fostering European solidarity in a post-pandemic world marked by supply chain vulnerabilities.
Thomas and Xaver spotlight the critical nature of printed circuit boards and electronic manufacturing services in the electronic supply chain. Together numerous associations are writing a collective letter to the European Parliament and national leaders proposing concerted actions to secure the industry's growth and resilience.
Tune in to this discussion for a look at the collaborative front being presented to safeguard the future of Europe's electronic manufacturing landscape.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
APEX 24 Day Two Wrap - Koh Young Technology's Joel Scutchfield and EMSNOW Publisher Eric Miscoll share their insights on the industry, focussing on market trends, talent, automation and transformative power of collaborative innovation. Multiple discussions at APEX 2024 have provided a collective vision for an industry full of connectivity, collaboration and synergy. Following numerous EMS@C-Level interviews, we discuss how CEOs are steering their companies toward open partnerships that blur traditional lines, all while leveraging the strengths of diverse solutions to create a more adaptable and efficient manufacturing landscape.
We pivot to the human element within the manufacturing industry, uncovering how artificial intelligence has potential to reshape some jobs in manufacturing. The emergence of higher-paying, more engaging and more sustainable jobs could help to attract a new generation into the sector, while automation relieves operators of monotonous tasks. This episode spotlights the need to elevate manufacturing's appeal to fresh talent, emphasizing the role of competitive wages and the value of operating cutting-edge robotics in creating a dynamic and fulfilling work environment.
This year companies are focussing on operational efficiency, as the navigate periods of excess capacity with innovative technologies. These strategies are not just survival tactics but catalysts for even greater success and growth in the years to come, allowing businesses to harness technology and automation and stay competitive and agile in anticipation of the next surge. Join us for a conversation that illustrates the resilience and forward-thinking nature of industry leaders in the face of economic challenges.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
I enjoy a conversation with SMTC's EVP of Global Operations Mickey McCallion about synthesizing global operations in a company with many different equipment sets. We dig into the world of advanced manufacturing technology and uncover how SMTC is orchestrating the integration of diverse machinery and ERP systems through the CFX platform and strategic partnerships. Mickey provides insights into the transformative potential of AI, the crucial role of automation, even in regions with lower wages, and how these powerful tools are reshaping the talent landscape and competitive dynamics within the industry.
We explore the absence of larger collaborative robots, or cobots, at APEX and other a recent industry event, as Mickey points out what he has seen and how he brings a large team to these events to really explore technologies that can shift the needle in their facilities.
As EMS companies broaden their supply chain influence, we'll reveal how the integration of these sophisticated technologies is improving lean manufacturing, offering a glimpse into an era of ever increasing efficiency.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Explore the ever-evolving EMS industry with Jay Patel, CEO of Amtech, filmed on location at APEX24. This episode delivers a deep dive into high mix, low volume manufacturing, where Jay describes the strategies ensuring Amtech's robust customer loyalty and their approach to design collaboration, DFM, and supply chain. We also explore reshoring and how global geopolitics are reshaping the manufacturing landscape.
Share Jay's foresight of a leader as he shares his invaluable perspective on the importance of corporate culture that sits at the core of Amtech. Jay and I go onto to dig into the realities of talent acquisition, automation, and their vital roles in steering a company forward. We also take a look toward the economic horizon of 2024, considering the agility and innovative spirit businesses must embrace to thrive amidst the disruptions of trade wars, pandemics and supply chain challenges. Jay underscores the importance of C-level networking, including at events organized by IPC, where sharing ambitions, challenges and industry predictions becomes a key part of strategic foresight.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Dig into the future of automotive innovation with Brian O'Leary, Global Head of e-Mobility & Infrastructure at Indium Corporation, as we explore the complexities and competition of the electric vehicle market. We also dig into trends like software-defined vehicles and how a simple download could revamp the entire driving experience, complete with subscription-based features that evolve long after a car has left the showroom.
We tackle the challenges and triumphs from the freezing temperatures in Scandinavia to the automotive production powerhouses of China. Brian elaborates on the trends in EV adoption and the staggering pace at which Chinese automotive prowess is reshaping the landscape, threatening to leave Western legacy manufacturers behind. Just as we are seeing a movement away from China in many sectors, we are seeing dominance in the automotive sector.
Brian and I also explore the importance of reliability in the solutions provided by Indium Corporation and, indeed, the hole electronic manufacturing industry.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Discover how Intervala is weathering economic storms and talent droughts in our latest conversation with their President & CEO Teresa Huber, filmed on location at APEX 2024. As we navigate an election year with economic tremors, Teresa shares her perspective on customer demand trends. She reveals why certain sectors, like defense and medical, remain robust despite wider market fluctuations, and gives us insight into the company's strategic thoughts in response to global geopolitical shifts.
Teresa goes on to addresses supply chain's issues and evolution, particularly the semiconductor quandary, and how Intervala's approach keeps their production humming. If you're curious about how a company can thrive amid the labor shortages plaguing the US, Teresa outlines Intervala's inventive talent recruitment and retention strategies. From their in-house recruiting team to collaboration with local universities, Intervala is not just filling positions, but fostering the growth of their workforce through comprehensive training programs leading to certifications and even degrees.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Unlock the secrets of a thriving electronics manufacturing industry amidst economic headwinds as I, Philip Stoten, chat with the astute Shawn DuBravac, IPC's Chief Economist. In a world where supply chain woes loom large and political shifts dictate strategic maneuvers, our discussion reveals how North American markets are not just surviving but also innovating.
You'll gain insider perspectives on how U.S. and Mexican election years are influencing investment decisions, and understand the transformative responses to labor shortages, including the role of IPC's training initiatives. Discover the undercurrents reshaping trade relationships, with Mexico emerging as the lead player, and glean insights into the robust trajectories powering the defense and electric vehicle sectors through uncertain times.
Filmed on the last day APEX 2024 and before his closing keynote, Shawn provides a sneak peek into the future of electronics partnerships. The episode captures the essence of innovation as we discuss how suppliers are now the linchpins of progress, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in technology.
Join us for a riveting exchange that not only navigates the economic and market intricacies but also celebrates the collaborative spirit and groundbreaking developments ushering in the next era of electronics manufacturing.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Discover the engine driving Microboard's growth as I, Philip Stoten, sit down with Owner and CEO Nicole Russo at Apex 2024 to share the strategies that have fortified client relationships and spurred innovation. We navigate the complexities of supply chain upheaval, discuss how financial acumen and cutting-edge tech are revolutionizing operations, and reveal how diversity in the workforce—bolstered by automation and upskilling—strengthens the backbone of Microboard's expansion.
Hear how strategic foresight and selective partnerships have kept Microboard's sails full in the choppy waters of the EMS sector. We dissect their commitment to sectors like defense, medical, and telecom, and how these shield them from the industry's inventory bubbles. Hear first-hand from Nicole about the impact of global events on the demand for defense products, and how incidents, like the one involving Damar Hamlin, surge interests in markets such as AEDs.
This episode, filmed on location at APEX24, offers a deep dive into the symbiosis of OEM relationships and Microboard's future-directed vision for growth.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Learn about the upcoming EMSNOW and in4ma On Tour that will explore Tunisia's electronics manufacturing sector as I, Philip Stoten, alongside industry gurus Eric Miscoll and Dieter Weiss, examine the dynamics at play in North Africa and the United States. Our conversation at APEX 2024 bridges continents, unveiling Tunisia's cost-competitive edge, a burgeoning talent pool, and the strategic shifts reshaping the American EMS industry.
Listen as we unravel the EMS market's fabric, contrasting the high-volume of global giants with the agile bastions of small US businesses. We dissect the pivotal role of location in nurturing customer intimacy and the indispensable nature of benchmark data in steering industry fortitude. Eric and Dieter not only provide a panoramic vista of industry trends but also chart a course for navigating the complex currents of global expansion.
Filmed on location at APEX24.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Otto Puck, President& CEO of Incap joins me for the first time on this side of the pond for an insightful conversation that charts the company's strategic growth in the electronics manufacturing sector, as well as Incap's recent expansion into the US market through the acquisition of Pennatronics and hints at future moves that could reshape their North America's manufacturing footprint. This episode gives you a front-row seat to the decisions that are driving Incap's success and how they're continually scouting for new opportunities across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Ott and I also enjoy a candid discussion on the challenges of today's market, from inflation to talent acquisition, exploring how Incap tackles these issues with innovative approaches to knowledge sharing and global team integration. Otto addresses the industry's need for greater diversity, spotlighting the critical role of younger, female engineers in the future of technology.
Filmed on location at APEX 2024
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
I sit down with Chris, the CTO of Worthington Assembly at APEX 2024 and explore the significance of a highly skilled workforce in maintaining technical excellence within the industry. Chris's insights offer a glimpse into the operations of Worthington Assembly, where their team's expertise is not just a foundation but a magnet attracting long-term customer partnerships, especially prized in sectors like medical devices. Chris details how customers find themselves committed to the value of technical precision and the collaborative design process that Worthington Assembly provides.
As the conversation steers towards the complexities of supply chain and obsolescence issues, we shed light on the innovative strategies that keep production lines running amidst supply chain disruption. We touch on the driving forces behind the surge in automation and AI in manufacturing, exploring how they are reshaping the landscape of efficiency and precision.
We also touch on the valuable work Chris does to create his podcast "Pick, Place, Podcast", which you can find wherever you get your podcasts or at https://www.pickplacepodcast.com. Chris explains that this passion project is also a training resource for his team and new recruits to the industry.
Filmed on location at APEX 2024.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Discover the secrets behind turning economic adversity into a global business triumph with Mukesh Vasani, the visionary behind Aimtron's rise from a modest 2009 startup to a $72 million EMS industry leader. In this interview, filmed on location at APEX 2024, we uexplore Aimtron's strategic expansions, from a 15,000 square foot facility to a global player with over 200,000 square feet and 14 SMT lines.
Mukesh explains how the 'China plus one' policy and India's emerging consumer market are reshaping the EMS landscape, underscored by the skilled workforce and evolving infrastructure. Mukesh also talks about the Aimtron Foundation, which is seeding the future of tech innovation, and fostering industry ready talent through academia and hands-on training.
Lastly we step into the vibrant world of retro arcade games, as we explore the charm of pinball machines and Aimtron's OEM business in this sector. Tune in for a heartwarming and honest reflection on the development of a family business that spans continents.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Uncover the journey of All Circuits with their visionary leader Bruno Racault, as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of automotive electronics manufacturing. From a bold strategic pivot towards electric vehicles to the integration of cutting-edge automation, Bruno shares the roadmap that drove All Circuits to become a tier-one powerhouse. Learn how they harnessed the regionalization trend and innovation to automate and improve their production processes, while building direct partnerships with car makers.
Bruno gives us a glimpse into the meticulous planning and execution behind All Circuits' growth, from the new addition to MSL Circuits in France, to expansion into new EV product sectors like battery management.
Bruno also touches on the consistently challenging component supply chain, the role of distributors, reducing inventory and much more. Finally we wrap up with an optimistic look at 2024 expectations in both the automative and industrial markets.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Uncover the strategic moves in building a global manufacturing footprint with Paul Jona, President and CEO of VEXOS in our latest episode, as we delve into their newest addition: a 40,000 square foot factory in Juarez, Mexico. Learn how this move is a response to the shifting sands of geopolitics, global trade and what it signals for the future of manufacturing in the Americas. We take you behind the scenes of VEXOS' meticulous approach to replicating the success and performance of their Markham factory, from the ground up in Juarez, and how they're ensuring the same high-quality training and integration.
As our conversation with Paul unfolds, we navigate the broader implications of regional growth and pinpoint what fuels operational excellence in today's competitive landscape. From spotlighting VEXOS' strategic moves to discussing the art of keeping a workforce engaged and driven during times of disruption and expansion, this episode is a masterclass in corporate agility. We also explore the potential for further growth through strategic acquisitions and wrap up with a reflection on the clear and tangible benefits of regional production — a move that promises not just to meet customer demands but to significantly improve sustainability through shorter supply chains.
Join us for an episode that offers an invaluable playbook for scaling operations with precision and vision.
Learn more about VEXOS at https://www.vexos.com
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
With high reliability markets at the forefront, our insightful guest, Joachim Verhegghe, plant director of ACB Dandermonde, paints a picture of the changing dynamic of the printed circuit board fabrication market. Joachim sheds light on how premium sectors are willing to pay more for locally manufactured products and the potential role of automation in the industry.
PCB@C-Level was generously hosted at productronica 2023 by Adeon technologies - learn more at https://www.adeon.nl
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
In this interview filmed on location at Productronica 2023, I speak to Steve Driver, an old friend and a seasoned industry veteran with a wealth of knowledge and insights into the evolution of the PCB industry and its shift towards sustainability. Join me as Steve shares his experiences from his tenure at Jiva Materials, where they're pioneering a soluble PCB laminate, to his role at Studio 29, a venture that's transitioned from being a product design company to a PCB assembler and designer.
The conversation takes an interesting turn as we explore the theme of sustainability, its importance, and its implications for the industry. Steve provides thought-provoking insights into the industry's shift from traditional subtractive processes to additive technology, and how it could potentially reduce emissions and waste. We also discuss the importance of attracting the next generation of talent to continue driving this industry forward.
Learn more about Jiva Materials at https://www.jivamaterials.com
and Studio 29 at https://www.studio29.design
PCB@C-Level was generously hosted at productronica 2023 by Adeon technologies - learn more at https://www.adeon.nl
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Our guest this episode, Michael Müller, CEO of Polytron Print, is running a successful mid-sized PCB production company in Germany and defying the industry's decline. We delve into a candid conversation about the value of "Made in Germany", the trend of reshoring, and how a commitment to high-quality and flexible production propels Polytron Print’s success. Michael imparts his wisdom on navigating the challenges of talent acquisition, the role of automation, and the resilience necessary to thrive amidst adversity.
We also shine a spotlight on the risks associated with maintaining a critical mass for support and ecosystem and grappling with the fallout of disappearing companies on suppliers. However, amidst these challenges, we also celebrate the triumphs of businesses like Polytron-Print and their continued steady growth.
PCB@C-Level was generously hosted at productronica 2023 by Adeon technologies - learn more at https://www.adeon.nl
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Ever wonder how a multinational team spanning across Sweden, Japan, France, and the Czech Republic plans their R&D to ensure they deliver game-changing solutions for their customers? This episode sees us chatting with Robert Helleday, Mycronic's Head of Research & Development, who offers a glimpse into their strategic R&D planning which leverages diverse perspectives and skill sets from different parts of the world, alongside the voice of their customers. Robert's insights demonstrate how understanding and keeping the customer's needs at the center of the process is crucial in creating standout products that deliver the maximum value to the user.
As the conversation evolves, we wade into the digital age and explore how industries are being transformed by data-driven processes and artificial intelligence (AI). We dive into Mycronic's approach to this change, particularly their integration of AI into their own R&D process. From boosting internal productivity to revolutionizing the inspection process, Robert reveals intriguing ways AI can be used as a tool to free up human time and enhance efficiency in factories.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Prepare yourself for a captivating conversation with Marcus Leitgeb, the head of R&D at AT&S, a global leader in the world of PCB and IC substrate manufacturing. We start by exploring AT&S's impressive manufacturing footprint that reaches from their homeland of Austria to China, Korea, and India.
Markus, with his 22 years of R&D experience, provides a unique perspective on the evolving dynamics of the PCB manufacturing market and how customer preferences shape the manufacturing landscape. Listen as he discusses Europe's technological advantage and how AT&S is capitalizing on it through innovative R&D, strategic partnerships, and collaborations with leading global customers. From challenges in recruitment to navigating the complex supply chain, this episode offers you a comprehensive understanding of the industry.
PCB@C-Level was generously hosted at productronica 2023 by Adeon technologies - learn more at https://www.adeon.nl
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
We step into the intricate world of tech industry, where efficiency and reliability are the most sought-after traits. In this interview, filmed on location at Productronica 2023, our guest, Chris Nash of Indium Corporation, shares his wealth of knowledge. We untangle the complexities of production, zooming in on e-mobility, servers and medical electronics, while unearthing the significance of electrical, mechanical and thermal reliability in advancing each of the complex tech terrains.
We delve into the unique challenges of the e-mobility and server spaces, hearing firsthand as Chris reveals how e-mobility is breaking boundaries and setting the pace in reliability. Meanwhile, as the server industry wrestles with density and heat issues, discover fascinating insights about liquid immersion cooling, the compatibility of fluxes and the enormity of the BGAs being used. With Indium's famous engineer-to-engineer reputation, it's a real treat to get a deep dive in the latest technologies and solutions in manufacturing.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Grab your headphones and hit play to hear our conversation with Gerard van Dierendon from Unimicron, a global PCB manufacturing leader. We venture into a deep discussion about the shifting trends in manufacturing industries. Notably, we touch on the topic of reshoring, which has been fueled by geopolitical concerns and supply chain security, but we find that not all industries share the same sentiments.
Sustainability is an issues and Gerard reveals the need to provide CO2 footprints with their boards. He shares how their German facility has embraced these demands, ensuring transparency in their CO2 accounting, which includes logistics and electricity consumption. As we navigate the European skill shortages, we explore how automation is being leveraged to combat this issue. Listen in as Gerard gives us a unique perspective on how Unimicron has maintained a loyal workforce amidst these challenges.
PCB@C-Level was generously hosted at productronica 2023 by Adeon technologies - learn more at https://www.adeon.nl
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
We're exploring how to unlock the power of data in manufacturing with insights from our special guest, Michaela, Sales Manager SMT from Critical Manufacturing, the MES sector of ASMPT. Michaela walks us through the transformative journey of the company post-acquisition, discussing how their deep knowledge of the SMT area and collaboration with ASMPT have significantly enhanced their operations. Michaela articulates the essential role of data in their systems, from collection and contextualization to the influence it has in the physical world.
Together, we explore how efficiency and scalability can be achieved in manufacturing environments despite the talent crunch? Michaela enlightens us on the importance of designing user-friendly products that offer flexibility and scalability. We learn about their low-code solution and containerized approach which make their system more accessible and easy-to-deploy.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
In this interview with Clemens Jargon, Senior VP High Flex at Mycronic AB, we discover how Mycronic's dynamic and bold innovations and solutions are changing the industry through their advanced processes. With over three decades of experience, their diverse portfolio that includes screen printing, inkjet printing, material handling and storage systems, and a brand new pick-and-place machine, is pushing boundaries. Their commitment to efficiency, accuracy, and comprehensive solutions has paved the path for streamlining shop floor operations and reducing human error and intervention.
We also venture into the global strategies of Mycronic, a company a huge footprint in Europe and the Americas, as well as a strong foothold in China and Southeast Asia and brewing opportunities in India. We explore why businesses are returning from China and how Mycronic's flexible manufacturing caters to unique customer needs across diverse industries, including EV, mil-aero, and medical.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Get ready to uncover the intricate dynamics of the European PCB industry as we converse with industry leader, Thomas Michels of ILFA. Thomas provides an intimate look at the sector, highlighting challenges and opportunities, such as reshoring efforts and the fight to stay competitive in the global marketplace. We delve into the changing currents of customer tendencies, the role of the ZVEI in promoting the importance of the microelectronics ecosystem, and the pressing need for balanced government support and sustainability initiatives. We also learn about the recruitment obstacles in the industry and how companies like ILFA are overcoming this through apprenticeship schemes and internal growth opportunities.
Thomas also talks about digital transformation within manufacturing and shares his insights into the benefits of automation, ranging from enhanced efficiency to improved quality control and reduced human intervention. Thomas also voices the industry's concerns and needs in Berlin and Brussels, making him an inspiring figure within the community.
PCB@C-Level was generously hosted at productronica 2023 by Adeon technologies - learn more at https://www.adeon.nl
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
If you've wondered why reshoring isn't quite hitting the marks we all anticipated, this engaging discussion with special guests, Michael Velmenden from CMS Electronics and Michael Knöferle from BMK Group, is for you. We delve into the inflexibility and opacity of today's supply chains, spotlighting the hurdles faced by EMS companies in maintaining a firm grip on inventory and cash flows. The panelists suggest a call to arms for fairer lead times and an equitable landscape for all supply chain stakeholders.
What is more, the talent crisis in the EMS industry is a real and present danger to reshoring. In the second part of this panel, we place the spotlight on the need to make EMS an attractive sector for future leaders. It's time to bring out the best of this industry - innovative, dynamic, and full of opportunity. And it's not all about drawing in fresh faces. We go on to discuss the intricate interaction between automation and the human touch in the production process.
We explore the path to efficiency and success in the EMS industry. Perhaps it is a resilient supply chain, trust between partners, and a team of skilled individuals complemented by digital transformation and adaptable automation.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
My guest, Prettl CEO Carsten Ellermeier shares his insights on the challenges, trends, and future projections of this rapidly changing sector. Carsten’s experiences leading a family-owned business, grounded in cable assembly, plastic injection, and electronic assembly, offers an invaluable perspective to anyone keen on understanding this volatile industry.
This episode is a deep-dive into the state of the EMS industry amid economic uncertainties and global disruptions. We discuss the inventory bubble, its impact on businesses, and the strategic steps to stabilization. Carsten also reveals how Prettl Electronics Group is navigating the shifting sands of the European, NAFTA, and Asian markets. If you're concerned by the intricacies of global business, supply chains, and the electronics industry, this conversation will engage you with its depth and candor.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Ever wondered how to maintain the delicate balance between short-term and long-term goals in the face of an economic disruption? ASMPT CFO Katie Xu brings her vast expertise and unique insights to this discussion. With both the SMT and the semiconductor sectors being notoriously cyclical, Katie explains how ASMPT navigate the ups and downs of this vibrant sector. She also explains the importance of a strong financial strategy in the development of a market leading brand.
Our conversation doesn't stop at finance. We explore the equally crucial topic of diversity and inclusivity in the workplace as Katie shares her personal journey as a female executive in a traditionally male-dominated field. From feeling the loneliness of being the only woman in the room to becoming a catalyst for change in her own organization, Katie's narrative is nothing short of inspiring. Learn about the endeavors taken by her company to create an inclusive culture, and the importance of role modelling and mentorship in nurturing diverse talent. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone striving to create more inclusive work environments.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
This interview offers you a deep dive into the world of high-volume, high-mix, and NPI manufacturing as Mycronic's Vice President of Global Sales Kevin Clue explore the latest innovation, the new A40 machine. Kevin shares intriguing insights into the cutting-edge technology that drives this product and sheds light on the global collaborative effort behind its development.
We also delve into Mycronic's bold approach to R&D, their strategies to help their customers overcome staffing issues in the European market and the critical role of automation in enhancing operational efficiency. Hear firsthand how Mycronic is tackling the industry's personnel challenges by pioneering equipment that promotes automated processes and simplifies training for new hires. We'll also discuss the impact of Mycronic's new GUI and the future of machine communication within the company.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
In this panel, filmed on location at Productronica 2023, we uncover the state of the European printed circuit board (PCB) industry. Joined by our insightful guests Dieter Weiss of in4ma, Dirk Stans of Eurocircuits and Michael Müller of Polytron-Print, we probe the alarming statistics that show Europe’s share of the global PCB manufacturing at a mere 2.2%. Down from over 20% two decades ago. Hear the panel's call to action for Europe to reduce its dependency on far-eastern manufacturing and forge a sustainable ecosystem within its borders. We back the curtain on the pivotal role of supply chains, government-supported institutions, and why sourcing PCBs from European suppliers could be the game-changer the industry needs.
With the guidance of our expert guests, we cut through the noise to underscore the urgent need for a unified voice in the industry, challenging the status quo, advocating for collaboration among different industry associations, all for an impact on government decisions and initiatives. We turn the spotlight on the importance of a joint database for components and the political courage required to bring this to fruition. This panel is a rallying cry for all associations to seize the reins and drive towards a brighter future for the electronics industry in Europe.
PCB@C-Level was generously hosted at productronica 2023 by Adeon technologies - learn more at https://www.adeon.nl
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Join us as we explore the inner workings of prototype manufacturing with our guest, Dirk Stans from Eurocircuits. This episode explores the crucial role of PCBs in the European supply chain, offering a glimpse into the agile strategies employed by Eurocircuits to retain their market position as a preferred supplier to engineers and designers. Learn how Eurocircuits overcomes hurdles like talent recruitment and training in Europe, and how process optimization is achieved through software and automation developed in-house.
we explore the critical mass of the industry and what a reducing number of PCB manufacturers in Europe could mean in the long term. Dirk also has a role within trade associations and we talk extensively about the need for regulation and a level playing field to ensure the competitiveness, and indeed the survival, of the European PCB industry.
PCB@C-Level was generously hosted at productronica 2023 by Adeon technologies - learn more at https://www.adeon.nl
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Imagine a future where the PCB industry thrives in Europe. That's the vision of Nicolas Schweizer, CEO of Schweitzer Electronic, who joins me to explore the potential of the European PCB industry. We dissect the crucial need for ramping PCB production domestically and the hurdles imposed by a shortage of skilled workforce. Delving into the realm of automation and artificial intelligence, Nicolas paints a picture of an industry poised for evolution.
But what about the regulatory landscape? With Europe's regulatory environment tightening its grip, how will international investors respond? Nicolas Schweizer doesn't shy away from discussing the burden of bureaucratic red tape that can deter growth. As we inch closer to 2024, the conversation around these challenges intensifies. Get ready to unpack the complexities and potential of the European PCB industry with us. Tune in to this discussion full of insights and forward-looking perspectives.
PCB@C-Level was generously hosted at productronica 2023 by Adeon technologies - learn more at https://www.adeon.nl
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
I discuss the industry's trends and forecast for 2024 with Aegis Software CEO Jason Spera, live from Productronica 2023. We exchange thoughts on how the economic climate is shaping buying patterns and how software automation is becoming a new industry backbone, tackling talent scarcity and turnover.
The second half of this conversation shifts gears towards the world of AI and Industry 4.0, as they make their mark in manufacturing. Hear how AI can supercharge operational efficiency and how ESG performance need to play a role in our digital transformation journey. Drawing inspiration from other sectors like discrete manufacturing, Jason provides a broader perspective on digital transformation that extends beyond the electronics supply chain. This episode provides a deep-dive into the future of EMS efficiency, AI and digital transformation.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Want to get a pulse on the European PCB industry? You've landed in just the right place! Our guest, André Bodegom, Managing Director of Adeon Technologies and our host for this week, offers an intriguing perspective on the current state and future trends of this constantly evolving industry. Together, we navigate through the increasing role of automation and data tracking in PCB manufacturing, shedding light on how companies are overcoming the challenges of labor shortage and leveraging technology to stay competitive.
As we venture deeper, André further reveals his insights on the rise of Injet solder mask technology and how it's revolutionizing PCB manufacturing. But it's not all sunshine. Andre candidly discusses the mixed market signals indicating low growth and potential for consolidation. Amidst these shifting sands, he shares how companies are finding their niches and carving a path towards success. As we wrap up, we probe into the future of manufacturing in Europe, offering thought-provoking forecasts and more than a little optimism.
PCB@C-Level was generously hosted at productronica 2023 by Adeon technologies, and André was the man who made it all happen, thanks André, you're a legend!
Learn more at https://www.adeon.nl
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
KATEK Group CTRO Petra Becker provides some eye-opening insights that promise to make EMS more efficient, reliable and competitive. Join us as we talk through the supply chain management and digital transformation, exploring how KATEK Group has created unprecedented transparency from suppliers to customers with strategic adoptions of digital tools.
Petra delves into how KATEK Group's digital transformation has resulted in significant inventory reduction and efficiency increase, lending them a unique competitive edge and the ability to "lead the category". The digitization has also led to transparency of demand changes, allowing for a swift and effective response to supply and operation sides. Learn more about the merits of data-driven partnerships with suppliers and their positive feedback.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Prepare to unravel the complicated web of issues challenging the European EMS industry as we sit down with Michael Velmeden, CEO of CMS Electronics. We're peeling back the layers on everything from the COVID-19 disruption, the component crisis, to the bullwhip effect from inventory buildup. It's not all gloom and doom as we also explore the escalating demand for electronics across diverse industries. We uncover how CMS Electronics is fortifying its operations, ensuring robustness and security amidst these disruptions.
We also discuss the digital transformation sweeping supply chain management. With Michael, we mull over the crucial role of trust and respect in a successful supply chain and how digitalization can be an effective tool in achieving this. We delve into how Artificial Intelligence can reshape supply chain management for the better. We underscore the significance of open collaboration and understanding in leveraging digitalization for formidable supply chain benefits.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Join me as I chat with Michael Knöferle from BMK Group who candidly discusses the inventory crisis, the role of collaboration, and the true benefits of a diverse customer base. We also delve into the current struggle to recruit and retain talent, with Michael shedding light on how digital technology is proving a game-changer in the realm of supply chain visibility.
As we move on to the topic of automation, Michael reveals how BMK is harnessing it to address growing talent constraints, particularly in handling high mix, low volume projects. Get an insider's view into BMK's R&D efforts and the criticality of adaptable automation. Michael's insights are sure to give you a richer understanding of the challenges, solutions, and the future trends within the electronics supply chain.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Whilst at Productronica 2023, I sat down with Markus Aschenbrenner from Zollner, to shares his take on the industry's present state and its future potential. From discussing the influence of the bullwhip effect to the role of automation and AI and its potential in addressing talent shortages in the industry.
We explore the transformative power of Industry 4.0 and its ripple effects on business processes. We talk about the importance of supplier collaboration and the need for supply chain visibility in the digital era. Markus pushes us to consider the importance of digitalizing all aspects of the supply chain, even the complex ones like sheet metal and cables.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Are you ready to redefine the way you perceive automation? This eye-opening discussion with KATEK COO, Dr. Marc Achhammer, was filmed on location at Productronica 2023. We navigate the labyrinth of maximizing asset use and enticing fresh blood into the industry. You'll get a fresh perspective on automation's dual benefits - from its crucial role in enhancing capacity in a tight labor market, to its crucial contribution to maintaining Europe's competitive edge.
As we explore 2024, we engage with Marc on whether it could be a year of efficiency instead of the high growth we associate with recent years. We pick Marc's brain on the pressing need for improved operational efficiency and smarter use of human and capital assets amidst a potential recession. We also explore the tricky terrain of inventory management, the bullwhip effect, and the challenges faces in managing inventory amidst rapid growth.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
This panel, featuring industry leaders Dr. Marc Achhammer from KATEK Group and Xaver Feiner from Zollner, delves into the possibilities and challenges as manufacturing in Europe gears up for a new era. Together, we navigate through the talent constraints that might impede growth and discuss ways to make manufacturing jobs more appealing to the younger generation. We also delve into the importance of recruiting a diverse range of skills, particularly around the application of AI technology and automation.
The conversation continues as we explore the pressure new suppliers and startups place on existing industry players to adapt and evolve. The panelists provide an insightful overview of the current state of the industry and the significant changes on the horizon. Whether you're a manufacturer, a startup, or just curious about the future of European manufacturing, this episode offers valuable insights and forecasts.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What's the future of the global electronics manufacturing industry? What challenges and opportunities lie ahead? I sat down with our guest, Koh Young America's GM, Joel Scutchfield, to dissect these questions and more. Together, we navigated the global trends, underlined at Productronica 2023.
Joel walks us through the impact of COVID-19 and how emerging technologies like EV, battery, green energy, and AI are reshaping the industry. We also delved into the industry's talent challenges and the increasing expectations on AI-enabled automation. Joel spoke about their K-Smart software and its role in simplifying processes and reducing personnel dependency.
With an eye on the future, we shifted our discussion to the wider global economic landscape. Joel gave us his insights on how factors such as fluctuating interest rates, geopolitical issues, and the burgeoning demand for electric vehicles could potentially influence the electronics manufacturing industry. We explore the imperativeness of operational excellence and efficiency, especially in a year of limited growth. Wrapping up, we highlighted the changing role of technology in augmenting productivity and priming the industry for potential growth in 2025.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Listen to intriguing insights and real-life experiences brought to you by Dr. Henning Bork from ASMPT and Petra Becker from KATEK. Recorded live at Productronica 2023, we discuss the milestones achieved and the successful projects fueling change. The guests explore different maturity levels and targets within companies, and the relevance of automation and process optimization in manufacturing. Petra pulls back the curtain on KATEK's creation of a fully autonomous production line and the hurdles encountered in embedding digitalization in ODM and EMS businesses.
We delve into the impact of digital transformation on businesses and the necessity of aligning it with the overall corporate strategy. Henning and Petra share narratives, underscoring how digital transformation has the potential to streamline processes and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). They advocate for the integration of digital transformation into the heart of business strategy to unleash its maximum potential. Together, we shed light on the importance of bespoke solutions in the manufacturing sector and how digital transformation can be the catalyst for monumental changes in the industry.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
A deep dive into the future of operational efficiency as we pull back the curtain on the trends transforming 2024, with ASMPT CEO Josef Ernst and KATEK Group COO & CHRO Dr. Marc Achhammer. If you've ever wondered just how much you can optimize assets and profitability in a sluggish market, we take you on a journey through the realm of cost positions and existing machinery, cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, and the creation of intelligent factories. We answer this burning questions and offer invaluable insights into how you can take productivity to the next level.
In the complex world of multi-site factories, selecting the right equipment can seem like navigating a minefield. That's where strategic partnerships come into play. Join us as we engage with industry leaders from ASMPT and KATEK Group, shedding light on the crucial role open communication, trust, and feedback play in these alliances. Learn about the benefits of having a strong organizational connection at every level and how it can enhance collaboration. We're convinced that by the end of our discussion, you'll see how strategic alliances are the secret sauce for driving innovation and success in the manufacturing industry.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Filmed live at Productronica 2023, I talk to Anders Lindqvist, Group CEO of the innovative Mycronic Group of companies. Mycronic is leading the way with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, market leadership, and customer alignment. You'll learn how Mycronic is not just working to reduce their own emissions but is also guiding customers on their sustainability paths. And if you're curious about the talent challenges in the industry and the ways automation and intelligence are revolutionizing equipment management, Anders has some insights to share.
Shift gears as we move into the complex realm of efficiency and waste reduction in electronics manufacturing sector, with semiconductor and SMT technology taking center stage. We're living in a world of geopolitical uncertainty. We discuss how understanding the unique needs of different markets, particularly China, is crucial for global success. So if you're interested in the shifting dynamics of the global electronics industry and the indispensable role of efficiency in driving progress, this conversation is for you.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Get ready for an insightful conversation with Otto Pukk of Incap, as we unravel the global footprint and unique business strategies of an EMS company with factories spread across Estonia, Slovakia, UK, the US, and India. Find out how their foray into the Asian market, with a significant presence in India, was not just exploratory but a strategic decision derived from recognizing India's potential as a hub for business and electronics.
Listen as we discuss the dynamic shift in manufacturing trends and how countries like India, Vietnam, and Mexico are emerging as significant beneficiaries. Hear Otto share Incap's experience navigating through components shortages and how inventory cycles impact the EMS industry. There's more as we look forward to 2024, with Otto expressing optimism about the opportunities in the market, including Incap's recent US business acquisition and the potential of their newest factory in India.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Join us as we talk to Ross Berntson, President and COO of Indium Corporation, during Productronica 2023. As they approach their 90th anniversary, Ross takes us on a journey, from the company’s humble beginnings in a garage in Utica, New York, to their current status as a global innovator.
Ross unveils the rich history of the company, sharing stories of failure, persistence, and ultimately, success. Learn about the role of indium in the electronics industry, and how Indium Corporation's innovative pursuits have resulted in significant growth in the market. Ross also gives us a glimpse into the future, highlighting the company's exciting prospects in the AI revolution and thermal management. Hear firsthand about the challenges and triumphs that come with striving for constant innovation. This gripping narrative paints a vivid picture of a company's evolution through nine decades, demonstrating the dynamic interplay between innovation, persistence, and success.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Ever wondered how the semiconductor industry and the EMS and SMT sector are intricately connected? Dive right into our engaging discussion with ASMPT Chief Strategy Officer, Günter Lauber, as we explore the technological synergies. Günter also throws light on how growth, digitalization, and resilience serve as ASMPT’s strategic cornerstones amidst industry disruptions.
As we navigate our way through the conversation, we delve into the role of digital transformation and artificial intelligence in the industry, and how ASMPT is leveraging these technologies to offer comprehensive solutions. Günter also opens up about their ambitious ESG goals and commitment to a sustainable future. This episode is a treasure trove of insights from a seasoned industry leader, providing a deep understanding of the strategic direction for a global company and how they are setting the pace and industry standards. Tune in and take away valuable lessons on resilience, digital transformation, and sustainability.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Ever wondered how a company navigates through industry disruptions and customer influences? We're here to quench your curiosity as we sit down with Robin NG Group CEO of ASMPT for a compelling conversation about their unique positioning in the semiconductor industry and the strides they're making in the EV market and advanced packaging. Known for its close engagement with customers, ASMPT's secret sauce to success involves a process-oriented working model that keeps its 11,000+ employees on the same page. We'll also be unpacking the role of thermal compression in AI and the company's development of thermal compression tools.
It's time to step into the future as we delve into the convergence of AI technology and innovation at ASMPT. Robin shares exciting details about how the advent of AI has shaped the development of their thermal compression tools, offering a fresh perspective on the transformative power of these emerging technologies. We also discuss the challenges and potential of mass reflow and how ASMPT is leveraging this sweet spot in the technology landscape. Whether you're a tech-enthusiast, an industry professional, or just curious about the world of semiconductors and AI, we promise you a rollercoaster ride of insights and revelations in this episode. Stay tuned!
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Wondering how to navigate the complexities of supply chains amidst global geopolitical shifts? Sit tight as we bring you an insightful conversation with Jens Gamperl, the mastermind behind Sourceability. Jens, courtesy of his decades of knowledge and experience, breaks down the challenges faced by businesses today and shares strategies to develop more flexibility, to use data to make informed and better decisions, and address high inventory, and high interest rates. He also emphasizes the crucial role of transparency in supply chains and why businesses should shift their focus from just-in-time production to maintaining healthy buffer stocks and risk mitigation.
In this chat, we also delve into the world of supply chain risk management and understand why engineers need to consider supply chain risks when designing products and planning projects. Jens also shares his view on the impact of a longer product life cycle on design decisions and initiatives like the CHIPS Act that are paving the way for more component production in the Americas, Europe, and elsewhere. We explore how local production and factory proximity can reduce supply chain costs and how data can be harnessed to predict outcomes.
This episode is packed with invaluable nuggets of wisdom from Jens that will definitely help you get a grip on the world of supply chains and geopolitics. Don't miss out!
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Ready for a technological deep-dive? Matric Group's VP of Operations, Patrick Stimpert, takes us on a journey through his cutting-edge innovations in electronics manufacturing. This is nothing short of groundbreaking revelations, as Patrick details his shift from manual visual inspection to the use of game-changing optics and analytics for data extraction thanks to his use of pre-and post-reflow AOI as well as SPI from Koh Young.
Discover how he pioneered the concept of pre-reflow inspections on all boards, a move that has created an industry trend. Listen in as we delve into the nitty-gritty of how Patrick, with his industrial management background, managed to transform operations on the manufacturing line improving efficiency and quality. Explore the exciting future that Patrick is building in the world of electronics manufacturing, with multiple machines networked to be managed and operated by a small team. This episode promises an insight-packed journey into automation and the future of the industry.
Learn more about Matric Group at https://www.matric.com/
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Ready to unveil the secrets behind MATRIC's success story and their ambitious future plans? Strap in for an enlightening journey as we chart MATRIC's impressive evolution, their distinctive automation focus, and their strategic investment in top-tier pre and post-reflow Automatic Optical Inspection (AOI), as well as Solder Paste Inspection (SPI). Learn how this powerhouse has maintained a competitive edge over its rivals, and how its unique collaboration with Koh Young and innovative use of data has been integral to maintaining optimal manpower levels.
Moving on, we'll be unlocking the strategies that have allowed MATRIC to diversify and identify exciting growth prospects. Discover how the organization has utilized NADCAP and other certifications to venture into brand new industrial segments. We'll also delve into the significant role financial stability plays in facilitating both organic and strategic growth. Lastly, we'll discuss the broader implications of automation on reshoring and regionalization trends, and how collaborations with companies like co-young have bolstered MATRIC's operational efficiency. Join us for an insider's look at MATRIC's remarkable journey and the road ahead. Learn more at https://www.matric.com/
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
What if the secret to your company's growth lies not in more manpower, but smarter manufacturing? This episode welcomes a guest who has spent nearly three decades at Matric Group, witnessing its evolution from basic assembly to the adoption of advanced surface mount technology and automation. He paints a vivid picture of Matric's journey, from dealing with multiple disruptions including trade wars, a global pandemic, and component shortages to leveraging cutting-edge technologies for production and supply chain management.
Richard (Rick) Turner, Matric Group's President and CEO takes us into the future, revealing emerging trends fueled by geopolitical issues and regionalization. He addresses the challenges and opportunities these shifts present, focusing on labor availability and the potential for further automation. Our discussion also explores the company's dedication to staff development through education and the increasing need for high-tech skills in the light of new technologies. Join us for an enriching dialogue that uncovers the fascinating evolution of the industry and offers valuable insights into its unpredictable yet promising future.
Learn more about Matric Group at https://www.matric.com/
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Wondering how the shifting sands of geopolitics affect the business of supply chain logistics and pricing? Dive into this illuminating discussion that unearths the intricate dynamics between the two, with a particular lens on the issues in Israel and their impact. We uncover the ripple effects this has on businesses who are now being nudged towards reshoring and regionalizing their supply chains. As we navigate this complex terrain, we shine a light on the changing customer expectations, where they are not just interested in the finished product, but also the origins of their major parts and sub-assemblies.
In the second round of our discussion, we shift gears and steer towards artificial intelligence and its potential as an advisory or co-pilot tool for logistics and supply chain management. We dissect the importance of having the right data set to train AI and how this might be the key to navigating any repeat of the recent component shortages.
We also scrutinize the reshoring trend in North America and the increasing demand for higher volume production runs in Mexico. As we approach the finish, we look to the future, contemplating the potential impact of the next big disruption.
Buckle up and join us on this enlightening journey.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Prepare to be immersed in an enlightening conversation with our guest, Manager of Engineering at IMI Guadalajara, Oscar Valdivia, as we navigate the world of factory scale and automation. Isn't it captivating how production facilities adapt to the ever-evolving technology landscape? Together, we shed light on the complexities behind managing a large number of employees, the subsequent repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on production, and the need for robust supplier partnerships, like the one IMI enjoy with Koh Young. Oscar provides a unique perspective on the process of re-qualifying suppliers, emphasizing the critical role of continual employee training in a rapidly automating world.
We delve deeper into the crux of manufacturing expertise and software development. Oscar illustrates the nuances of the inspection process, the challenges that come with choosing the right communication software, and the often overlooked importance of a global vision in equipment selection decisions.
When asked, are we producing enough talent to sustain the growing industry needs? Oscar responds to this pressing question and further highlights the escalating demand for quality in the competitive market, followed by an inspiring emphasis on self-education in the face of industry transformation. Brace yourself for an episode brimming with insights, challenges, experience, local knowledge and revelations.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
IMI Head of Regional Engineering, Philip Reyes, is a seasoned engineer. In this interview he narrates his professional journey from China to Mexico. Discover how he has adapted as an engineer to the shifting manufacturing trends, and how he has skilfully balanced the use of manual processes, automation, and semi-automation. Get a taste of his perspective on the impact of customer requirements and quality expectations in this evolving landscape.
Philip paints an insightful picture of IMI's collaboration with its suppliers. He shares the secret sauce of success - treating suppliers as partners. As the conversation progresses, he emphasizes the growing importance of data in manufacturing processes, especially for decision-making. Listen as he outlines his expectations for the rapidly developing EV space in Guadalajara over the next year or so and his plans to elevate the factory to the next level. This episode promises a captivating look into the world of manufacturing and engineering.
Learn more about IMI at https://www.global-imi.com
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Ruben de Anda sees his service team as part of SMarTsol's business development team, and he's absolutely right. Get ready to hear from an industry veteran with a journey that's as impressive as it is inspiring. Ruben takes us on a trip down memory lane, tracing his steps from his beginnings in Juarez to his current prominence at SMarTsol. A 30-year veteran in the manufacturing and electronic industry, he shares his experience from TTM Thomson Television in Mexico, Philips EMT, Flex and now, SmartSol.
A believer in the power of service, Ruben explains how SMarTsol's unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and value-added services has fueled the company's steady growth. His take on managing a large service team, problem-solving, collecting and utilizing customer feedback, and the vital importance of speed in their industry, is nothing short of enlightening. This is an episode that doesn't just spotlight SMarTsol's expertise, but underscores the pivotal role of service in the manufacturing and electronic industry.
You can learn more about SMarTsol Technologies at https://smartsol.mx/
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Juan Luis Tarin is Director of Business Development at Smartsol Technologies. He and I take a deep dive into the data driving the EMS industry within Mexico, the key stakeholders involved, and an shift from traditional to more retail and EV products. Juan Luis brings a wealth of experience, hard data and perspective that illuminate the landscape like never before. We discuss how Asia's investment trends are impacting the market and how Mexico's Northeast and Baja regions are racing to keep pace with the growth.
We're also putting the spotlight on SMarTsol, who, with several offices across the nation, they have managed to collect valuable data that's crucial for their principals, sales team, and to identify trends and targets. Their growth and evolution into a more process-driven team opens up potential for continuing expansion within the Mexican market and beyond. Listen in to understand the significant impact of these changes on the types of investments and the sectors in which they are made. Don't miss this engaging conversation!
You can learn more about SMarTsol Technologies at https://smartsol.mx/
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Join us on a riveting journey with guest, Case Engelen of TITOMA, as we unravel the profound effects of geopolitics on Asian manufacturing. You'll get a fresh perspective on how dynamics such as the 25% import tax, China's disengagement from global business, and the subsequent rise of countries like Mexico, Vietnam, and India, shape the world of manufacturing. We'll also delve into the complexities of relocating a worldwide supply chain and the implications of the CHIPS Act and the aspiration to produce printed circuit boards in the Americas.
In this fascinating conversation, we venture into the shifts in manufacturing footprints and international trade, powered by agreements including, curiously, the US-Colombia bilateral trade pact. We'll discuss the concept of 'Friend-shoring', a savvy way of selecting manufacturing locations, and the possible green benefits of shortening supply chains. We'll touch on global manufacturing trends, spotlighting Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore's roles in this progression.
To wrap it up, we'll underscore the importance of risk mitigation and scenario planning dialogues with customers around new or existing products. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation! Tune in to understand these global trends and their impact on your business.
Learn more about TITOMA at https://titoma.com
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Mexico's manufacturing industry is thriving amidst geopolitical shifts, regionalization, and reshoring? This episode promises an in-depth look into this intriguing evolution. We've got an industry insider sharing valuable insights on the most prevalent investment regions, the expansion of the automotive and EV market, and the strategies Mexico is employing to handle talent shortages. Let's not forget the crucial role of exchange rates and the surge of automation integrators. Plus, discover how Mexico is embracing digital transformation, navigating the technology landscape with agility and acumen.
Next, we switch gears to talk about the growth and success of the distribution industry, with a spotlight on SMarTsol's strategic investments in Mexico. We'll share how their strategic moves have led to improved service for their customers and principles. Here's a teaser: SMarTsol's new demo room in El Paso and their upcoming open house in December are a testament to their ongoing success. So, buckle up as we unpack the opportunities and challenges that are shaping the manufacturing and distribution landscape in Mexico.
You can learn more about SMarTsol Technologies at https://smartsol.mx/
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Strap in for an exciting conversation with Paul Jona, the leader steering the ship at Vexos, an EMS powerhouse that has doubled its revenue to a $250 million in just five years. We'll be unearthing the secrets behind their success, closely examining their recent expansions and acquisitions. We'll discuss their strategic establishment of a four SMT line factory in Vietnam, which catered to US customers eager to avoid import tariffs. Listen closely as Paul explains how Vexos deployed effective solutions during the pandemic, and tackled tariffs and supply chain disruptions head-on.
In the latter half, we'll learn how Vexos is carving their future in the EMS industry. Paul shares their innovative strategies for managing talent constraints across various locations, by focusing on employee growth and continuous training. We delve into the details of Vexos's acquisition of ControlTek, enhancing their geographic presence and capabilities. ControlTek's military aerospace qualifications, in-house cable assembly, and electronic design capabilities are just a few of the jewels in their crown, setting them a class apart in the industry. So, get ready for an exhilarating journey into the dynamic world of EMS companies, and discover how Vexos is boldly making its mark!
Learn more about Vexos at https://vexos.com
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Ever wondered how a company can double its net sales per employee within six years? Tune in as Johannes, CEO of NOTE AB, unlocks the secrets behind their exceptional growth, revealing how they leverage regionalization, geopolitics, and strategic investments in equipment and logistics. The discussion peels back the layers of their impressive profitability, underpinned by increasing returns on sales and successful investments in efficiency.
Johannes candidly discusses the challenges of automation, talent shortages, and regional issues such as Brexit, providing invaluable insight into the world of electronics manufacturing services. He also examines the advantages of the Swedish manufacturing industry and the potential opportunities for growth in the UK post-Brexit.
Looking to the future, Johannes sets out his bold vision for NOTE, highlighting the company's recent acquisition of a factory in Bulgaria. He shares his insights into what the market could look like in 2024 and beyond, and how NOTE plans to seize these opportunities. This episode promises to be a masterclass in business growth and profitability, so don't miss out!
Learn more about NOTE AB at https://www.note-ems.com
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
Ramon Hernandez is Head of Sales & Service for Mexico & South America at Koh Young America, Inc., taking care of most of the companies activities south of the US/Mexico border. On a recent visit to Guadalajara Philip Stoten spent some time with Ramon and with IMI, one of their customers.
In this interview Philip asks Ramon about the key trends in Mexico right now, including talent shortages, which Koh Young is able to mitigate by training and developing their own talent and by helping customer minimize staffing needs by greater levels of automation with their equipment and software.
They also explore why geopolitics is creating even more demand in Mexico and the regional variations within the country.
You can find Ramon on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramon-hernandez-8a233310/ and you can learn more about Koh Young America at https://kohyoungamerica.com/
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.
During a recent visit to Intervala LLC in Mount Pleasant, PA, Philip Stoten talked to President & CEO Teresa Huber about their history, growth and plans going forward.
Philip and Teresa explore disruptions from pandemics to floods and much more. They also touch on the importance of talent retention, automation, building a great team while focussing on the voice of the customer to drive strategy.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
Following their third tour, Philip Stoten talks to EMSNOW’s Eric Miscoll and in4ma’s Dieter Weiss about their findings. Due to the length of the conversation, this recording has been split into three parts.
In this third and final part, Eric and Dieter explore talent, or skill, shortages and solutions like adaptable automation, recent M&A activity, business closures and the thorny topic of the CHIPS Act, the Inflation Reduction Act and other government legislation.
Dieter also underlines the strategic importance of PCB fabrication, a sector where Europe currently has less than 2% of global production and around 20% of demand.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
Following their third tour, Philip Stoten talked to EMSNOW’s Eric Miscoll and in4ma’s Dieter Weiss about their findings. Due to the length of the conversation, this recording has been split into three parts, this is part two of three.
In this episode, Eric and Dieter talk about the the EMS Forum, held in Munich, and some of the key topics discussed including the massive inventory overhang. Dieter shares some numbers on stock levels, which are close to double the pre-pandemic norm for the industry. Meanwhile Eric explores the need for the three parties in the supply chain, OEM, EMS and distributor, to work together in a more positive manner, suggesting some group therapy might be a solution.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
Following their third tour, Philip Stoten talks to EMSNOW’s Eric Miscoll and in4ma’s Dieter Weiss about their findings. Due to the length of the conversation, this recording has been split into three parts.
In this first part, Eric and Dieter share their insights from their time in the UK visiting companies and attending IPC’s London event. Topics covered include M&A, talent shortages, automation, inventory, and of course Brexit.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
In this monthly series, Philip Stoten is joined by economists, Shawn Dubravac and Marco Annunziata to explore the latest economic trends and their impact on the EMS Industry.
Shawn helps Philip understand the regular game of chicken that is the debt ceiling issue as well as filling him in on current economic headwinds and trends.
They also explore the intersection of economics and government incentive with geopolitics as they impact the supply chain and the growth of the EMS industry.
Following the announcement of the 2022 Report on the EMS Industry and the EMS Top 50, Randall Sherman, founder and CEO of New Venture Research, joins Philip Stoten to explore some of the findings.
Philip asks Randall about the strong performance of the industry in general and the comparatively weak performance of the largest Taiwanese players like Foxconn and Pegatron. The two go on to explore geopolitical impacts, specific markets and much more, while touching on the industry's improving ability to turn a profit in recent years.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
In this new monthly series, Philip Stoten is joined alternately by economists, Shawn Dubravac and Marco Annunziata to explore the latest economic trends and their impact on the EMS Industry.
In this episode Philip and Marco explore the fall out of banking issues like Silicon Valley Bank and Credit Suisse as well as ongoing concerns around inflation and a potential recession. They explore what is really happening and what is likely to happen with interest rates as well as the impact of layoffs in the tech sector which seem to conflict with talent shortages in manufacturing.
Philip asks Marco about his newest podcast 'Ecosystemic Futures' and if an ecosystem like the electronics manufacturing supply chain can quickly adapt to disruption and political pressure. The two wrap up exploring the short term future of globalization as it impact the EMS industry.
the aforementioned podcast is well worth a listen and is available wherever you get your podcast including https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecosystemic-futures/id1675146725
When Dave Evans co-founded ficitv to revolutionize the manufacturing of custom mechanical parts, we had yet to find ourselves in one massive disruption after another, starting with trade wars and running through the pandemic, supply chain shortages, geopolitics and now banking and economic challenges.
Dave explains why he thinks supply chains are not returning to the old normal and how digital tools, like those developed by fictiv, can drive more agility, more security, and more visibility throughout supply chains that need back up plans, redundancy, and the ability to switch at speed.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
With both OEM and Semiconductor experience as well as years in the EMS industry, Rob Crawford brings a unique insight to his role as Chief Revenue Officer at Benchmark. In this interview Rob talks to Philip Stoten about the importance of listening to their customers, the need to for deeper collaborative partnerships, designing and redesigning for disruption, shifts in geographical demands and their own global footprint.
Rob and Philip also explore demand signals in the various industries in which they operate.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
It is always good to see healthy cooperation between competitors and seeing Member of the Executive Board at Zollner, Markus Aschenbrenner sharing the stage with KATEK's CEO Rainer Koppitz underlined the message that a rising tide lifts all boats.
Following his insightful appearance on the panel discussion at this year's Festival fo Electronics, Markus sat down with Philip Stoten to chat about Zollner's successes in 2022 and the challenges facing the entire EMS industry in 2023, such as supply chain disruptions, geopolitics and especially the acquisition and retention of talent.
Supply chain excellence, adaptable automation and a focus on ESG initiatives. These are just three of the things that Orbit One President & CEO Mattias Lindhe believes are fundamental to the success of a manufacturing partnership in 2023 and beyond.
In this in depth interview, Philip Stoten talks to Mattias about the development of Orbit One over the last decade and their recent success. They explore topics like supply chain architecture, the gradual easing of component shortages, solid demand signals in many sectors, shorter supply chains and much more.
Philip and Mattias also explore how partnerships between forward thinking electronics brands and EMS companies are developing into something far closer and much more collaborative, providing both parties with a substantial upside.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
Following a fascinating keynote at KATEK's Festival fo Electronics on 2nd March, 2023, CEO and Co-Founder of PRIMEPULSE Klaus Weinmann sat down for a quick chat with Philip Stoten to explore the history and motivation behind this growth and technology-oriented investment company based in Munich.
Klaus and Philip discuss the companies that PRIMEPULSE has invested in and how they are able to drive mutual value and well as individual value. They also chat about the importance of technology in Europe and the potential for the electronics industry in the coming months and years.
IPC are making real strides towards being 'the' definitive global trade association for the electronics manufacturing industry and in Europe and South East Asia Sanjay Huprikar is leading the charge.
Philip Stoten caught up with Sanjay to discuss their progress in Europe and how many of the issues around shorter more robust supply chains and regionalization are playing out in parallel on both sides of the Atlantic.
Sanjay lays out some of the initiatives around statistics, solutions, standards, collaboration and community that IPC has been undertaking in Europe and around the world.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
In this new monthly series, Philip Stoten is joined by economists, Shawn Dubravac and Marco Annunziata to explore the latest economic trends and their impact on the EMS Industry.
In this episode Philip and Shawn discuss the sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and any potential contagion. They also explore the latest economic indicators, including interest rates, inflation, recession, jobs and much more to try and make some sense of the sometimes conflicting data.
Shawn and Philip wrap up this thoughtful conversation with some sage advice for EMS leaders around the internal and external indicators they should be watching closely in the coming months.
Fresh from his keynote at KATEK's Festival of Electronics, held on March 2nd in Munich, Germany, Rainer Koppitz talks about the event and the importance of a united industry and a united Europe.
In this short interview with Philip Stoten, Rainer talks about the value of collaboration and the importance of investment in the manufacturing industry in Europe as well as some of the key enabling technologies like Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence.
He also touches on how the 'speedboat' strategy and analogy he applies to KATEK's group of companies can be applied to the various nations that make up Europe.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
Quarter after quarter, year after year, Randall delivers the numbers on the global EMS industry, he has his fingers on the pulse. So who better to provide some insight on the trends impacting the industry in 2022 and offer some vision into 2023.
The backdrop for the industry has been one disruption after another, and Randall sees 2023 as more of the same. But while 2022 was a bumper year with double digit growth for the industry, Randall expects 2023 to show low single digit growth. Randall provides concern and cautions around COVID trends in China, regionalization in light of geopolitical shifts and of course economic disruption.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
Ramon Hernandez, Head of Sales and Service - Mexico & South America at Koh Young America, Inc., talks to Philip Stoten about the key trends driving manufacturing in Mexico. They explore labor rates and talent shortages and the success of Koh Young's strategy to train, develop and promote their own talent internally. They also explore re-shoring and technology trends in the region.
EMSNOW & SCOOP at APEX 2023 was sponsored by Koh Young America (https://www.kohyoung.com), Aegis Software (https://www.aiscorp.com/), Panasonic Connect (https://connect.panasonic.com/en/) and Cogiscan (https://cogiscan.com/).
Vice President of Technical & Project Operations at iNEMI, Grace O'Malley talks to Philip Stoten about recent development as their famous 'roadmap' moves from print to a dynamic real-time online offering.
Grace also explains some of the major developments within iNEMI and the industry around topics as diverse as sustainability, digital transformation and advanced packaging.
EMSNOW & SCOOP at APEX 2023 was sponsored by Koh Young America (https://www.kohyoung.com), Aegis Software (https://www.aiscorp.com/), Panasonic Connect (https://connect.panasonic.com/en/) and Cogiscan (https://cogiscan.com/).
Let's face it we need all the help we can get in getting our supply chain to operate a little more economically, a little more efficiently and of course with greater speed and agility. Cofactr was founded by their CEO Matthew Haber and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) Phillip Gulley to fix a simple problem that they experienced in their own lives as EMS executives and engineers.
Cofactr’s procurement tools, inventory management, and automated kitting claim to get you to manufacturing faster and easier than ever. I talked to Matthew about the journey that took he and Phillip to this solution, how it works, what it delivers and why EMS companies need to deploy it to become more agile and more sustainable.
There's plenty more about Cofactr at https://www.cofactr.com)
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
Matt Kelly, who has experience on both sides of the EMS world with HP and Celestica, is IPC's first CTO & Vice President of Technology Solutions. Philip Stoten asks about his appointment and the work he is doing at IPC.
EMSNOW & SCOOP at APEX 2023 was sponsored by Koh Young America (https://www.kohyoung.com), Aegis Software (https://www.aiscorp.com/), Panasonic Connect (https://connect.panasonic.com/en/) and Cogiscan (https://cogiscan.com/).
Supplyframe has its fingers in many pies and on many pulses, so who better to explore supply chain trends and data with than their Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Richard Barnett.
Along with host and writer Philip Stoten, Richard digs into supply chain trends and the need for good data to drive better decision and better outcomes as we strive to create a more agile and sustainable supply chain ecosystem.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
Vice President of Technical & Project Operations at iNEMI, Grace O'Malley talks to Philip Stoten about recent development as their famous 'roadmap' moves from print to a dynamic real-time online offering.
Grace also explains some of the major developments within iNEMI and the industry around topics as diverse as sustainability, digital transformation and advanced packaging.
EMSNOW & SCOOP at APEX 2023 was sponsored by Koh Young America (https://www.kohyoung.com), Aegis Software (https://www.aiscorp.com/), Panasonic Connect (https://connect.panasonic.com/en/) and Cogiscan (https://cogiscan.com/).
Cybord are making a name for themselves as the leading player in component analysis and traceability. Philip Stoten talked to their founder and CTO about the technology, the trends driving demand and the rising tide of component issues damaging productivity, quality and as a result brand and EMS reputations.
In this interview Eyal and Philip dig into the various faults found after inspecting and analyzing more than 3.5 billion components.
EMSNOW & SCOOP at APEX 2023 was sponsored by Koh Young America (https://www.kohyoung.com), Aegis Software (https://www.aiscorp.com/), Panasonic Connect (https://connect.panasonic.com/en/) and Cogiscan (https://cogiscan.com/).
In this short interview with Philip Stoten, Director and Head of R&D at Koh Young Research America (KYRA), Dr. Brian Kang, shares some insight into the application of AI in inspection and electronic manufacturing. Dr. Kang explains the importance of dataset selection and data quality in building machine learning and AI strategies.
EMSNOW & SCOOP at APEX 2023 was sponsored by Koh Young America (https://www.kohyoung.com), Aegis Software (https://www.aiscorp.com/), Panasonic Connect (https://connect.panasonic.com/en/) and Cogiscan (https://cogiscan.com/).
There are great economists and there are manufacturing and technology experts, someone who is both is indeed a rare thing. That why I invited former GE Chief Economist, TED speaker, Forbes Senior Contributor and long term friend and advisor to SCOOP to explore the current economic uncertainty and its impact on electronic manufacturing with me.
In just twenty minutes we unpack supply side economic trends, demand signals, talent shortages, then need for speed (or agility) and prediction on the economy in 2023.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
Talent shortages remain one of the largest challenges for the EMS sector and could even threaten to stall re-shoring to geographies like the USA and Western Europe. Ahead of his keynote and the launch of his book 'Fire Your Hiring Habits', Philip Stoten talked to IPC President and CEO John Mitchell about the issue and explored some solutions, as well as the initiatives underway from IPC.
EMSNOW & SCOOP at APEX 2023 was sponsored by Koh Young America (https://www.kohyoung.com), Aegis Software (https://www.aiscorp.com/), Panasonic Connect (https://connect.panasonic.com/en/) and Cogiscan (https://cogiscan.com/).
Philip Stoten talks to ASMPT Marketing Manager Mark Ogden about the trends he is seeing in electronics manufacturing in the Americas. Topics like re-shoring, geopolitics, digital transformation are all covered in this conversation, filmed on the show floor of APEX 2023.
EMSNOW & SCOOP at APEX 2023 was sponsored by Koh Young America (https://www.kohyoung.com), Aegis Software (https://www.aiscorp.com/), Panasonic Connect (https://connect.panasonic.com/en/) and Cogiscan (https://cogiscan.com/).
Newly appointed iNEMI CEO Shekhar Chandrashekhar talks to Philip Stoten about what's makes iNEMI special and the trends driving their work.
EMSNOW & SCOOP at APEX 2023 was sponsored by Koh Young America (https://www.kohyoung.com), Aegis Software (https://www.aiscorp.com/), Panasonic Connect (https://connect.panasonic.com/en/) and Cogiscan (https://cogiscan.com/)
Philip Stoten talks to Cogiscan CEO Vincent Dubois about how recent disruptions have led to a more open and collaborative approach to partnerships up and down the manufacturing supply chain.
EMSNOW & SCOOP at APEX 2023 was sponsored by Koh Young America (https://www.kohyoung.com), Aegis Software (https://www.aiscorp.com/), Panasonic Connect (https://connect.panasonic.com/en/) and Cogiscan (https://cogiscan.com/).
Following his keynote on the mega trends impacting electronics, I spoke to Shawn about how those trends impact the EMS industry and supply chain.
Shawn provides insight into headwinds and comments on the positive sentiment he sees from IPC members with a big focus on where demand lands in 2023. We also explore labor and talent trends, industry specific projections, geopolitics, government incentives, re-shoring and much more.
EMSNOW & SCOOP at APEX 2023 was sponsored by Koh Young America (https://www.kohyoung.com), Aegis Software (https://www.aiscorp.com/) and Cogiscan (https://cogiscan.com/).
Bold, creative and agile, that's how I'd describe CEO and Co-Founder Rainer Koppitz and KATEK SE, the EMS company he and Team Blue have built from scratch in three short and strange years! KATEK SE is a business forged in the fire of manufacturing and supply chain disruption and that has created something quite unique.
We rarely go over twenty minutes on this show, but in this in-depth interview we dig into the key trends impacting the industry and there was nothing I wanted to edit out! We explore compelling reason to be, and not to be, in China right now; the stellar year that was 2022; the impact of economic challenges and prediction on how hard or soft a downturn might be; talent shortages and the value of automation as mitigation; cost inflation and the need to raise prices; moving capital from inventory and work-in-progress back to free cash for investment; continued industry consolidation; and so much more.
I also asked Rainer about their agile 'speedboat' strategy, specifically if it can be maintained at scale or if it has required modification to reflect lessons learnt from recent market disruptions.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
Just out of stealth mode, PCB Compliance Startup Confidee plan to provide frictionless compliance data for the supply chain of printed circuit boards. Their CEO, Vidar Olsen, joined me from their headquarters in Oslo, Norway to explain their vision to provide compliant printed circuits to all industries through proprietary developed software platform, protecting data with transparency by monitoring and reporting in your supply chain.
Confidee translates as "whom we trust", and Vidar has assembled an exceptional to team to bring trust and visibility to the supply chain of their customers. You can learn more at https://confidee.com/
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
In just 17 minutes Philip Stoten and Creative Electron Founder and CEO Dr. Bill Cardoso explore trends in 2023, a potential economic downturn, access and the cost of capital and cash, supply chain availability and the potential for a huge inventory overhang, challenges in staffing and the miss match of available talent and openings, reshoring and much more.
Bill is curious about 2023 and suggests we're aquaplaning into the new year on the back of an exceptional 2022, and while he sees some reshoring and mitigation of any downturn as technology becomes even more ubiquitous, he cautions agains a collective optimism and any kind of reliance on big government to have an impact, pointing out that gloablization is a slow ship to turn.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
General Manager Joel Scutchfield joins me to share some of his 2023 trend prediction and his take on his first year in charge of Koh Young Americas in which they shipped their 20,000th machine and celebrated their 20th anniversary.
Joel is headed in the new year with cautious optimism that growth in the use of electronics in many sectors along with a renewed emphasis on reshoring to the Americas can help insulate the industry from economic storms. He also highlights issues around talent shortages and the potential impact that could have on the speed of reshoring and talks about the potential of advanced automation and digital transformation to mitigate that impact.
In the interview we discussed the use of pre-reflow AOI and referenced The Eric Miscoll Show with Matric's Patrick Stimpert. You can find that show at https://youtu.be/rYjoXKAPPso
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
Welcome to THE Supply Chain Intelligence PODCAST, co-hosted by Philip Spagnoli Stoten and Daniel Schoenfelder exploring the latest Spectra Electronic Design to Delivery Index (EDDI) report with an expert from the industry.
Benchmark Director Global Supply Chain Solutions Michael Lucia joins Phil and Dan to explore the latest trends, which for the first time show a softening of demand in every component category, contrasted with an increase in supply. While this concurs with Michael's on-the -ground insight from the industry, he points out that demand varies from sector to sector and markets like Mil/Aero remain robust. The panel also discuss regional impacts from geopolitics and the potential for growth in Mexico and companies move production closer while reducing dependance on China.
Dan and Phil were both in Munich for electronica last month and shared some anecdotal insights around expectations for 2023 and the relationships between OEMs, EMS companies and the component industry. The panel wrapped up with some predictions for the coming year and some input on component pricing trends.
NEXAR's Spectra Electronic Design to Delivery Index (EDDI) report is a free industry-wide report monthly to your inbox giving you the pulse of the industry. It leverages Spectra's years of data from across multiple touch points in the electronics industry to gain an understanding of demand and supply changes. Subscribe today at https://bit.ly/TheSCIP to gain access to the most recent report.
You can find Michael at Benchmark or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-lucia/
Following their participation as a founding member of the Semiconductor Climate Consortium (SCC), Plexus Senior Director ESG Megan Schleicher join me to explore why Plexus felt this was such an important initiative. Megan and I discuss the role of EMS within the initiative, particularly given they are the only contract manufacturer of the 65 founders.
We dig into some of the Plexus sustainability initiatives, including saving close to 10% on energy consumption, as well as their position and influence in the supply chain and the manufacturing ecosystem.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
You can learn more about ESG at Plexus at https://www.plexus.com/en-us/corporate-social-responsibility
Carl Hung is a firm EMS@C-Level favorite with his candid insight and views on the EMS industry as seen from a global player headquartered in Asia. As part of the end of year What's the SCOOP (#WTS) series, Carl offers his roundup of 2022 and his predictions for 2023.
Supply chain pressures may be easing a little, but Carl still sees industry to industry variation in both supply and demand sides of the business. Carl and Philip also explore the role of geopolitics, opportunities for Vietnam, India and Mexico, economic disruption, skill shortages and the role of automation and digital transformation worldwide.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
Learn more about Season Group at https://www.seasongroup.com/
Check out THE Supply Chain Intelligence PODCAST, co-hosted by Philip Spagnoli Stoten and Daniel Schoenfelder exploring the latest Spectra Electronic Design to Delivery Index (EDDI) report with an expert from the industry.
In this episode IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac shares his own insight and research with Phil and Dan. With supply chain balance likely the panel explore what's driving both supply and demand shifts. Shawn cautions against leaders talking themselves into recession, even if the warning signs are clearly there, citing high employment and greater technology adoption as counter signals. They also consider geopolitics and what Shawn describes as major changes in manufacturing geography that could result is shorter, more agile, more robust and more sustainable supply chains.
NEXAR's Spectra Electronic Design to Delivery Index (EDDI) report is a free industry-wide report monthly to your inbox giving you the pulse of the industry. It leverages Spectra's years of data from across multiple touch points in the electronics industry to gain an understanding of demand and supply changes. Subscribe today at https://bit.ly/TheSCIP to gain access to the most recent report.
You can find Shawn at IPC or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndubravac/
Fresh from another set of outstanding results, Johannes Lind-Widestam, CEO & President of NOTE AB, joined me to talk a little about their success and explore why the Scandinavian EMS sector seems to be outperforming almost everywhere else.
As well as digging into the secrets of NOTE's success we enjoyed a frank discussion around the major industry trends, such as supply and demand disruption, talent shortages and potential changes in market dynamics. Johannes predicts another record year for NOTE, explaining that if demand softens it will reduce shortages and allow manufacturer to catch up with the existing backlogs, ready for the next market pick up. As always in business, timing is everything!
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
Learn more about NOTE AB at https://www.note-ems.com/en/
Check out this new and insightful podcast from Nexar, a SCOOPstudio production.
Welcome to THE Supply Chain Intelligence PODCAST, a monthly show where co-hosts Philip Spagnoli Stoten and Daniel Schoenfelder break down the latest Spectra Electronic Design to Delivery Index (EDDI) report with an expert from the industry. In this episode Omnics CEO Akhil Oltikar shares his own insight from the supply chain front line with Phil and Dan.
They explore potential balance in supply and demand, the likelihood of demand contraction courtesy of an economic disruption, re-shoring trends, and much more. NEXAR's Spectra Electronic Design to Delivery Index (EDDI) report is a free industry-wide report monthly to your inbox giving you the pulse of the industry. It leverages Spectra's years of data from across multiple touch points in the electronics industry to gain an understanding of demand and supply changes.
Subscribe today at https://bit.ly/TheSCIP to gain access to the most recent report. Omnics provides simple, flexible and affordable software solutions for supply chain planning and optimization, decision-support and visibility.
Omnics solutions have lowered supply chain costs, improved service levels and mitigated risks for companies of all sizes across multiple industries. More information at http://www.omnics.io
Listen to future episode and subscribe to THE Supply Chain Intelligence PODCAST at https://anchor.fm/thescip
The dream of 3D Printing was to create a device in a single print but the truth is we've really only printed parts in single materials. With AME (Additive Manufactured Electronics) this dream has the potential to become reality and one of the leaders in applying AME is Nano Dimension.
I talked to their General Manager EMEA, Valentin Storz about the technology, its adoption is specific industries and about their acquisition of Essemtec just over twelve months ago.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
If you want to see AME in action you can visit Nano Dimension at electronica on booth 507 in Hall B1. You can also find out more about them, their equipment and the applications it has been used on by visiting https://www.nano-di.com/
Michael Lucia is Benchmark's Sourcing Strategy Director and Supply Chain Architect, giving him a front row seat in recent disruptions and the challenges facing both OEM and EMS companies. In a recent article, Jennifer McAlpine talked to Michael about Design for Supply Chain. In this article I dig a little deeper into the trends driving supply chain and product design, as well as the changing geopolitical situation, reshoring and the shift from just-in-time to just-in-case.
Michael also shares some insight into the strategies and tools available around good design for supply chain and how closer, and earlier, collaboration is the key. You can read Jennifer's original blog at https://www.bench.com/setting-the-benchmark/design-for-supply-chain-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-critical.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
If Additive Manufactured Electronics (AME) offers the opportunity to revolutionize the manufacturing industry, then J.A.M.E.S (Jetted Additive Manufactured Electronics Solutions) is the community where the revolution will begin.
I spoke to their CEO Andreas Müller and asked him to explain the vision behind this community that brings together engineers, enthusiasts and experts from this new and exciting sector of electronic manufacturing. We dig into the technology and what to expect from the J.A.M.E.S team at electronica in November of this year.
You can learn more or sign up at https://j-ames.com/ and you'll be able to meet J.A.M.E.S at electronica 2022 Booth B1.507.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com).
With 300% growth in the eight years since he took over as President and CEO, Peter Nilsson is understandably proud of Kitron Group.
In this detailed but concise interview Peter talks about challenges in the industry, including the pandemic, recent component issues, talent shortages, geopolitics, and much more. We also dig into Kitron's M&A strategy including their 2021 acquisition of BB Electronics and the carve out in the US that ensured they could manufacture product in the America, Europe and Asia.
For more information visit https://kitron.com/
And, like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one is sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
Having just raised €11 million in a seed round led by Chalfen Ventures with participation by Tencent, Verve Ventures and Khadjavi Capital Partners, as well as existing investors La Famiglia and Cherry Ventures, Luminovo are optimistic about the impact they can have on the EMS industry.
Launched in 2020 and led by Munich-based Stanford alumni Sebastian Schaal and Timon Ruban, Luminovo is an end-to-end cloud-based software suite built to help fuel technological progress and improve hardware development. I talked with Sebastian Schaal about the funding, the success of their first solutions, and the partnerships they are forging in the EMS industry.
You can read more about Luminovo and their recent funding round at https://luminovo.ai
And, like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one is sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
Following a fascinating blog by Benchmark Electronics' Vice President Global Program Management, Pete Stanius, entitled "U.S. or Mexico? What to Consider When Selecting a North American Manufacturing Location", I reached out to the author to dig a little deeper on the topic and the trends driving manufacturing geography selection.
In this EMS@C-Level special, I talked to Pete Stanius and Benchmark's Product Marketing Manager Jennifer McAlpine about issues around re-shoring, developments in Mexico, geopolitics, talent costs, Benchmark's footprint and their ability to move projects from one location to another...
You can read Pete's original blog at https://www.bench.com/setting-the-benchmark/u.s.-or-mexico-what-to-consider-when-selecting-a-north-american-manufacturing-location
And, like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
Flexi Versa may not have started life as a traditional EMS company but through acquisition and strategic development they have become a significant and impressive player in outsourced manufacturing in Asia. They are in five countries and combine multiple disciplines including component manufacturing, design, injection moulding, PCBA, box build and even woodworking for the acoustic industry.
I talked to their CEO, Chng Boon Huei (BH) to explore their vertical integration strategy, Malaysia as a manufacturing location, the resurgence of the Asia Tiger Cubs and Flexi Versa’s presence there, decoupling with China, more robust and secure supply chains, deeper customer partnerships, talent retention and much more.
Learn more about the Flexi Versa Group at https://www.flexiversa.com
Another "must see" show, which, like every episode of EMS@C-Level, was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
A few days after KATEK announced their Q2 2022 results, I caught up with their charming and erudite Co-founder and CEO, Rainer Koppitz. We started by exploring the recent results, and the challenges they and the industry faced in the first half of 2022.
We also manged to cover predictions related to the supply chain, the developing relationships between OEMs and their electronic manufacturing partners, ongoing working capital demands, segment growth in e-mobility, renewables and tele-care, KATEK's white label 'Ghost Charger' for EVs, their M&A strategy, and the importance of the Team Blue brand in attracting customers, partners and the all important talent needed to continue to grow the business.
We ended chatting about their diversity targets and ambitions, all in just thirty minutes, luckily Rainer talks fast! This is a "must see" episode, and like every episode of EMS@C-Level it was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
PCB Buying Expert CEO and Founder, Greg Papandrew hardly needs introduction. There are few people that know more about the PCB industry, have written more or have spoken more frankly and openly than Greg.
In this in depth interview Greg and Philip Spagnoli Stoten explore the big issues impacting the industry, including supply chains easing, economic impacts, the nature of PCB buyers, The CHIPS Act, government support of domestic manufacturing, re-shoring, decoupling from China, and much more...
Philip asks Greg, if he were president for a day, what incentives would he provide to the industry. Listen to his response as these two long term industry insiders share a conversation.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level this is sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
Greg Bradfield is the Vice President and General manager of Spartronics Aero and Defense business and has many years of experience in the sector. In this interview, Philip Stoten explore the current state of the market amidst renewed concern around national security and around supply chain security.
Greg and Philip chat about the technical demands in the field as well the growth trajectory for Spartronics, their recent acquisition and their newest facility.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level this is sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
There’s been a lot of talk about digital transformation for most of the last decade. I’ve talked about it numerous times and often implied it is the solution to most problems, but is it, and when is digital transformation actually transformative to a business?
Relationships can be hard, especially when there are external pressures. The relationship between OEM and EMS has been more under pressure than ever recently. Any relationship which consists of one party continuously telling the other that they are unable to meet their obligations is going to have challenges and will ultimately end up under stress.
I am editing EMSNOW for a week or so while Jennifer takes a well earned vacation. Each day I'll be posting my "Thoughts for the C-Suite" on the site and sharing them a couple of days later in audio for. Here's part #1 of 8, it's less than four minutes long.
After years of constant disruption I believe the winners in the coming EMS race will be those with disruption in their DNA. Not those that tolerate disruption, not those that have survived disruption, but those that embrace disruption, those that thrive on disruption, and those that actually like to disrupt themselves.
Microboard is an extremely focused EMS company led and owned by Nicole Russo. I was lucky enough to chat to Nicole recently about the strategy that guides a business that is proud to have only twenty customers and whilst delivering exceptional service to those customers finds the time and resources to help those less fortunate around the world.
Nicole offers her insight into the trends impacting the industry, lessons from the pandemic and other disruptions that aid and influence planning for future challenges. We also explore the importance of liquidity and access to capital, as well as challenges related to shortages of components and talent.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level this is sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
Did we learn anything from the pandemic? That's the question I opened with when I reconnected with Season Group President & CEO Carl Hung, two years after we chatted at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. We also explore designing for disruption as we look to the next disruption, that seems likely to be economic in its nature.
So, how do we create an industry that reflects the demands of the modern brand and the modern consumer, that embraces partnership, reflects the needs of all stakeholders, and is agile enough to survive and thrive regardless at what disruptions come next?
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level this is sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
Daniel Schoenfelder's careers has allowed him to observe the supply chain from many angles, from his time with FLEX in supply chain strategy to his time with Arrow, and as the head of Octopart, before taking the lead role in Nexar, a Business Unit of Altium LLC.
Dan joins industry journalist Philip Stoten to talk about EDDI (Electronic Design to Delivery Index) and the data and analytics behind it. Dan and Phil share their own insights into the use and the value of data at a time when supply chains are at their most disrupted.
Click here to sign up to EDDI : https://nexar.com/spectra/eddi
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level this is sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
What can you say about Mike Konrad? A successful entrepreneur, a maverick, a cleaning guru, a pod-caster, and an all-round nice guy who I like to think of as friend first and colleague second. Some thirty years ago Mike founded Aqueous Technologies, I caught up with him to discuss that thirty year journey.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level this is sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
Following EMSNOW's recent survey of North American EMS companies, carried out in partnership with IPC, I caught up with publisher Eric Miscoll to explore the finding and his thoughts on the industry.
They discuss why such a list is important right now, what was learned about the changes taking place in the industry, the resiliency of these companies as they expand their service offerings to meet customer requirements, and much more... It's a fascinating discussion between two EMS industry experts.
Like every episode of EMS@C-Level this is sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
Following the announcement of the Altimade solution and the news in 2021 that Altium were participating in MacroFab's most recent funding round, I caught up with Altium Chief Ecosystem Office Ted Pawela and MacroFab Chief Executive Officer Misha Govshteyn.
In this 20 minute interview we explore the new solution and the importance of connecting the digital thread from design through manufacturing.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
Here's what Podcaster, Industry Guru and Founder of Aqueous Technologies Mike Konrad sees as the key trends in 2022. In this interview we dig into those predictions a little deeper.
"Predicting industry trends these days is much like predicting which number will come up at the roulette table (The odds are 1 in 36)! Travel restrictions and mask mandates seem to change more frequently than the weather. I do have some predictions for general trends for 2022. What we have learned is it is far easier to shut down an economy than it is to turn it back on. The world has very little experience with economic shutdowns matching current times. While recessions and regional events may cause economies to slow, I cannot think of an example where so much of the world’s economy was shut down at once. As a result, we have a near historic supply chain disruption.
While the press refers to this as a “chip shortage”, the shortages go well beyond components. As a manufacturer of equipment for the EMS industry, we have transitioned our purchasing strategies from just in time to just in case. This of course only adds to the supply chain issues. For many companies, bulking up on inventory may cause a strain on cash flow. I believe the supply chain shortages will stay with us for the majority of 2022. While some sectors of the supply chain will see a restoration to normal sooner than others, it only takes one missing part (the weak link) to create delivery delays. We, like many companies, have sourced some alternative parts, occasionally requiring minor modifications to our equipment designs in order to utilize those new parts. Due to the resourcefulness of our team, we have been fortunate (to date) to have avoided delays in shipments.
While we are beginning to see the return of live industry events, (the SMTA Cleaning and Coating Conference, SMTAi, Productronica, IPC APEX Expo to name a few), participation in these events remains lower than normal due to travel restrictions and basic fear.
I believe 2022 will see the return of most live events albeit with lower attendance. Fortunately, technical conferences were able to transition to virtual events, providing educational opportunities to many more participants than a traditional live event could offer (and significant savings in travel budgets). All in all, I believe the electronic assembly industry has fared far better than many other industries with many even reporting record revenue and profits. There is an infamous Chinese curse which states “May you live in interesting times”.
We do indeed live in “interesting” times." This season of What's the SCOOP is sponsored by Koh Young America (https://www.kohyoung.com) the leaders in manufacturing inspection solutions.
Here's what Indium Corporation's President and COO Ross Berntson sees as the key trends in 2022. In this interview we dig into those predictions a little deeper.
"2021 was the year of the electric vehicle (EV), and it will continue well beyond 2022. This high impact technology suite will drive stunning innovations, including new power train technologies, faster and more efficient methods of charging, and different infrastructure platforms for the data processing that goes on in all these cars. Indium Corporation continues to supply high volumes of materials for critical EV components, such as our upcoming novel high-reliability system (to be announced in 2022) and Durafuse™ HT, a new high-lead replacement technology that’s particularly exciting for the semiconductor power discrete die-attach industry.
Related to this, but also moving beyond EVs, is the ongoing innovation in thermal interface materials (TIMs). Not only do autonomous vehicles’ AI chips require high-performance thermal conductivity, but the miniaturization of semiconductor circuit design demands advanced thermal management at the package and system level. Indium Corporation’s line of hybrid liquid metal solutions and traditional indium-based TIMs are in high demand as the industry addresses emerging trends. No one knows where it’s going to go next, but we’re at the frontier of materials development.
2021 presented significant supply chain disruptions across the world, particularly in semiconductors. We expect those to be largely cleared in early 2022. Indium Corporation remains committed to developing our supply chain by expanding our global facilities and nurturing critical partners. We’ll continue fortifying that global supply chain to provide materials when and where our customers need us."
This season of What's the SCOOP is sponsored by Koh Young America (https://www.kohyoung.com) the leaders in manufacturing inspection solutions.
Here's what Microart Services CEO Mark Wood sees as the key trends in 2022. In this interview we dig into those predictions a little deeper.
"You know it’s hard not to be excited and stressed, in almost equal measure, as we look forward to 2022. On one hand our orderbook is the strongest it has ever been, with more and more North American companies ordering their products in North America, and longer commitments. And those localized shorter supply chains make a whole lot of sense, not just because of the issues and doubts over the security and viability of low cost Asian manufacturing, but also because shorter supply chains lowers dependence on logistics and makes sense environmentally. What is more, benefits like the same time zone, the same language, cultural similarities and ease of travel make conducting business simpler, more robust and adaptable.
Customers seem to be bullish about their orderbook and we’re bullish about ours. Meanwhile, shortages and supply chain challenges are an everyday reality for the manufacturing industry. We’re constrained by the component shortages and what’s more we’re constrained and stressed by potential talent shortages. I am sure you are even experiencing it in your personal lives, longer lead times for car parts or repairs, some services now requiring deposits and other financial commitments, short staff at your favorite restaurants, the list goes on.
With respect to component shortages, this problem doesn’t feel like it’s going away any time soon, definitely not before 2022. It’s raised our inventory hugely, it’s slowed our WIP, it’s delayed shipment and it’s stressed our customer relationships. We’re understandably proud of the long term partnerships we’ve developed with our customers, and we equally understand they want their product out of the door and with their end users. This is hurting the entire product value chain and we’re working 25/7 to fix each and every issue as it comes up. We have planned ahead to support our customers. We invested in inventory, worked our partnership agreements to fund inventory with our customers and moved to a completely transparent quote model to tackle the ever changing supply constraints.
With respect to talent, readers might have heard the term “the great resignation”. This is going to amplify the talent challenges the manufacturing industry has had for some time. Staffing costs are rising and we are working hard to retain our team, against increased demand and the desire of competitors to poach our highly trained staff. We are working hard to change the term to “the great retention”, we are hiring in several departments and looking at market needs regularly to ensure we are positioned for another year of double digit growth..
In short, having spent the last two years riding an endless roller coaster, we aren’t expecting to get off anytime soon!!"
This season of What's the SCOOP is sponsored by Koh Young America (https://www.kohyoung.com) the leaders in manufacturing inspection solutions.
Here's what Season Group's President and CEO Carl Hung sees as the key trends in 2022. In this interview we dig into those predictions a little deeper.
"For 2022, I foresee a supply chain crunch persisting and potentially worsening due to several reasons:
Many orders have been changed to non-cancellable non-reschedulable (NCNR) status which means that there is even less flexibility than before as demand continues to rise and component shortages persist. A way out is to turn towards engineering design flexibility, to give your products more component options to work with.
Purchase orders (POs) from clients are placed much earlier in advance, and in turn our POs to suppliers are also made earlier. This trend of long lead times and early POs means that there will be great pressure on cash flows on us manufacturers. EMS companies that rely on banks for finance will be seriously challenged, especially if interest rates rise. Financial risk is definitely what EMS companies have to watch out for going into 2022.
The emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant has also put many countries on red alert, which affects the shipping and logistics sector. Coupling this with the holiday season where many shipping sector workers want to be home for Christmas or Lunar New Year, temporary shipping service delays will have large knock-on effects to the supply chain as we go into the new year.
While the times ahead may be tough, working closely together with our customers and strategic partners will allow the EMS market to continue to grow! Let’s get ready for 2022!"
This season of What's the SCOOP is sponsored by Koh Young America (https://www.kohyoung.com), the leaders in manufacturing inspection solutions.
Here's what Siemens Industry Software's Director of Business Development Electronics Manufacturing Oren Manor sees as the key trends in 2022. In this interview we dig into those predictions a little deeper.
"As discussions around the grim situation of planet Earth continue and the real-life implications of climate change across the globe become more and more evident, focus will be placed on the carbon footprint and environmental impact of electronics manufacturing. Until recently, the electronics industry including consumer automotive, networking and aviation electronics has been spared the scrutiny placed on other manufacturing industries such as clothing, toys and plastics. For the last decade, electronics has been deemed as a savior and as a key action by which to “go-green” and divert traditional but environmentally impactful processes to digital ones with a significantly reduced impact on the environment. As an example, emailing is commonly believed to have reduced environmental impact compared with traditional mail.
The global pandemic, driving remote work and social distancing has opted for many “digital” applications and solutions driving the need for networking equipment, audio/video over the web and the associated required computer power at the server and on the edge. Again, Electronics is the “savior” allowing this mini-revolution and changing traditional hundred year old processes within weeks. As an example, banking personnel who for decades were required to work on-premise, commuting daily to the office, were suddenly enabled with VPN access and permitted to work from home. Banks and financial institutions expedited the country-specific regulatory approvals and put in place the required security and authentication mechanism to safeguard our money. This transformation again required a heavy investment on electronic equipment.
But things are changing. And as the world learns to “live alongside the pandemic” electronics will not be spared the leeway it was provided in the past. In addition, consumer habits and electronics lifecycles are becoming shorter and shorter with cell phones being replaced at as little as every 18 months. This is causing the electronics waste to pile up and is starting to have a significant environmental impact. In addition, the amounts of data sent and stored globally is requiring more and more data centers and the electricity required to power the servers and the associated cooling systems are no longer negligible in terms of carbon footprint.
As environmental catastrophes such as the deadly wildfires in the Greece Islands over the summer or the latest Delhi air pollution school closure become more and more frequent the eyes will be turning over to manufacturers including electronics. Authorities will begin to regulate, monitor and control energy consumption. This will send Electronics Manufacturers to add energy consumption collection capabilities to their Manufacturing Execution Systems and start making equipment purchasing decisions based on energy efficiencies. In addition, factory layout and Intraplant logistic routes will be designed to be energy consumption optimal and finally electronic products and PCBs will be designed for sustainability throughout the manufacturing process. As major cities battle air pollution they will start enforcing regulations such as the Netherlands Zero-Emission Commercial Vehicle Zones announced to start by 2024 in Amsterdam and other major metropolitan areas. This will increase the global demand for EVs including commercial EV minivans and light trucks used for deliveries and intercity logistics adding to the existing heavy demand for EV cars and SUVs. They will require the production of even more EPCUs (Electric Power Control Unit) , Inverters, VCUs (Vehicle Control Units), On-Board chargers and BMSs (Battery Management Systems). All these have many electronic modules including PCBs, connectors, harn
Here's what Aegis Software's Senior Director of Emerging Industry Strategy Michael Ford sees as the key trends in 2022. In this interview we dig into those predictions a little deeper.
"With origins in 2011, Industry 4.0.2022 takes on more modern, mature responsibilities. Software-automation for Lean, flexible, defect-free manufacturing, has become established, but there are increasing responsibilities in terms of sustainable manufacturing, the security of Intellectual Property, and not least, the sanity of manufacturing executives coping with enduring turbulence within the market and supply-chain.
Smart Industry 4.0.2022: Adoption of the IPC-CFX IIoT-based, ‘plug and play’ standard further drives interoperability of shop-floor machine and factory-based software automation and Human 4.0 innovation. AI-driven automated adaptation to daily opportunities starts replacing existing planning applications. Digitalization facilitates adaptive surgical control of variation, providing visibility, control, and managed execution, optimizing on the fly, enabling companies to rapidly “hunt” in new markets, as opportunities develop. Solutions with live contextualization and proven manufacturing ontology within a single holistic MES platform will yield increasingly practical AI-based value, in contrast to initially attractive manufacturing ‘apps’, based on hidden, internal, complex and proprietary data exchange relationships, which limit ongoing value without extraordinary unanticipated investment on behalf of the customer.
Secure Industry 4.0.2022: Complex security issues surrounding the theft of design and manufacturing data lead to increasing cheap clones and counterfeits appearing quickly in the market and supply-chain. To ensure trust, secure data exchange becomes a requirement, as well as exact traceability of materials to products that limits the scope and identifies the source of counterfeit materials and products, including those potentially affected by OT-side cyber-intrusion.
Sustainable Industry 4.0.2022: Sustainable manufacturing innovation becomes essential, utilizing for example, energy management messages within CFX, allowing factories to eliminate energy waste, and benefit from time-based tariff incentives, establishing solid business reasons for ‘being green’ and ‘doing the right thing’."
This season of What's the SCOOP is sponsored by by Koh Young America (https://www.kohyoung.com) the leaders in manufacturing inspection solutions.
Here's what Principal xpts4xlnc Consultant Jürgen Thurner sees as the key trends in 2022. In this interview we dig into those predictions a little deeper. "When I look back on the year 2021 and the topics that defined industry and the economy in that year, the question that automatically comes to mind is what the defining topics will be in 2022.
From today's perspective, I can identify three areas:
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Supply Chain shortages (especially for electronic components) - In the industry, 2021 was characterized by supply bottlenecks for electronic components, which led to significantly reduced production and long delivery times for products and goods in many sectors of the industry. I believe that these supply bottlenecks will settle in 2022. However, the increased supply capability of components manufacturing is also offset by very high orders from customers. There is a great risk of a bullwhip effect kicking in here, which could last for the next two years. This calls for cautious action by the players involved and maximum transparency and open communication along the entire value chain.
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Sustainability / Strive for Climate Neutrality - With legislative initiatives or already passed laws such as the European Green Deal or the German Supply Chain Act, all companies will sooner or later face new requirements. For example, the German Supply Chain Act comes into force on Jan. 1, 2023, which means that the companies initially affected will have to define, initiate and implement all measures in 2022 to meet the requirements from Jan. 1, 2023 onwards. This also has a direct impact on the entire value chains of these companies.
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Cyber-attacks increasing - In 2023, cyber-attacks - especially so-called ransomware attacks - on medium-sized companies will continue to increase, as this no longer requires greater technical expertise on the part of the attackers. According to the German Federal Criminal Police Office, ransomware attacks can be purchased as a service from organized crime, which is now professionally structured, for USD 360-500 per week. CCaaS - Cybercrime as a Service is the new normal."
This season of What's the SCOOP is sponsored by by Koh Young America (https://www.kohyoung.com) the leaders in manufacturing inspection solutions.
Here's what KATEK CEO Rainer Koppitz sees as the key trends in 2022. In this interview we dig into those predictions a little deeper.
"The order books are extremely full and as soon as the shortage subsides a bit, I expect the first rays of light to appear, hopefully in Q1 and Q2. Then there will be a boom in our industry. I also expect a significant boost for electronics in green technologies. Only with the application of new technologies, and electronics always play a key role here, can greenhouse gas reduction be achieved, we will fail if we try without it. Of the 51 billion CO2 equivalents that mankind releases into the air every year, only around five percent was saved in the year the earth stood still. This low reduction occurred despite the almost standstill of the economy, of tourism, and of our social lives. This shows that it is impossible to go to zero simply by doing without, we must set free the power of technological innovation.
When I look to 2022 I see some major industry trends driving growth in the electronics manufacturing industry. Automotive, particularly EVs, is one sector with huge growth and high potential. As car makers switch from internal combustion to electric they are reviewing their production and their supply chain. In many cases that means engaging with companies like us as technology partners, rather than relying on their traditional supply chain. This is an exciting opportunity for our industry. And there are numerous other sectors where growth is likely to be strong from IoT in the home to smart cities and e-mobility, some enabled by the rollout of 5G.
For the industry itself, we must drive for greater digital transformation, automation that works in unison and augments the skills and passion of our amazing staff, and of course we need to be agile and ready for the next disruption, whatever that might be.
I expect more consolidation and we will likely be a part of that as we continue to grow our business with more capacity, more capability and an offering which we believe adds the most value for our customers. As an optimist and a realist I can’t help but be excited and ambitious about the coming year. We are building a European Powerhouse in High Value Electronics and I personally believe the next year will be the best year ever for our industry and for KATEK."
This season of What's the SCOOP is sponsored by by Koh Young America (https://www.kohyoung.com) the leaders in manufacturing inspection solutions.
Here's what Cogiscan Director of Business Development sees as the key trends in 2022. I asked him to dig into those predictions a little deeper.
"Digitalization, digitalization… digitalization! While many of us understood the value and importance of factory digitalization prior to 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the pressure for accelerating digitalization in the electronics manufacturing industry. As we’ve all witnessed in the past year or so, electronics manufacturers are under tremendous pressure to address new challenges in relation to supply chain visibility, factory connectivity, and quality control – and all with fewer people to get these jobs done. The right factory digitalization strategy will help electronics manufacturers address these concerns, while capitalizing on the current global market recovery by satisfying their current customers and simultaneously recruiting new ones.
At Cogiscan, we’ve been working on our internal digitalization efforts to better ensure the evolution of our operations since late 2019. Luckily, our infrastructure was set up to easily adapt to the remote work situation of the pandemic, and we’ve successfully completed both internal and external digitalization initiatives. Coupled with the rebound of the market and our acquisition by the Dürr Group/iTAC Software AG, we are now uniquely positioned to offer a broad and relevant portfolio of smart factory solutions for electronics manufacturers. For 2022 we anticipate the most significant growth in our corporate history! We’re enthusiastic about the challenges this growth will bring and look forward to introducing new technological solutions to our customers and partners (both current and future)."
This season of What's the SCOOP is sponsored by by Koh Young America (https://www.kohyoung.com) the leaders in manufacturing inspection solutions.
Component shortages are top of mind for just about everyone in the industry right now, so it made perfect sense to talk to the man with his finger on the pulse. David Loftus is the President and CEO of ECIA (Electronic Component Industry Association) and has spent his career working in the industry and his insight is well worth listening to.
David and I dig into the what, the where, and the why of the crisis, as well as exploring the role and impact of government incentives and what supply chain security really means to nations.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored in 2021 by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
There are some interviewees that are a pleasure to talk and share time with. Enics' President and CEO is one such interviewee. She has a passion for the industry, and a passion for Enics, their customers and the team they have built in Europe and around the world. Elke also understands exactly how the EMS industry is, and how it should be in the future! And she is plotting a course for Enics to be the full service manufacturing partner for the brands of the future.
In this interview with industry journalist Philip Stoten, Elke Eckstein talks about her experience through the pandemic, the current component shortages, and her vision and optimism for the future.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored in 2021 by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
In this series of more than a dozen pre-show interviews Philip Stoten speaks to the exhibitors of Productronica 2021 about their expectations for the show and the new products they will be promoting. Philip and his guests also explore the latest trends in the European manufacturing industry.
In this episode Philip's guest is Håvard Korsvoll, CTO at Circular Components.
In this series of more than a dozen pre-show interviews Philip Stoten speaks to the exhibitors of Productronica 2021 about their expectations for the show and the new products they will be promoting. Philip and his guests also explore the latest trends in the European manufacturing industry.
In this episode Philip's guest is Valentin Storz, General manager EMAE, Nano Dimension
In this series of more than a dozen pre-show interviews Philip Stoten speaks to the exhibitors of Productronica 2021 about their expectations for the show and the new products they will be promoting. Philip and his guests also explore the latest trends in the European manufacturing industry.
In this episode Philip's guest is Klaus Gross, Managing Director of Fuji Europe Corporation GmbH.
In this series of more than a dozen pre-show interviews Philip Stoten speaks to the exhibitors of Productronica 2021 about their expectations for the show and the new products they will be promoting. Philip and his guests also explore the latest trends in the European manufacturing industry.
In this episode Philip's guest is Carsten Salewski, Member of the Executive Board at Viscom AG.
In this series of more than a dozen pre-show interviews Philip Stoten speaks to the exhibitors of Productronica 2021 about their expectations for the show and the new products they will be promoting. Philip and his guests also explore the latest trends in the European manufacturing industry.
In this episode Philip's guest is Zeev Efrat, CEO of Cybord.ai, an Israeli startup making waves by inspecting every assembled device at good in and placement using a novel software solution that leverages the images collected by the placement machine and some very impressive AI. rarely has a new solution been so timely and so necessary!
In this series of more than a dozen pre-show interviews Philip Stoten speaks to exhibitors of Productronica about their expectations for the show and the new products they will be promoting.
Philip and his guests also explore the latest trends in the European manufacturing industry. In this episode Philip's guest is Jürg Schüpbach, Director of Sales for Essemtec AG.
In this series of more than a dozen pre-show interviews Philip Stoten speaks to exhibitors of Productronica about their expectations for the show and the new products they will be promoting.
Philip and his guests also explore the latest trends in the European manufacturing industry. In this episode Philip's guest is Harald Eppinger, General Manager of Koh Young Europe
Following the news of their acquisition of PCB platform provider Electronic Fellows, I spoke to Luminovo founder Sebastian Schaal about their own progress as well as the strategy behind the acquisition. We also explore the role of AI in the digital transformation of the manufacturing, and more specifically, the EMS industry.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored in 2021 by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
Does a disruptive climate help or hinder women in the workplace? Has diversity improved in electronics? How's the manufacturing industry doing and what else can be done? These are just a few of the questions I put to Jackie Mattox, who founded Women in Electronics a little over four years ago with group of twenty like minded women.
Their stated goals are to empower, develop, advocate and celebrate women in this largely dominated industry where those in power are far from reflective of those consumers buying the products.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored in 2021 by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
If you haven't already, you should check out Jackie's podcast 'WE Radio' on your favorite podcast platform or at https://we.memberclicks.net/we-radio
IPC just released some data and survey results regarding the ongoing challenges of component shortages and supply chain issues. I decided to dig into the data and get the view of their Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac.
In this informal chat we explore the causes, the effects, the solutions and of course the timeline as well as getting into a little bit of digital transformation and fundamental supply chain issues...
That SCOOPshow is sponsored in 2021 by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com)
With one disruption after another hitting the electronics manufacturing industry it's hard to know where to turn for a take on sentiment and mood as a whole. I turned to IPC's President and CEO John Mitchell, always a great source of knowledge and always happy to offer his own insight and opinion.
In this 30 minute chat we explore digital transformation, government initiatives and EGS as well as chatting briefly about plans and expectations for APEX 2022 in January.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored in 2021 by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
Following the announcements of EMSNOW and IPC's North American EMS Research Study, I caught up with the ever-charming Eric Miscoll to explore the what, why, when, where and how of this bold and ambitious endeavor.
In this short but informative session Eric explains the need for solid data on the size and shape of the North American Industry and just how companies can complete the survey, to be published later this year.
You can read about the survey and participate at https://emsnow.com/emsnow-partners-with-ipc-launches-north-america-ems-research-study/
Celebrating 50 years in electronics, Elmatica is the oldest PCB broker in the world and is trusted by numerous companies to mange their PCB supply chain. In a world where one supply chain disruption seems to follow another, having a partner that's got you back in terms of sourcing would seem pretty smart.
Elmatica's CEO Didrik Bech was in Wuhan at the beginning of last year, so we started by exploring his and Elmatica's experience then and throughout the pandemic. We also explored the role of sustainability, the development of more sophisticated supply chain tools and the importance of cybersecurity in the supply chain.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored in 2021 by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
Some 15 months ago Anna-Katrina Shedletsky went on record stating that, thanks to the pandemic, there would be 5 years of innovation crammed into the coming 18 months, I wanted to know if she still believed that to be true. In the fast paced discussion, Anna gives me the inside track on how she has seen the manufacturing industry perform through the pandemic and what it needs to do better to create an industry that can truly service brands and product innovators in the future, regardless of what disruptions are thrown in their way. We also explore the services offered by Instrumental to OEMs and manufacturers.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored in 2021 by leading inspection company Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Manufacturing Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (https://www.cloudnc.com)
You can learn more about Instrumental and the solutions they provide at https://instrumental.com. I would also encourage you to read Anna’s content on Forbes at https://www.forbes.com/sites/annashed...
In the 2021 series of EMS@C, I am talking to new executives as well as checking in with those I spoke to in the depths of the pandemic. It's always refreshing to people that have taken a totally disruptive approach to the industry and are leveraging the latest tech and the latest trends.
Mariana and Shane realized that changes in consumer behavior required changes in supply chain design as well as the way products are made. they are leveraging the D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) trends, additive manufacturing and an asset light on-demand supply chain to provide a product solution that is creative and gets from idea to consumer faster than ever.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored in 2021 by leading inspection company Koh Young (www.kohyoung.com) and by CNC Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (www.cloudnc.com)
In the 2021 series of EMS@C, I am talking to new executives as well as checking in with those I spoke to in the depths of the pandemic. In this interview I am spending an enjoyable half hour with Case Engelen from Titoma in Taiwan who has his finger on the pulse of many new products being launched in the region.
We explore the latest disruptions to the supply chain, yes, component shortages, and get some solid advice on how to mitigate this disruption and design for the next one.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored in 2021 by leading inspection company Koh Young (www.kohyoung.com) and by CNC Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (www.cloudnc.com)
In the 2021 series I am talking to new executives as well as checking in with those I spoke to in the depths of the pandemic. In this interview I chat to Juan Arango, General Manager of Koh Young America, asking how the last year has been, the lessons learned from the COVID experience and what the recovery looks like.
Koh Young have enjoyed some real growth in late 2020 and into 2021 and Juan shares his view on why that has happened. He also shares his insight into the future of manufacturing in the Americas and the importance of family and team to the success of the business.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored in 2021 by leading inspection company Koh Young (www.kohyoung.com) and by CNC Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (www.cloudnc.com)
This year has been a tough year for the supply chain, as was last year and the twenty or so before that! And so it goes... I interviewed Dennis Menefee, President and CEO of Partstat to explore their experiences and their solutions to the continued disruption of supply chains. Dennis explains why their offering isn't too good to be true and does work in practice.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored in 2021 by leading inspection company Koh Young (www.kohyoung.com) and by CNC Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (www.cloudnc.com)
Back for its second season, EMS@C-Level kicks off 2021 with Bright Machines CEO and Co-founder Amar Hanspal exploring what lessons 2020 has taught him, Bright Machines and the Industry as a whole. Host and Forbes and Entrepreneur writer Philip Stoten unpacks Amar's vision for the future of the industry and the opportunity for the US to take a huge step forward in manufacturing technology and leapfrog many of their competitors to become a world leader.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored in 2021 by leading inspection company Koh Young (www.kohyoung.com) and by CNC Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (www.cloudnc.com).
We seem to be moving from one supply chain disruption to another right now. The 2020 challenges of the pandemic caused demand for devices to fluctuate in a manner that can only be described as a roller-coaster ride, and now we have those devices in desperately short supply.
I caught up with Season Group President and CEO Carl Hung to talk to him about disruption and the role of design in planning for and mitigating risk. We also explore lessons learned during the pandemic, globalization, China plus one, skill shortages, the future of EMS, and the importance of organizational culture. Lots to dig into in this 25 minute interview.
EMS@C-Level is sponsored in 2021 by leading inspection company Koh Young (www.kohyoung.com) and by CNC Autonomy Specialist CloudNC (www.cloudnc.com)
In the first half of 2020, a difficult period for most, NOTE’s sales increased by 16%, operating profits by 31%, operating margin grew to 7.7%. In the last two years, the stock price has increased from around SEK 23 to over SEK 60. The man in charge throughout those two years has been Johannes Lind-Widestam. Here, industry commentator Philip Stoten talks to Johannes about the strategy that served them so well throughout 2018 and 2019 and has supported them through the pandemic.
In this time of disruption some supply chains have been tested and found lacking, other have been able to step up and make a positive difference. PCH International is one such company. Their asset light, expertise heavy operating model has been able to deliver PPE in vast quantities all over the world, including fulfilling a request from U2 lead singer Bono to provide PPE to hospitals in Ireland. Industry journalist, Philip Stoten, spoke to Liam from his home in Ireland and explore their pandemic experience, the future of the industry, driving more sustainable supply chains and much more.
COVID-19 has put leadership, team and talent under the microscope, with exceptional leadership steering companies through the stormy waters of supply, demand and workplace disruption. Industry journalist and writer Philip Stoten spoke to Audrey McGuckin, one of the EMS industry foremost experts on the development of leadership and talent to find out exactly what good leadership means to a business, how it can be developed, and the leadership qualities needed now and in the future. Audrey combines her deep domain expertise in leadership with an intimate knowledge of the EMS industry earned over several decade playing a pivotal role at the largest and most successful manufacturing companies in the world.
As Forbes and SCOOP writer, Philip Stoten, continues to talk to more EMS executives he learns more about their individual and collective experiences during the COVID-19 crisis.
In this episode Philip is joined by Akhil Oltikar, founder and CEO of Supply Chain Technologists Omnics. Akhil has an impressive pedigree in supply chain and is seen as somewhat of an evangelist in the use of data and software to improve its management and improve performance and outcomes. Akhil worked with FLEX and Riverwood Solution before founding Omnics. The two explore Akhil's pandemic experience and explore how the crisis might accelerate digital transformation to assist with much needed supply chain adaptability, agility and resilience!
As Forbes and SCOOP writer, Philip Stoten, continues to talk to more EMS executives he learns more about their individual and collective experiences during the COVID-19 crisis.
In this episode Philip is joined by Dr. Bill Cardoso, CEO of Creative Electron, one of the industry's leading manufacturers of x-ray equipment. Bill is considered an innovator and a leader in the field of x-ray technology and is on the board of the SMTA. They explore pandemic experiences and Bill explain how he returns to his in-garage roots to build a deployed manufacturing ecosystem to keep production going. They also explore the challenges of leadership in a crisis and the need for technology and digital transformation to help lead us to a more agile and resilient future.
As Forbes and SCOOP writer, Philip Stoten, continues to talk to more EMS executives he learns more about their individual and collective experiences during the COVID-19 crisis.
In this episode her is joined by Markus Aschenbrenner of Zollner, the world's largest family owned EMS to discuss their experience of the pandemic and how they see the future. Digital transformation remains high on the agenda, with real-time data driving better visibility, agility and resilience.