EMS@C-LEVEL

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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 SCOOPEMS@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 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 prioritiesBeyond Standards and Certification: IPC's expansion into areas like government advocacy, supply chain sustainability, and industry intelligenceThe Art of Listening: How building credible relationships with industry leaders creates the foundation for meaningful collective actionRegional Manufacturing vs. Global Supply Chains: Why the electronics industry needs both approaches simultaneouslyGovernment Relations Success: Insights into IPC's growing influence in policy discussions across multiple regionsThe Connectivity Challenge: How multinational companies make decisions locally while needing global coordinationEMS@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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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.