EMSNOW

White Horse Laboratories is on the front lines of the counterfeit component battle, and Mark Rinehart, Founder and Managing Director reports on the increasing sophistication of these bad actors unleashing both old parts being sold as new, and new companies flooding the market with clones. This eye-opening conversation explains how counterfeiters are responding to the shortages in memory in increasingly brazen ways, including posting videos of how to refurbish an old memory device and sell it as new. White Horse Labs considers itself the Guardians of Technological Integrity, helping companies first identify these bad parts and then prevent them getting into electronics. Mark explains in detail exactly what electronics companies are up against in these turbulent times for global manufacturers and what they can do.

Luminovo’s Sam Mason shares news with EMSNOW about the company’s manufacturing modules and the industry’s response to solutions for automating the quoting process. Sam explains how Luminovo’s precise modeling of an EMS’ manufacturing services can dramatically reduce the time it takes to respond to a request for a quote from customers. They take data from EMS’ actual operations to allow them to very accurately model their specific total manufacturing costs by PCB facility. e.g. whether in California or Washington or Texas, and then generate an accurate, comprehensive quote in hours rather than weeks.For OEMs, the Luminovo platform enables companies to gather compliance data to reduce risk. The discussion covers how customer expectations have evolved and how AI has accelerated what is possible.Luminovo just introduced a tool called Electronics GPT: a Chat GPT- style interface that marries the data precision of their platform to a user interface that is becoming so familiar to customers. Sam invites listeners to play around with it at https://www.electronicsgpt.luminovo.com/. The conversation ends with information about coming trade shows where listeners in North America can meet Sam and learn more about these powerful tools.

EMSNOW learns about Vinrox Technologies from Co-Founder and CEO Ashvin Navadia. This relatively new (est. 2018) EMS in western India is dedicated to an OEM’s three most critical requirements: high quality PCBAs delivered on time, at a fair price. Ashvin explains his background and how his company’s unique value proposition serves the blazing hot market for electronics manufacturing services in India. This company was one we visited on the EMSNOW On Tour India this fall and Ashvin impressed our team with his visionary strategy. They discuss the region’s prospects for competing with China on the global stage, as well as Vinrox’s target end markets, expanding capabilities and unique differentiators. You won’t want to miss this insightful conversation about this rapidly changing area of the world.

EMSNOW is briefed on White Horse Laboratories’ expansion into the Americas by Jen Casey, Regional Sales Manager – Americas. Having spent 20 years in the broker world, Jen is well versed on the value of the work White Horse Labs offers for counterfeit risk mitigation on components that may be reaching their date code expiration and so forth. She explains some of their other service offerings, including programming, failure analysis, logistics, and tariff management. One development that she noted is the launch of SAE’s AS6171, which is more flexible than the older AS 6081 and has brought new efficiency to that counterfeit component certification process. This information packed discussion is well worth a listen.

EMSNOW discusses data automation in the EMS industry in India with Priyank Soni, Growth Manager of CalcuQuote, a quoting software platform designed for EMS. Priyank argues that EMS companies need to fully adopt Industry 4.0 in order to seize the opportunities arising from the very aggressive growth targets projected for this geography. Whoever has the strongest supply chain will win the business, he explains, and that comes from being able to increase operational capabilities through accurate data automation, especially the quoting process. Eric notes that in his latest EMSNOW Tour of India he saw CalcuQuote implemented in many EMS operations. The discussion covers details of the features and benefits of the platform. The two conclude that moving fast is critical to capturing the promises of the EMS market in India.

In Part 2 of this essential interview Dale Ford, Chief Analyst of ECIA explains his interpretation of semiconductor cycles and what it means for the overall industry. He goes deep into specific semiconductor categories, how the cycles impact the component channel, and what we can expect from where we are in this specific cycle. The conversation then turns to interpreting economist forecasts and a new AI-driven analyst tool employed at ECIA for pulsing the CEOs, and the implications of the accelerating rate of growth in electronics.The discussion concludes with news about ECIA’s decision to offer its reports for sale to non-members, and how and where those can be accessed,. (www.ecianow.org/purchase-stats-reports).Don’t miss this wide-ranging, 2-part conversation for an expert analysis of where the industry is headed in 2026.’sHere’s a link to Part 1>>

EMSNOW catches up with Dale Ford, Chief Analyst for the Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA) for this exclusive, must-see conversation about supply chain trends in this critical part of EMS companies’ financial well-being. Fresh from his association’s Executive Conference, Dale unpacks the latest data about the component categories that matter most: what’s behind the recent memory chip shortages, what the end markets tell us about where growth will come from, and how tariffs impact the component channel. In Part 1 of this data-packed analysis, they start at a 30,000 foot level, but get into the details of what EMS needs to know about what happened in 2025, and where 2026 is headed. Part 2 of this interview follows.

Electronics manufacturing in Mexico and South America is evolving quickly in response to global trends. In this insightful conversation with industry veteran Heriberto Cuevas, Sales Manager and Team Leader, Mexico and South America, Koh Young America, EMSNOW gets an update about the trends and market shifts. This dynamic geography has steadily risen in the value chain, producing high quality, complex electronics for medical as well as the traditional 3As – automotive, appliances, and aerospace.The discussion includes the synergies between market sectors in the region, impressions from the recent SMTA show in Chicago, the role of AI in electronics manufacturing, and news about upcoming Koh Young America technical webinars.Koh Young Academy webinars are intended to improve customers’ and potential customers’ skills and knowledge about Koh Young AOI systems. These webinars will launch November 19, and will take place every two months after that. Topics will reflect customer feedback data. EMSNOW will be on the look out for more information, so check our Coming Events sections on our home page to sign up.

Rajendra Velagapudi, Managing Director & CEO, Cyient DLM updates EMSNOW on his company’s most recent quarterly results and recent strategic initiatives. Cyient DLM (Design-Led Manufacturing) was one of the companies visited on the On Tour India trip, and Eric continues the conversation from last month digging more deeply into what it means to be ‘design led’.Rajendra explains the difference between ‘build to print’ and ‘build to spec’ and how this change of focus brings more value to customers. Cyient DLM is very strong in highly regulated end markets, including defense, aerospace, EV, and medical systems, he says, which reflects his own engineering background and experience.The discussion also covers how the growth in the domestic market for electronics is a very healthy element in the overall prospects for India.This conversation helps provide the background and context to understand why India continues to be of critical interest to anyone following global trends in electronics manufacturing.

EMSNOW reports for the last time in 2025 from Bangalore where Eric has attended the electronica/productronica trade show. In this final podcast he describes the atmosphere at the show as very high energy, and compares it to the ones in Munich, and elsewhere. He reports on some of the EMSNOW advertisers he met as well as new EMS companies in India that were not on his tour itinerary. He also comments on some of his overall impressions of the industry in India, and shares what comes next.Listeners should look for a complete report in the near future, which will be offered at no charge to the industry. EMSNOW is very grateful to the Global Electronics Association's India chapter for the in-country support and logistics.As always, EMSNOW is very grateful to our sponsors:CalcuQuote: Source, Quote, Purchase Smarter — All in One Platform. Koh Young Technology: True 3D Smart Factory Solutions, Powered by AITrustedPartsGenuine electronic components from only authorized sources

EMSNOW reports on our last two EMS visits on this OnTour India: InCap and Indic EMS Electronics. Eric tells us whom he met with at each company and some details about what makes each unique. As he explains, there is no one way to run an EMS business and this tour has certainly highlighted that fact.InCap is a global EMS that first became a public company on the Helsinki stock exchange in 1997. Its India facility has been in operation for 18 years as a pure EMS, with a streamlined, local management team empowered to make decisions quickly. They export around 90% of what they make, mainly to Europe, but other countries as well. Eric describes what he learned about the challenges and opportunities faced by a foreign company setting up EMS in India. InCap has been very successful, boasting it hasn't lost a customer in that facility in its 18 year history. On the podcast, we hear about InCap's expansion plans, typical customer market sector, and future expectations for growth.Indic EMS Electronics is a domestic EMS focused on both traditional EMS and ODM services - 85% EMS/15% ODM currently. One thing that was clear from this tour, Eric commented, was it strives to do EMS differently. It exports about 75% of its products from its current facility in India. A second facility is under construction, and Eric was invited to tour the site, which proved very interesting. The contractor is a Japanese firm, Eric explains, chosen for expertise in sustainable architecture, and the new facility is expected to be leading edge in many respects.Next on the agenda is Productronica/Electronica India: be on the lookout for one more podcast about those meetings.EMSNOW continues to be very grateful to our sponsors:CalcuQuote: Source, Quote, Purchase Smarter — All in One Platform. Koh Young Technology: True 3D Smart Factory Solutions, Powered by AITrustedPartsGenuine electronic components from only authorized sources

EMSNOW travels to Mysore to visit two EMS: Cyient DLM and Kaynes Technology. Cyient DLM (which stands for Design-Led Manufacturing) has a unique, engineering-heavy story, Eric explains, with 4 facilities in India and a U.S. facility acquired last year. The company has a 30+ year history in India and specializes in critical products in regulated industries, e.g. aerospace, medical, industrial and most recently semiconductor manufacturing. They pride themselves on their sticky customer relationships averaging 12 years. The team met with the CEO of Kaynes Technology who describe themselves as providing 'IoT solutions-enabled integrated electronics manufacturing with end-to-end capabilities across the electronics system design manufacturing (ESDM) spectrum.' They have recently become a public company and are committed to developing semiconductor and PCB fab capabilities in India.For those who have been paying attention to these podcasts, you know EMSNOW was supposed to visit three companies on this leg of the tour; sadly the third company's CEO took ill and they had to cancel. So the group was able to go on a tour of the Mysore Castle, which Eric describes enthusiastically. It's a fascinating glimpse of the rich history and spectacular culture of this part of India. The podcast ends with insights into the engineering powerhouse represented by these two companies and India in general.EMSNOW is grateful to our sponsors for OnTour India:CalcuQuote: Source, Quote, Purchase Smarter — All in One Platform. Koh Young Technology: True 3D Smart Factory Solutions, Powered by AITrustedPartsGenuine electronic components from only authorized sources

EMSNOW reports from Bangalore's aerospace/defense manufacturing region. Eric visits Centum Electronics and learns about its EMS history since its founding in 1994, and its expertise in highly complex manufacturing in regulated industries. The company has seen a surge in growth from companies moving manufacturing out of China and the U.S. The discussion includes more general industry insights as Eric now has completed over half the visits planned for this tour; he shares his thoughts comparing the growth of India as an electronics manufacturing with how China evolved in the past few decades; how India benefits from China's experience; and what it might mean for the industry. Eric expressed his thanks to EMSNOW sponsors and to the Global Electronics Association's in-country managers who have been very helpful in the logistics and support.CalcuQuote: Source, Quote, Purchase Smarter — All in One Platform. Koh Young Technology: True 3D Smart Factory Solutions, Powered by AITrustedPartsGenuine electronic components from only authorized sources

EMSNOW reports on our last EMS visit in the Pune area.  inYantra Technlogies is located outside Pune in the Satara District a beautiful area where the other industry is flower-growing. inYantra has been in business for 25 years and recently entered into a joint venture with cable and wire harness company Volex. This relationship gives inYantra the ability to offer full service support to its customers and enables the rapid growth the company is forecasting: they expect 50% YoY growth through 2027 and are expanding their facility from 200,000 to 500,000 square feet.Eric details the conversations he had with the very knowledgeable leadership team about this fully digitalized and well managed facility. The customer base is primarily automotive, but is expanding into industrial, consumer and computers. Listen to the full podcast to learn about their unique business strategy.We are very grateful to our sponsors:CalcuQuote: Source, Quote, Purchase Smarter — All in One Platform. Koh Young Technology: True 3D Smart Factory Solutions, Powered by AITrustedPartsGenuine electronic components from only authorized sources

EMSNOW reaches the halfway mark on the On Tour India trip with visits to two EMS companies in Pune. In this podcast, Eric Miscoll describes his visit to two EMS 100% focused on the automotive market, which is typical of the Pune region. Both companies provide dedicated electronics manufacturing services for the automotive market which includes all types of both EV and ICE vehicles. Varroc builds component and PCB sub assemblies and then ships these products for box-build and final assembly by the customer. Varroc also has polymer, metallic, and lighting capabilities and has opened a PCB fab, a trend Eric is noticing.Uno Minda Katolec Electronics Services is a joint venture between Uno Minda and the Japanese Katolec, which was established in 2017. It is rapidly outgrowing its current facility in Pune. Eric explains details about the company and its history operating in India, as well as future plans for expansion.You will want to listen to Eric’s analysis as he compares the two dedicated automotive EMS companies to other iterations of the EMS model he has encountered in his travels.We are very grateful to our sponsors:CalcuQuote: Source, Quote, Purchase Smarter — All in One Platform. Koh Young Technology: True 3D Smart Factory Solutions, Powered by AITrustedPartsGenuine electronic components from only authorized sources

EMSNOW arrives in Pune late in the evening to report on two visits conducted earlier in Vadodara: Aimtron and Vinrox Technologies. These are two impressive EMS with very different histories and capabilities. Aimtron has been in operation for several decades and interestingly got its start in a facility outside Chicago in the US. It prides itself on its electronic design and manufacturing services integration and serves customers in the industrial, medical, automotive and defense sectors. Having the facility in the US enables it to begin customer relationships in the Americas and then transfer the program to India seamlessly; this is proving to be a very successful model. Vinrox Technologies was started in 2018 and has a different approach, as Eric explains in the podcast. Their growth strategy and customer sectors are focused on industrial, energy and IIoT/telecom. They have SMT lines as well as box build and are expanding in other arenas as well. Eric goes into detail about their growth strategy. The Vadodara region is becoming a PCB fab hub, Eric explains, with a robust university community feeding skilled workers who are eager to learn about electronics manufacturing. An issue that has been raised more than once, he notes, is the bottleneck getting components. This is said to come from the lack of distributor warehouses in India and the added time needed to get materials through customs into the factories. EMSNOW will be addressing this and other topics in subsequent podcasts and/or the final country report.Eric expressed his gratitude to the teams at both these EMS companies for the high energy and candid conversations.We are also very grateful to our sponsors:CalcuQuote: Source, Quote, Purchase Smarter — All in One Platform. Koh Young Technology: True 3D Smart Factory Solutions, Powered by AITrustedPartsGenuine electronic components from only authorized sources

EMSNOW reports from a hotel in Vadodara where Eric traveled to from New Delhi after a visit to Syrma SGS. This podcast includes details about that visit and continuing observations about the EMS industry in India. Eric discusses the current growth forecasts for the EMS industry that are being put forth: from a baseline of $US 100 billion currently to potentially $US 400 or even 500 billion by 2030. The enthusiasm and energy is palpable, he notes, and with the engineering talent, the solid and strategic support from the government, and the plans to build out the PCB and component ecosystem, these are not an unrealistic expectations.EMSNOW is grateful to the Global Electronics Association for logistics help, and to support from its sponsors:CalcuQuote:CalcuQuote: Source, Quote, Purchase Smarter — All in One Platform.Koh Young TechnologyKoh Young Technology – True 3D Smart Factory Solutions, Powered by AITrustedPartsTrustedParts – Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources

EMSNOW reports on the first day of visits on the India Tour to Sahasra Electronics and Dixon Technologies in the Noida region southeast of New Delhi. Eric shares the insights that are only possible from on the ground experience: what it's like to get around in the region, as well as details about the two companies. He comments that there is not one right way to run an EMS company: so many factors - from customers served to type of equipment chosen, history of the business and background of founders - determine how the business operates. He reflects on what makes these two companies unique, as well as what he expects from the rest of the week's meetings.CalcuQuote:CalcuQuote: Source, Quote, Purchase Smarter — All in One Platform.Koh Young TechnologyKoh Young Technology – True 3D Smart Factory Solutions, Powered by AITrustedPartsTrustedParts – Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources 

EMSNOW will be reporting from India for the next several weeks. Eric Miscoll has scheduled on-site meetings with 14 mainly domestic companies, but also some global EMS with facilities in this important rising geography. The tour schedule includes companies in the New Delhi area, Gujarat, Pune, and of course the Bangalore area.In this initial podcast, he shares insights about current business conditions in India for electronics, based on a conversation with Global Electronics Association's Vice President Gaurab Majumdar. EMSNOW is grateful to the Global Electronics Association's local staff in India who are assisting with tour logistics. EMSNOW is also very grateful to our tour sponsors. Their continuing support of EMSNOW on Tour enables the reports and insights that we offer to the industry at no charge. We ask our audience to give special consideration to these companies in your purchasing decisions. This India tour especially takes considerable resources and we are very glad to have the support of these companies:CalcuQuote:CalcuQuote: Source, Quote, Purchase Smarter — All in One Platform.Koh Young TechnologyKoh Young Technology – True 3D Smart Factory Solutions, Powered by AITrustedPartsTrustedParts – Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources 

EMSNOW learns about Aimtron's unique operational strategy from Sneh Shah, Director. Aimtron is unique among EMS companies having started with a U.S. facility and subsequently opening the two facilities in India. The discussion covers Aimtron's full spectrum of services, adding robust design support to traditional EMS. They work with customers from the concept and feasibility stage to full production. Sneh explains how their investment in DfM and other optimization software, along with their ability to give customers U.S. based quality and certifications and full end-to-end integration, as well as the balancing of operations between North America and India, is a true competitive advantage. The discussion includes an update on current business conditions in India for electronics manufacturing, recent announcements about investments in local component manufacturing, and Sneh's insights about prospects for the industry there.EMSNOW will be visiting Aimtron's facility in Vadodara during its upcoming tour of EMS companies in India.

EMSNOW and Season Group's President and CEO Carl Hung discuss the 50-year history of Carl's family business and the industry as a whole. Carl marvels at the incredible resilience of EMS companies that have survived the challenges of the past 20 years, and shares insights into how Season Group has managed. The conversation covers the current disruptions of tariffs and geopolitical shifts and how companies that survived the supply chain constraints of Covid are adapting to these new challenges and emerging even stronger. Season Group is well-positioned and Carl explains exactly what their competitive advantage brings to their customer base. It's a fascinating and inspiring conversation.

In this insight packed interview EMSNOW speaks with Francisco Almada Lobo, CEO of Critical Manufacturing MES. Critical has just hosted their most recent Summit where 600 attendees met in Portugal to explore the opportunities and challenges of MES. From the first session, the topic of AI 'set the stage on fire' with all the possibilities these new technologies bring to the table. Francisco explains the evolution of MES data strategies: originally the software worked with discrete transactions; then the software engineers were able to enrich this base with contextual information allowing more analytics by training through classical machine learning. AI opens up massive new capabilities, but it too is quickly evolving. Critical Manufacturing is helping customers navigate it all by hosting events like the Summit and publishing detailed white papers and training. Digital transformation is dependent on the level of digitalization that the operation has achieved, he says, and that isn't something that can be purchased, but must happen in partnership with a partner that understands the industry deeply. This is a must-listen interview for any EMS grappling with how to benefit from these new AI technologies.

EMSNOW catches up with Jeroen Tuik, CEO, Connect Group to discuss their recent announcement about expanded operations in the U.S. Connect Group is a top tier EMS in Europe with global facilities; its facility in Romania was featured on EMSNOW/in4ma’s 2024 On Tour. Connect Group has a complete suite of services and is one of the Top 20 European-based EMS. Their customers are primarily in the industrial/automotive and defense sectors.Jeroen explains that the timing and strategy behind the establishment of the new U.S. entity was driven by growing customer demand for American-made products and the need for localized, responsive manufacturing solutions, a trend that began with the disruptions during and after Covid. The discussion covers a number of dynamics in play during the decision-making process, including why Atlanta and why they decided to build greenfield capabilities rather than through an acquisition. Jeroen also provides details about how their Mexico facility fits into their overall Americas go to market plan to best serve their customers.

In an information-packed wrap-up, the EMSNOW and in4ma On Tour 2025 team takes a step back from the Central and Eastern European EMS facilities visited to comment on the overall trends in the industry at this critical point in time. Dieter provides a data-backed characterization of the overall EMS market in Europe, including many fascinating datapoints teasing in4ma's extensive market research. The two discuss the key market sectors driving growth in Europe; the impact (or lack thereof) of the U.S. tariff situation, the dramatic changes in manufacturing capabilities, including the increase in clean room capacity; automation and labor trends; as well as a forecast for the last half of 2025 and beyond. It's a thoughtful and clear snapshot of electronics manufacturing in Europe from two of the arguably most knowledgeable experts in this fascinating and essential industry.EMSNOW wishes to acknowledge this year’s tour sponsorsCalcuQuote - Source, Quote, Purchase Smarter — All in One Platform.Cogiscan – Meeting the needs of high-reliability manufacturers since 1999Koh Young –True 3D Smart Factory Solutions, Powered by AI.TrustedParts.com - Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.Their generous support enables us to conduct these insightful tours and share critical industry intelligence. We invite you to explore how each of these innovative companies can enhance your operational efficiency and manufacturing capabilities.If you wish to connect with Eric Miscoll or Dieter Weiss please email them directly at: [email protected] or [email protected]

EMSNOW and in4ma's Dieter Weiss discuss the Third in4ma European EMS and PCB Forum held this year in Bonn Germany. They go deep on the attendees, networking opportunities, quality of data and comparisons with previous events. This is the premiere event for executive management teams, well-vetted suppliers, and investors who return each year for the superb data analysis and frank industry discussion about the ever-changing European electronics manufacturing business.EMSNOW wishes to acknowledge this year’s tour sponsorsCalcuQuote - Source, Quote, Purchase Smarter — All in One Platform.Cogiscan – Meeting the needs of high-reliability manufacturers since 1999Koh Young –True 3D Smart Factory Solutions, Powered by AI.TrustedParts.com - Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.Their generous support enables us to conduct these insightful tours and share critical industry intelligence. We invite you to explore how each of these innovative companies can enhance your operational efficiency and manufacturing capabilities.If you wish to connect with Eric Miscoll or Dieter Weiss please email them directly at: [email protected] or [email protected]

The EMSNOW and in4ma Tour 2025 makes its last stop at the Kitron facility in the Czech Republic. Kitron is a global public EMS listed on the Oslo exchange; it is #6 on in4ma's list of Top European EMS with facilities across the globe. Our two experts discuss in depth Kitron's history, global footprint, background and market strategy, including recent activities to maintain that #6 European EMS position in these turbulent times. The conversation then turns to the facility in Lanškroun, Czech Republic and a detailed analysis of the operation there. The insights gained from the EMSNOW and in4ma 2025 Tour build on the knowledge base built up over these last few years and is essential listening for all those doing business in the electronics manufacturing arena.EMSNOW wishes to acknowledge this year’s tour sponsorsCalcuQuote - Source, Quote, Purchase Smarter — All in One Platform.Cogiscan – Meeting the needs of high-reliability manufacturers since 1999Koh Young –True 3D Smart Factory Solutions, Powered by AI.TrustedParts.com - Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.Their generous support enables us to conduct these insightful tours and share critical industry intelligence. We invite you to explore how each of these innovative companies can enhance your operational efficiency and manufacturing capabilities.If you wish to connect with Eric Miscoll or Dieter Weiss please email them directly at: [email protected] or [email protected]

Recorded after a long drive to the Czech Republic from their last visit to several FLEX facilities in Hungary, EMSNOW and in4ma's Dieter Weiss discuss FLEX's amazing advanced manufacturing capabilities. The first facility was a highly automated manufacturing operation dedicated to serving primarily the automotive sector; the second was a plant serving both automotive manufacturing including a clean room certified area, as well as the industrial and computing sectors; they then toured a new facility being developed for primarily automotive customers and other industrial programs; and finally a unique non-Flex facility operating as a 'proving ground' for all types of vehicles and related products. Both of these experienced EMS experts were highly impressed with these tours. Conclusion: FLEX has rightly earned its reputation as a world class electronics manufacturer. Listen to their detailed insights on this fascinating podcast.EMSNOW wishes to acknowledge this year’s tour sponsorsCalcuQuote - Source, Quote, Purchase Smarter — All in One Platform.Cogiscan – Meeting the needs of high-reliability manufacturers since 1999Koh Young –True 3D Smart Factory Solutions, Powered by AI.TrustedParts.com - Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.Their generous support enables us to conduct these insightful tours and share critical industry intelligence. We invite you to explore how each of these innovative companies can enhance your operational efficiency and manufacturing capabilities.If you wish to connect with Eric Miscoll or Dieter Weiss please email them directly at: [email protected] or [email protected]

EMSNOW and in4ma On Tour visits Eurocircuits in Hungary to cover a very unique service offering in the electronics manufacturing ecosystem: PCB fabrication and PCBA assembly for prototypes. Eurocircuits' business model is laser-focused on this part of the industry that is less well known compared to EMS. The discussion covers our behind-the-scenes glimpse of Eurocircuits' unique data driven operations.Eurocircuits is the largest prototype operation in Europe, and also the largest PCB manufacturer in Central/Eastern Europe. The model is unique because of the combination of prototyping and PCB manufacturing and assembly. Eric and Dieter unpack the amazing technology and software behind the industry-leading turnaround times that Eurocircuits offers its OEM and EMS customers. The conversation includes the background and history of the company, who they met with and what they learned about this fascinating and critical part of electronics manufacturing.EMSNOW wishes to acknowledge this year’s tour sponsorsCalcuQuote - Source, Quote, Purchase Smarter — All in One Platform.Cogiscan – Meeting the needs of high-reliability manufacturers since 1999Koh Young –True 3D Smart Factory Solutions, Powered by AI.TrustedParts.com - Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.Their generous support enables us to conduct these insightful tours and share critical industry intelligence. We invite you to explore how each of these innovative companies can enhance your operational efficiency and manufacturing capabilities.If you wish to connect with Eric Miscoll or Dieter Weiss please email them directly at: [email protected] or [email protected]

The EMSNOW and in4ma team spends the day in Hungary visiting two Zollner Elektronik facilities there. The podcast discussion begins with an overview of how this well established German EMS began in 1988, before the reunification. Manfred Zollner's family history and deep concern for employees is legendary, and in clear evidence on this visit. Dieter and Eric cover the details of the two facilities, one in Vac and the other in Szügy Hungary, by describing the scope and capabilities of the operations, the culture and people that make it all possible and how this focus on low volume, extremely complex electronic systems in the industrial, medical and automotive sectors is expertly executed.EMSNOW wishes to acknowledge this year’s tour sponsorsCalcuQuote - Source, Quote, Purchase Smarter — All in One Platform.Cogiscan – Meeting the needs of high-reliability manufacturers since 1999Koh Young –True 3D Smart Factory Solutions, Powered by AI.TrustedParts.com - Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.Their generous support enables us to conduct these insightful tours and share critical industry intelligence. We invite you to explore how each of these innovative companies can enhance your operational efficiency and manufacturing capabilities.If you wish to connect with Eric Miscoll or Dieter Weiss please email them directly at: [email protected] or [email protected]

EMSNOW and in4ma On Tour 2025 moves to Hungary with visits to the Katek and Prettl Electronics facilities. The conversation begins with in4ma's most recent data about EMS companies operating in Hungary and a brief summary of the context of the industry there. Then they turn to the details of the day's visits, including the global footprint of the parent organizations, the market sectors served, and the executives they spoke to. These two EMS industry experts shared thoughts on the challenges of market analysis in the ever-expanding end market segments for electronics, the nuances of the ODM vs joint design manufacturing models in terms of who owns the IP; observations about notable automation investments at both facilities; and the impact of U.S. tariffs on global M&A. The conversation ends with a warning about aggressive Chinese efforts to acquire companies in Europe, especially in the automotive sector in response to tariff threats.EMSNOW wishes to acknowledge this year’s tour sponsorsCalcuQuote - Source, Quote, Purchase Smarter — All in One Platform.Cogiscan – Meeting the needs of high-reliability manufacturers since 1999Koh Young –True 3D Smart Factory Solutions, Powered by AI.TrustedParts.com - Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.Their generous support enables us to conduct these insightful tours and share critical industry intelligence. We invite you to explore how each of these innovative companies can enhance your operational efficiency and manufacturing capabilities.If you wish to connect with Eric Miscoll or Dieter Weiss please email them directly at: [email protected] or [email protected]

On this third podcast, the conversation covers two more Central European EMS: Fideltronik in Poland and InCap's facility in Slovakia.  At revenues of around $400 million, with 2400 employees, Fideltronik is a family owned EMS with a unique story. They are the largest Polish EMS and the discussion includes their organizational structure, general comments about the customer base and a detailed discussion of their automation strategy. InCap, is a global EMS with facilities around the world and a very entrepreneurial culture, including an energetic CEO with great global visibility. The podcast concludes with a thoughtful discussion of how many ways there are to conduct an EMS enterprise, and the incredible innovation and creativity of the people that do this work.EMSNOW wishes to acknowledge this year’s tour sponsorsCalcuQuote - Source, Quote, Purchase Smarter — All in One Platform.Cogiscan – Meeting the needs of high-reliability manufacturers since 1999Koh Young –True 3D Smart Factory Solutions, Powered by AI.TrustedParts.com - Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.Their generous support enables us to conduct these insightful tours and share critical industry intelligence. We invite you to explore how each of these innovative companies can enhance your operational efficiency and manufacturing capabilities.If you wish to connect with Eric Miscoll or Dieter Weiss please email them directly at: [email protected] or [email protected]

EMSNOW and Dieter Weiss discuss their visits to two very different EMS in Poland: one of many facilities of global EMS AsteelFlash and a medium sized domestic EMS, Nordes. They discuss the different business strategies, customer profiles, and footprints of the two, each successful in their own sphere.EMSNOW wishes to acknowledge this year’s tour sponsorsCalcuQuote - Source, Quote, Purchase Smarter — All in One Platform.Cogiscan – Meeting the needs of high-reliability manufacturers since 1999Koh Young –True 3D Smart Factory Solutions, Powered by AI.TrustedParts.com - Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.Their generous support enables us to conduct these insightful tours and share critical industry intelligence. We invite you to explore how each of these innovative companies can enhance your operational efficiency and manufacturing capabilities.If you wish to connect with Eric Miscoll or Dieter Weiss please email them directly at: [email protected] or [email protected]

EMSNOW and Dieter Weiss from in4ma begin their 2025 tour of Central and Eastern European EMS in Poland. This podcast previews the tour by providing details and context for these visits. Dieter discusses current industry sentiment, some thoughts about the companies on the agenda and what listeners can expect from this important work.EMSNOW wishes to acknowledge this year’s tour sponsorsCalcuQuote - Source, Quote, Purchase Smarter — All in One Platform.Cogiscan – Meeting the needs of high-reliability manufacturers since 1999Koh Young –True 3D Smart Factory Solutions, Powered by AI.TrustedParts.com - Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.Their generous support enables us to conduct these insightful tours and share critical industry intelligence. We invite you to explore how each of these innovative companies can enhance your operational efficiency and manufacturing capabilities.If you wish to connect with Eric Miscoll or Dieter Weiss please email them directly at: [email protected] or [email protected]

 EMSNOW learns about Koh Young Technologies’ expansion into the Semicon and advanced packaging arena in North America from Joel Scutchfield, GM of SMT and Semicon Business Operations. Koh Young already has great traction in this arena with companies in Asia as the world leader in 3D measurement, but the market is less developed in the Americas. Expansion depends on engaging with new events, networks and end customers. Joel reports on the recent IEEE ECTC conference in Dallas; provides enlightening details about the Koh Young technology that focuses on advanced packaging and clean room manufacturing, and explains how they close the gap between SMT manufacturing and what happens in semiconductor manufacturing. 

EMSNOW discusses supplier quality management with John Hartnett who is Director of Quality at independent distributor Freedom USA. Continuous improvement is embedded in Freedom USA's approach to ensuring the components they offer to customers meet the highest standards. Certifications like AS 6081, which is an aerospace standard specifically written  for independent distributors, dictates what processes need to be in place to prevent counterfeit components. Hartnett explains what risk factors they are looking for when they investigate potential suppliers. The conversation covers industry issues that impact component availability including date code restrictions, challenges arising from tariffs, and how having the right processes in place enables them to stay ahead of disruptions.

This lively conversation with Indium Corporation's President and CEO Ross Berntson is full of positive energy about Indium and the electronics industry in general. EMSNOW learns about Berntson's own career journey after joining Indium in 1996 as a service technician. Now President and CEO, he shares his thoughts about the centrality of a clear vision of the future to successful leadership; to distributed decision-making, pushing that function out to where the data sits, and his absolute unwavering belief in the power of employee development. He goes on to explain how Indium's collaboration with customers is not only for bringing a product to life, but the way that customer relationship is crafted to best serve both organizations.Berntson ends the discussion with some exciting news about rare earth materials, specifically gallium, which is used extensively in electronics and is only currently processed in large quantities in China. Indium and Rio Tinto have partnered to announce the successful extraction of gallium from feed sourced at Rio Tinto’s Vaudreuil alumina refinery in Saguenay, Quebec, Canada. They intend to scale this operation to enable an Americas' source for this important material.

EMSNOW learns what drives a regional EMS in northern Wisconsin from SMT Corporation's COO Brian Lamers. This company has leveraged its strengths to provide a very unique and focused value proposition to companies that may get overlooked by the larger Tier 1 EMS. Lamers reveals how they actively seek partnerships with organizations that can clearly define their problems and demonstrate commitment to solving them. This problem-centric philosophy permeates every aspect of their operations—from employee development and engineering to prototyping and supply chain management. The conversation provides valuable insights into how regional EMS companies can thrive in a competitive and rapidly changing environment.

EMSNOW spends time with Patrick Freytag, who assumed the role of President and CEO at Creation Technologies at the start of 2025. Patrick joked about his bad timing as he joined Creation Technologies as CFO in 2019 right before Covid hit and then moved into the CEO role hours before the tariff disruption. However, he commented that 'right into the frying pan' is a business climate in which he thrives. The discussion centers around this top 50 EMS' laser focused go-to-market strategy, which Patrick explains is to solve the complex manufacturing problems of aerospace/defense, medtech, and tech enabled industrial customers. This is a consistent theme for the company throughout its history that has gained momentum in the last 6 years through strategic acquisitions, and a relentless focus on customer 'intimacy'. Patrick describes Creation Technologies' expertise in program management as having a level of engagement not often seen in practice in EMS companies that have fewer resources and competencies, especially in supply chain. He reveals more about his company's unique approach and his views about current industry challenges in this thoughtful interview.

In this thoughtful  interview with Cicor Group CEO Alexander Hagemann, EMSNOW explores Cicor's remarkable journey over the past nine years to evolve into the pan-European EMS powerhouse it is today. Laser-focused on high mix/low volume customers that want strategic partnerships, Alexander has executed a down-to-earth strategy to streamline the organization and focus on creating a culture of integrity, trust and operational excellence. The wide-ranging conversation covers Alexander's leadership style, (he 'hates corporate politics'), Cicor's competitive advantage, acquisition strategy, and his thoughts on the current state of the industry and how it has changed in the past 10 years.

Luminovo is a software solution focused on improving the OEM and EMS industry’s quoting and procurement processes using AI. The company’s North American Business and Operations Lead Sam Mason explains his company’s recent expansion to North America and developments in the Luminovo platform.The goal of the solution is to take bad component part data and harmonize it by comparing it to their continuously updated part library. This offering is already up and running; next step is provide a Chat-GPT style interface and help customers improve their internal processes. Using the platform is a game-changer to help customers speed up their quoting and procurement processes and supercharge their workflows. Sam explains that the Luminovo engineering team is the key to their success.Luminovo will be at PCB East in Booth 504 on April 30. They are also hosting two webinars: May 6th, ‘How tariffs impact the future of the EMS industry in the US’ on May 6 and ‘How AI Agents will transform the AI Industry.’ on May 13. Go to Luminovo.com to sign up.

EMSNOW learns about Cetec ERP from Senior Consultant Scott Ryan. This software solution is specifically designed for the small to medium tier EMS where an all-in-one ERP system that seamlessly connects to MES enables these companies to compete with larger competitors. The discussion includes specifics about the challenges faced by smaller teams stretched thin and wearing more hats, and therefore needing tools that are well integrated.Scott’s deep understanding of electronics manufacturing shines through in this insightful conversation. He talks at length about the realities of working with EMS where there is less standardization of process because of the need to reflect the OEM customer’s way of operating. Cetec ERP accommodates the unique characteristics of the EMS world. Scott’s observations about how they adapt to varying data format, set-up and training requirements are a fascinating glimpse into the current state of the industry’s practices.The conversation ends with news about Cetec ERP’s upcoming fall user event in Austin – ERPalooza 2025 – that promises to uplift customers and their processes with training, networking and Texas BBQ.

EMSNOW gets an update on activities of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America (PCBAA) from its Executive Director, David Schild. David contends that while there are substantial changes in U.S. trade policy from the new administration, he’s confident that the bi-partisan ‘manufacture in the U.S.’ theme is still very much on the agenda. While PCBAA’s strategies and tactics will adjust to whatever happens, the main mission will go forward. He continues to meet with members, potential members and other manufacturing-oriented associations to forge the relationships to enable him to educate, advocate and legislate on behalf of the PCB industry.The discussion also covers coming events for the industry where David will be available to meet, including IPC’s APEX 2025 in Anaheim, PCB East and PCB West, and the PCBAA annual meeting in Washington DC June 10-12.

Edita Dragolj, Co-founder and Partner Manager of GreenChips explains their AI-driven component marketplace to EMSNOW in this informative conversation. She explains the process for working with GreenChips for suppliers and customers with the goal of addressing excess inventory sustainably. The conversation covers the two business models available, how the components are verified, their global footprint and the overall goals of the organization and how it benefits the industry and the environment by reducing e-waste.

EMSNOW gets a preview of in4ma’s latest European EMS Industry Report from Dieter Weiss. This year’s report is based on participation from 427 European companies, which represents 42% of the total industry in Europe, Dieter explains. Highlights include the growth rates, how many companies have left the industry, and analysis of what these performance data means about the state of the industry. They discuss where the bright spots were in the market sectors served. Bottom line, he says, companies in Europe are very nervous. Dieter also discusses the current state of the European defense industry and the wake up call they received from the current US administration, current inventory levels, and a deep dive on the automotive sector.And finally, they hint at another On Tour in Europe early this summer. It’s an insight-packed discussion with the premiere European EMS industry expert.

EMSNOW catches up with John Magee, President Sales and Operations, and  Andy Barnett, Vice President of Business Development, at independent distributor Freedom. They share their insights into current market conditions at the beginning of 2025 for the industry and for Freedom's business. The discussion touches on what customers want in turbulent times, and how expectations have changed dramatically since the pandemic and through the supply chain allocations that followed. It is an insightful conversation about the place of an independent distributor in the component channel.

EMSNOW discusses the EMS industry in India with Vivek Khanna, CEO of INDIC EMS Electronics. Growth is continuing in 2025 at both the top level and with middle sector OEMs. It's a massive opportunity for the region and INDIC EMS is fully invested in the trend. Vivek describes his company's educational outreach to women, including training programs to alleviate potential labor shortages. The discussion includes how the electronics manufacturing ecosystem is evolving and developing in India. They also discuss INDIC EMS's Customer First culture, new capabilities in automation with their SAP upgrade, a new facility coming online in early 2026, and what's in store for the company in 2025.

EMSNOW speaks with David Loftus, President and CEO of the Electronic Component Industry Association (ECIA) to help component customers better understand the nuances of lead times. Now that we are a few years past the supply chain disruptions from the pandemic, it's a good time to reflect on what happened and what lessons were learned. The leadership of the ECIA - comprising component manufacturers, their distributors and the independent sales reps - is committed to educating the industry on why there were so many false signals and miscommunication about inventory, especially semiconductors, and how the component channel has responded to build resiliency into the supply chain. It's a fascinating, must hear conversation with an industry expert who has a deep understanding of semiconductors. For more information about this critical topic, David suggests ECIA's resource page for customers, www.ecianow.org/buyers-engineers.

EMSNOW learns about Austin, Texas based Cetec ERP’s unique cloud-based platform from Tanner Rogers, the company’s Senior Consultant. This is a platform designed for difficult manufacturing environments like EMS/PCBA and delivers an all-in-one SaaS suite from sales and quoting to inventory management, document management, shop floor control, quality management, and financial accounting. Tanner explains the evolution of the company from the product launch in 2015, how customers have responded to its cost effective and easy to use features, and why the pricing model has resonated so well with the electronics manufacturing industry.Tanner invites EMSNOW readers to visit the team at APEX 2025 in Anaheim. They will be in Booth 2802.

EMSNOW gets an update on White Horse Laboratories' expansion from CEO Mark Rinehart. Mark explains that his company has expanded globally in response to customer geographic strategies. They are also offering an expanded range of services that evolved from their arsenal of counterfeit components detection methods; as counterfeiters get more sophisticated, they have added equipment and processes. We hear about their new DLA certification in the Cleveland lab, enabling AS6171 testing, and insights from their monthly inspection reports, which is posted on LinkedIn, and available on EMSNOW. It's a fascinating discussion revealing Mark's deep component supply chain insight.