Driving Innovation: Depth Routing Processes—Achieving Unparalleled Precision in Complex PCBs
It's Only Common Sense: The Evolution of Prospecting
Dan's Biz Bookshelf: 'Apple in China: The Capture of the World’s Greatest Company'
Just Ask John Mitchell: Greenfield Capacity in North America?
September 23, 2020 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamEstimated reading time: 1 minute
First, we asked you to send in your questions for Happy Holden, Joe Fjelstad, and Eric Camden in our “Just Ask” series. Now, it’s IPC President and CEO John Mitchell’s turn! A regular PCB007 columnist, John focuses on many of the challenges affecting the global electronics industry supply chain. Over the years, he has served as an engineer, manager, and executive at a variety of companies and organizations. We hope you enjoy “Just Ask John.”
Q: What do you think will drive more greenfielding/new PCB capacity in North America? And when do you think we will see a new PCB facility built from the ground up to meet the demand in North America for locally built PCBs?
A: Greenfield opportunities appear to be highest for high-mix, low-volume PCB manufacturing within North America. Customers requiring special supply chain security measures, rapid turn early-stage co-development, or increased new product introduction capability are well suited for North American operations, situated close to North American OEM facilities.
Operations having high levels of automation may also be attractive for North America. North American PCB operations have not historically been utilized for high volume commodity PCB supply. Instead, these plants are best utilized for their higher complexity skill, new product introduction expertise, design for manufacturing design reviews, and high-quality yield production.
As for when we will see a new PCB facility built in North America: Suppliers that are considered a trusted source are likely to be able to service special supply chain security requirements being issued by North American governments and military organizations, so now is absolutely feasible for new PCB facilities to be built.
To submit your questions to John, click here.
Share on:
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
The Signal Integrity Issue: Design007 Magazine September 2025
09/09/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamAs the saying goes, “If you don’t have signal integrity problems now, you will eventually.” This month, our experts share a variety of design techniques that can help PCB designers and design engineers achieve signal integrity.
ASC Sunstone Circuits to Exhibit at AEMS 2025
09/09/2025 | American Standard CircuitsASC Sunstone Circuits will be exhibiting at AEMS 2025 (Anaheim Electronics and Manufacturing Show) to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center on September 24 and 25, 2025.
Automation Meets Sustainability
09/08/2025 | Rick Nichols, GreenSource EngineeringGreenSource Engineering (GSE) is proud to have contributed to the first successful reshoring of a PCB facility on a greenfield site in the United States. While we are honored to have played a key role, full credit for this achievement goes to SEL for its vision, commitment, and professionalism.
Cadence to Acquire Hexagon’s Design & Engineering Business
09/08/2025 | Cadence Design SystemsCadence announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Design & Engineering (D&E) business of Hexagon AB, which includes its MSC Software business—a pioneer in engineering simulation and analysis solutions.
Synopsys, GlobalFoundries Establish Pilot Program to Bring Chip Design and Manufacturing to University Classrooms
09/05/2025 | GlobalFoundriesSynopsys, Inc. and GlobalFoundries (GF) announced a new collaboration to launch an educational ‘chip design to tapeout’ program for universities worldwide.