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I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Top Five Must-Reads for the Week
April 7, 2023 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

The adage about spring weather in Northern temperate climates is, “April showers bring May flowers.” This is, of course, on the heels of March, when the weather comes “In like a lion, out like a lamb.” The suggestion for March is that whatever way the month starts, it will end just the opposite. But we’re in the first week of April, where things are expected to settle into a steady state of preparation for an abundance just over the horizon. Sound a bit like our business climate right now, doesn’t it?
This week my editor’s picks include news of abundance: SMTC goes private, Flex gets kudos from General Motors, Zentech’s leadership changes, and local expos seem to be thriving—at least in Texas. Last but not least, this week we combine two interviews into a single news item covering the Presidential Determination that directly affects the electronics manufacturing industry. If you’re not sure what that is, never fear. These two interviews below will give you clarity.
SMTC Corporation Announces Completion of Investment by H.I.G. Capital
Published April 4
SMTC, a major player in the EMS sector on a global scale, has just gone private with this purchase transaction with H.I.G. Capital. The deal is reported to have a transaction price of $43 billion. For many companies in a dynamic market with a shifting competitive landscape, going private can be an advantage. SMTC’s move to private equity fits that trend.
Zentech Appoints Mike Buseman as President & CEO
Published April 5
Mike Buseman officially takes the helm from Zentech President and CEO Steve Pudles on April 10. In the announcement, Buseman said, “These are extraordinary times for U.S. manufacturing, and I am excited about our next stage of growth. Together with the team, we will continue to partner with our customers as a trusted source to deliver their mission critical manufacturing solutions. There are many opportunities ahead and we will double-down to drive even higher performance for our customers, our employees, and our stakeholders.” Mike, these an interesting times for our industry, and we wish you much success.
Serving up SMTA—Texas Style
Published April 3
Last week, Barry Matties attended the SMTA Dallas Expo and the SMTA Houston Expo. In this report from the file, Barry shares his impressions of this “Texas Two Step” of industry gatherings, including plenty of photographs and a video. Catch up with what an SMTA local chapter expo looks like.
Flex Recognized as a 2022 Supplier of the Year by General Motors
Published April 6
“Each year, GM's Supplier of the Year recipients are selected by a global, cross-functional GM team for their performance in criteria such Product Purchasing, Global Purchasing and Manufacturing Services, Customer Care and Aftersales and Logistics.” This news piece announces that Flex has indeed been recognized as a 2022 GM Supplier of the Year. With all the supply chain and other challenges, supplying the “just in time” auto manufacturers can be a challenge.
And finally, a two-fer:
Deciphering the Presidential Determination
Published April 3
PCBAA Reacts to Implications of Biden’s PCB Determination
Published April 5
My final pick is not a single news item, but rather a single story with two complementary reports. On March 27, 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden issued a Presidential Determination recognizing the printed circuit industry as important to U.S. strategic defenses. This determination changes some of the rules of engagement between U.S. DoD and the electronics manufacturing industries. These two interviews discuss the implications of this change with representatives from PCAA and IPC. I believe as you listen to these two conversations, you’ll get a clearer picture about how this affects our industry.
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
Considering the Future of Impending Copper Tariffs
07/30/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamThe Global Electronics Association is alerting industry members that a potential 50% tariff on copper could hit U.S. electronics manufacturers where it hurts.
Foxconn, TECO Announce Strategic Alliance Targeting AI Data Center Capabilities
07/30/2025 | PRNewswireHon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) and TECO Electric & Machinery Co Ltd Ltd (TECO) on Wednesday announced a share exchange, strategic alliance that will strengthen their AI infrastructure capabilities and propel the two Taiwanese tech majors into key markets in the global super-computing race.
Sypris Wins Awards to Support Subsea Cable Systems
07/29/2025 | BUSINESS WIRESypris Electronics, LLC, a subsidiary of Sypris Solutions, Inc., announced it has secured follow-on contract awards from a leading global provider of subsea cable systems. Under the terms of the agreement,
North American EMS Industry Down 8.9% in June
07/29/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationThe Global Electronics Association announced today the June 2025 findings from its North American Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.28.
Sanmina Reports $2.04B Revenue for Q3 Fiscal 2025
07/29/2025 | Sanmina Corp.Sanmina Corporation, a leading integrated manufacturing solutions company, reported financial results for the third quarter ended June 28, 2025 and outlook for its fourth fiscal quarter ending September 27, 2025.