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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.
Suggested Items
ZESTRON Academy Launches 2024 Advanced Packaging & Power Electronics Webinar Series
05/01/2024 | ZESTRONZESTRON, the leading global provider of high-precision cleaning products, services, and training solutions in the electronics manufacturing and semiconductor industries, proudly announces the launch of its highly anticipated webinar series on Advanced Packaging & Power Electronics, a webinar series on the latest innovations, cleaning, and corrosion challenges.
NextFlex Convenes the Hybrid Electronics Community at Binghamton University
05/01/2024 | NextFlexBinghamton University hosted the NextFlex hybrid electronics community on April 18 for a day of expert presentations, breakout sessions on technology and manufacturing topics, and networking.
HQ NextPCB of HQ Electronics Debut on the International Stage for Electronics Manufacture at IPC APEX 2024
05/01/2024 | PRNewswireHQ NextPCB of HQ Electronics, a leading Chinese-based multilayer PCB manufacturer and assembly house showcased its industrial prowess on the international stage for the first time at the IPC APEX Expo 2024.
All-Inclusive: PRIDE Industries Helps Employees With Disabilities to Succeed
05/01/2024 | Sandy Gentry, IPCPRIDE Industries is the leading employer of people with disabilities and those with other barriers to employment in the United States, including veterans and former foster youth. The company offers job training, placement, on-the-job coaching, and skills development for independent living. It has held IPC membership since 2000. Read more about this unique business and its connection to the electronics manufacturing industry.
U.S. Companies Invest Heavily in Robots
04/30/2024 | IFRManufacturing companies in the United States have invested heavily in more automation: total installations of industrial robots rose by 12% and reached 44,303 units in 2023. Number one adopter is the car industry followed by the electrical and electronics sector.