The Chemical Connection: When History Repeats Itself on Diversification
Punching Out: M&A Deals in North American PCB and EMS Sectors for the First Half of 2026
It’s always interesting to see what themes emerge from reader interest in our news coverage over the past seven days. This week, there are two: making plans and Southeast Asia.
Our curated list of must-read content includes planning for the following items: new courses from IPC, a new listing on the NYSE, a new manufacturing facility for materials in Southeast Asia, brand-new inspection equipment solutions for SEMICON West, and new air traffic management systems in Indonesia.
In my opinion, both topics reflect the ongoing supply chain diversification. Whether its new capacity in new locations, upskilling our technical professionals, or investing in company growth options, it increasingly seems like industry doldrums may be turning into a light-but-steady tailwind.
IPC Launches Three Cutting-Edge Online Instructor-led Courses to Empower Electronics Industry Professionals
Published June 13
IPC announced the launch of three new online courses designed to equip professionals with valuable knowledge and skills in the rapidly evolving electronics sector. These courses are available on IPC’s online education platform, IPC EDGE, and will provide industry experts and enthusiasts with opportunities for growth and development. The classes are: Top Lead-Free Production Defects and Issues: Causes, Remedies, and Prevention; HDI Enabling Technology: Advanced Packaging; and Introduction to PCB Design Engineering. Learn more about who should take these courses, and the course objectives, here in this news piece.
SCHMID Group to List on NYSE through Business Combination with Pegasus Digital Mobility Acquisition Corp.
Published June 14
In the current marketplace, news of a merger that takes a PCB industry player public is rare. These aren’t, after all, the halcyon days of the 1980s. So, it’s notable when a company does make the move onto the New York Stock Exchange. This article contains quite a few details; no wonder then, that readership was high.
Ventec to Strengthen Global Supply Chain and Logistics with New Factory in Southeast Asia
Published June 13
Ventec plans a new manufacturing space in Southeast Asia sometime before 2026. I-Connect007 spoke with Ventec this week at the IEEE International Microwave Symposium, where they reiterated CEO Jason Chung’s comments that now is the right time to invest in diversifying the Asia Pacific manufacturing network. Read more here.
Koh Young Returns to SEMICON West with New Inspection Solutions
Published June 13
SEMICON West returns to Moscone Center in San Francisco, July 11–13. Koh Young will be there with the latest inspection machine offerings. Whether you’re attending the show or just keeping an eye on the inspection equipment market, this announcement includes a lot of detail.
Boeing, Indonesia Partner to Explore Air Traffic Management Improvements
Published June 12
Boeing senior vice president Mike Sinnett says, “With its emerging market economy, Indonesia is home to one of the largest aviation markets in Asia. We’re committed to supporting Indonesia’s…air traffic management system.” This article shares details on the structure of the agreement.
