-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current Issue
The Automation Advantage
In this issue, we discover how AI, machine learning, and practical factory automation are reshaping PCB fabrication, and where these tools can meaningfully move your business forward.
Thank you, Columnists
This month, we give thanks to our columnists—the brilliant minds who share their expertise, experiences, and passion for the PCB industry. Meet the people behind the pages, learn what drives them, and discover their personal stories.
The Legislative Outlook: Helping or Hurting?
This month, we examine the rules and laws shaping the current global business landscape and how these factors may open some doors but may also complicate business operations, making profitability more challenging.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
Founder of HyRel Technologies Brian Watson to Present at SMTA International on Workforce Development
September 27, 2023 | HyRelEstimated reading time: 1 minute
HyRel Technologies, a global provider of quick turn semiconductor modification solutions, is proud to announce that Brian Watson, the company’s Founder and President, will be a featured presenter at SMTA International. The event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, October 10 at 3:45 p.m., during the workforce development session at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
The SMTA is an international association for electronics engineering and manufacturing professionals. It offers unique access to local, regional, domestic, and global communities of experts, along with research and training materials from thousands of companies dedicated to advancing the electronics industry. SMTA boasts 55 regional chapters worldwide, 29 local vendor exhibitions, 10 technical conferences, and one large annual meeting.
Brian’s presentation will focus on workforce development and the successful initiatives undertaken by HyRel Technologies. He will share examples of successful partnerships, insights into the company’s innovative internship programs, and its approach to addressing the industry-wide skilled labor shortage.
HyRel Technologies recently celebrated the successful completion of its inaugural internship program, collaborating with Arizona State University (ASU) engineering students. These interns, now valued members of HyRel’s Robotics and Automation development team, exemplify the program’s success in fostering local talent and community engagement.
Watson expressed his pride in the interns’ achievements, stating, “We are incredibly proud of their growth and achievements. Welcoming them into the HyRel fold has been a rewarding experience, and we look forward to seeing their contributions continue elevating our team.”
As part of its commitment to addressing the skilled labor shortage in the semiconductor industry, HyRel actively seeks solutions. The company’s expansion plans for its internship program aim to involve 30-50 students from various companies across the Valley next year.
Watson shared his vision for the future of the program: “We're not just creating a talent pipeline; we’re fostering the next generation of industry leaders. Our goal is to expand the program, offering courses on semiconductor fabs, chip design, and even Mandarin language skills, reflecting the dynamic nature of the semiconductor industry.”
HyRel Technologies maintains compliance with critical industry standards, including GEIA-STD-0006, ANSI – J-STD-002, Mil-STD202, and Mil – STD-883, reaffirming its commitment to producing technology that meets the highest performance and reliability criteria.
Testimonial
"The I-Connect007 team is outstanding—kind, responsive, and a true marketing partner. Their design team created fresh, eye-catching ads, and their editorial support polished our content to let our brand shine. Thank you all! "
Sweeney Ng - CEE PCBSuggested Items
Razor-sharp Focus: Jeff Barth Built JWB Through Focus, Trust, and Innovation
01/06/2026 | Brittany Martin, Community MagazineFor Jeff Barth, entrepreneurship has always come naturally. He grew up in the Midwest, always looking for the next challenge—from setting up lemonade stands to mowing lawns and shoveling snow for neighbors. “I’ve always loved the game of business,” says Jeff, now president of JWB Manufacturing, “by challenging myself, learning new skills, and building relationships that help everyone grow.”
It’s Only Common Sense: Leadership Isn’t a Democracy—Stop Running Your Company by Committee
01/05/2026 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: It's Only Common SenseLeadership is not a group activity, a vote, a poll, or a popularity contest. Somewhere along the way, we confused collaboration with consensus and killed what creates successful companies: decisive leadership. When a leader stops leading and takes roll call on every decision, the company loses its edge, progress slows, and boldness dies.
Fujitsu Unveils Kozuchi Physical AI 1.0 Integrating Physical and Agentic AI with NVIDIA Technologies
12/26/2025 | ACN NewswireFujitsu announced the development of Fujitsu Kozuchi Physical AI 1.0, a new technology designed to seamlessly integrate physical and agentic AI.
It’s Only Common Sense: Stop Talking About Teamwork and Start Paying for It
12/29/2025 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: It's Only Common SenseCompanies love to talk about teamwork. They slap it on posters, paint it on walls, and preach it in meetings. They say, “We win together” and “There’s no ‘I’ in team.” But in handing out bonuses, promotions, or praise, they reward individual numbers, not collective effort. You can’t preach collaboration while paying for competition or tell people to work together, then build a system that rewards them for protecting their turf. That’s not a culture; it’s a contradiction.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
12/26/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007What a year it’s been! I don’t think anyone could have anticipated the level of shake-up that was to come on the global trade scene when U.S. President Donald Trump came into his second term in January, but the drama that has ensued rivals anything ever aired on “The Apprentice.” However, I am somewhat heartened by our current position compared to how things felt in Q2 of this year. Much remains to be worked out, but as we sprint into the new year, there are three things I know for sure: 1) Working in tech is never dull—you will not be bored in 2026; 2) Expect to work very hard; and 3) Business, like life, will go on no matter what. I hope you enjoy my picks for week: all good reads for different reasons. Happy New Year!