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Salt Creek Capital Portfolio Company Acquired Blackfox
December 29, 2023 | Salt Creek CapitalEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Salt Creek Capital is pleased to announce that its portfolio company, Electronics Manufacturing Training Holding, has acquired Blackfox Training Institute. Founded in 1996, Blackfox is a leading provider of IPC training and certification services. Electronics Manufacturing Training Holding is also the owner of EPTAC, an internationally recognized leader in IPC training and certification.
Combining EPTAC and Blackfox under the same ownership creates one the largest IPC training and certification providers in the U.S., with greater access to in-person and online services to customers around the world.
Burak Gokmen, CEO of Electronics Manufacturing Training Holding, stated, “EPTAC is known for its consistency in providing premier training services with the highest-quality instructors in the industry. Blackfox is a natural addition for Electronics Manufacturing Training Holding, as we will be able to leverage both companies’ geographical footprints and industry focuses. Al Dill and the exceptional employees at Blackfox have utilized their deep industry knowledge to build an impressive company, and we are very pleased to add their outstanding team members as part of the combined company.”
Al Dill, former CEO of Blackfox, said, “We are pleased to have joined forces with EPTAC. Our shared values include focusing on developing better IPC training and certification programs for our customers, making this an easy transition. We look forward to promoting our full program line to the industry.”
Tyler Romrell, Vice President of Salt Creek Capital, added, “Burak continues to demonstrate excellence as a leader and executive since partnering with Salt Creek to acquire EPTAC in 2021. We’re excited to continue supporting Burak and his team through the acquisition of Blackfox as well as the Company’s future expansion efforts in the years to come.”
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SMTA Bridging the Skills Gap in Arizona
04/24/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007One area where SMTA really excels is through its local chapters. On April 16, 2025, I-Connect007's Marcy LaRont attended the Workforce Breakfast during the SMTA Arizona Expo & Tech Forum in Mesa, which featured more than 50 electronics professionals from the local area, including defense OEMs, and others who were attending for the first time. Blackfox and Hyrel Technologies sponsored the event. The keynote presentation featured Sean Denny, a professor at Estrella Mountain Community College, who emphasized a clear need for skilled hand soldering technicians.
Recognizing the IPC Committee Volunteer Awards in 2025
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EIPC Summer Conference 2025: PCB Innovation in Edinburgh
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Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: IPC Mexico Building Community and Partnerships
04/17/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOLorena Villanueva highlights IPC Mexico's three-year journey focused on community building and partnerships with governments and educational institutions. Key milestones include collaboration agreements with state governments and universities to enhance the electronics industry. IPC Days promotes networking and education, while a partnership with UNAM aims to integrate IPC training into engineering programs. The discussion wraps up with congratulations on IPC Mexico's achievements and the launch of the Mexico pavilion at this year's show.
IPC APEX EXPO 2025 Learning Lounge: Education on the Show Floor
04/16/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007The conference portion of IPC APEX EXPO has been providing educational opportunities for attendees since the first show. But recently, show managers decided to expand education onto the show floor.