-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- smt007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueSupply Chain Strategies
A successful brand is built on strong customer relationships—anchored by a well-orchestrated supply chain at its core. This month, we look at how managing your supply chain directly influences customer perception.
What's Your Sweet Spot?
Are you in a niche that’s growing or shrinking? Is it time to reassess and refocus? We spotlight companies thriving by redefining or reinforcing their niche. What are their insights?
Moving Forward With Confidence
In this issue, we focus on sales and quoting, workforce training, new IPC leadership in the U.S. and Canada, the effects of tariffs, CFX standards, and much more—all designed to provide perspective as you move through the cloud bank of today's shifting economic market.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - smt007 Magazine
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.”
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
Creating Connections in Mexico
07/30/2025 | Michelle Te, Community MagazineA concerted effort by the Global Electronics Association—Mexico team over the past year has created inroads for the Global Electronics Association (formerly IPC) with leading electronics companies, government offices, and academic institutions in Mexico. “Our goal is to bring more awareness to what the Global Electronics Association is and what it offers,” says Lorena Villanueva, senior director. “We also aim to increase our membership. Of 3,200 members of the Global Electronics Association, only 180 are in Mexico.”
Confronting the Challenges of an Aging Workforce
07/15/2025 | Becky Calwell and Myriam Sullivan, Jobs for the FutureElectronics manufacturers have faced persistent workforce challenges as they struggle to find skilled workers to meet rising production demands, while rapid advancements in technology raise the bar for technical expertise. These ongoing issues highlight the need for innovative workforce strategies to address talent shortages and adapt to the industry’s evolving demands.
TTCI Joins Printed Circuit Engineering Association to Strengthen Design-to-Test Collaboration and Workforce Development
07/09/2025 | The Test Connection Inc.The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a leading provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions, is proud to announce its membership in the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA), further expanding the company’s efforts to support cross-functional collaboration, industry standards, and technical education in the printed circuit design and manufacturing community.
The Knowledge Base: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow With EMAC
06/24/2025 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseAs the electronics manufacturing industry races to meet rising global demand and technological complexity, the need for a highly skilled, future-ready workforce has never been greater. At the forefront of addressing this challenge is The Electronics Manufacturing & Assembly Collaborative (EMAC)—a national initiative dedicated to strengthening the talent pipeline through strategic collaboration with SMTA, education, and government stakeholders.
It’s Only Common Sense: Why Sales Teams Fail (and How to Fix Them)
06/22/2025 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: It's Only Common SenseIn sales, success is never a given. Despite best intentions, the most well-resourced sales teams can stumble. Understanding why is the first step toward creating a high-performing sales force. Here are the main reasons sales teams fail—and actionable strategies to fix them.