-
-
News
News Highlights
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueSales: From Pitch to PO
From the first cold call to finally receiving that first purchase order, the July PCB007 Magazine breaks down some critical parts of the sales stack. To up your sales game, read on!
The Hole Truth: Via Integrity in an HDI World
From the drilled hole to registration across multiple sequential lamination cycles, to the quality of your copper plating, via reliability in an HDI world is becoming an ever-greater challenge. This month we look at “The Hole Truth,” from creating the “perfect” via to how you can assure via quality and reliability, the first time, every time.
In Pursuit of Perfection: Defect Reduction
For bare PCB board fabrication, defect reduction is a critical aspect of a company's bottom line profitability. In this issue, we examine how imaging, etching, and plating processes can provide information and insight into reducing defects and increasing yields.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
Shane Whiteside of Summit Reflects on Today's PCB Landscape
May 8, 2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamEstimated reading time: 2 minutes

Summit Interconnect began as a printed circuit board manufacturing company just eight years ago and has seen impressive growth organically and through acquisition. Summit President and CEO Shane Whiteside takes a few moments to share his thoughts on the growing PCB industry in the United States.
How do you feel about the current landscape in the United States for manufacturing and electronics?
Shane Whiteside: I see improvement in the North American electronics sector resulting from an increase in awareness by OEMs and political leaders toward supply chain risk. Geopolitical trends and COVID have shifted mindsets toward addressing this risk. Our manufacturing base continues to be challenged with engaging the new workforce, but I think a lot of progress is being made in acquiring and training talent and re-fortifying our industry.
Some reports indicate that there is a record amount of growth through new and expanded PCB shops in North America. Given Summit’s growth trajectory over the past several years, does this feel true to you?
Our industry has grown from its low point more than eight years ago, but cycles continue, and growth can be difficult to attain at times. IPC’s data shows two consecutive years of declining demand, which I believe is a runout of the COVID-era tech refresh and component shortages. Still, it’s great to see the industry investing for expansion, and I believe all this new capacity will be utilized in the coming years.
Do you see the PCB growth in the United States as something we can sustain?
I continue to be very optimistic about long-term growth in the North American PCB industry. But truly healthy and sustainable growth must come from multiple market sectors, not just defense. It’s good to see growth in the commercial space and medical sectors; this will help provide balanced growth in our domestic industry.
Can the U.S. regain its role as a technology leader?
I believe we will regain more relevance in technology leadership over time. At the board-technology level, we continue to be challenged by not having newer and purpose-built factories like those in Asia. Much of the equipment supply chain has focused on Asia over the past two decades, but as our market continues to grow and draw more investment capital, I think the situation will continue to improve. However, I believe North America continues to maintain a leadership position in building for smaller volume, highly complex applications with high-reliability compliance requirements.
To read this entire conversation, which appeared in the April 2024 issue of PCB007 Magazine, click here.
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
Mouser Electronics Receives Top Global Distributor, Growth Awards from HARTING
08/01/2025 | Mouser ElectronicsMouser Electronics, Inc., the authorized global distributor with the newest electronic components and industrial automation products, has been honored with HARTING's prestigious Global High Service Distributor of the Year Award. Mouser also received the Distinguished Award for New Product Sales Growth. The awards were presented at HARTING's recent 2025 Distribution Summit in Louisville, Kentucky.
Schneider Electric Reinforces India Strategy with Acquisition of Remaining Stake
07/31/2025 | Schneider ElectricSchneider Electric, the global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announces that it has signed an agreement to acquire the remaining 35% stake of Schneider Electric India Private Limited (“SEIPL”) from Temasek to reach full ownership.
Nordson Corporation Announces Earnings Release and Webcast for Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2025
07/31/2025 | Nordson CorporationNordson Corporation today announced it will release third quarter fiscal year 2025 earnings on August 20, 2025, after the close of the market.
SES AI Accelerates Timeline for Revenue Growth and Profitability with Acquisition of UZ Energy
07/31/2025 | BUSINESS WIRESES AI Corporation, a global leader in the development and manufacturing of AI-enhanced high-performance Li-Metal and Li-ion batteries, today announced it has executed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of UZ Energy, an energy storage systems (“ESS”) provider, for a purchase price of approximately $25.5 million, subject to earnout adjustment based on the achievement of specified financial targets.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
07/25/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007In industry news this past week, I’m putting a focus on sustainability in electronics by highlighting my interview with Kelly Scanlon and Corey Dehmey, and Nolan Johnson’s Meet the Author podcast with Beth Turner of MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions. I also chose to spotlight the M&A activity and outlook in the U.S. market and regional market news in India and Mexico.