Global Sourcing Spotlight: Risk Management Strategies in Global Sourcing
The Government Circuit: Three Inescapable Conclusions About Global Trade Policies
Global Citizenship: The Global Push for Digital Inclusion
An AI Revolution in Wire Harness Manufacturing
May 24, 2024 | Brittany Martin, IPC/WHMAEstimated reading time: 1 minute
In the wire harness industry, a narrative unfolds that is as intricate and interconnected as its products. Arik Vrobel’s journey from El-Com Systems to the founding of Cableteque is one of enduring innovation, strategic adaptation, and a deep understanding of the industry’s evolving needs. His development of an AI application for the wire harness industry may be a game-changer for manufacturers.
Since its inception in 1961, El-Com Systems has specialized in the design and manufacture of wire harnesses and cable assemblies. The Vrobel family acquired El-Com Systems (then known as El-Com/cabletek) in 1988, when Elie Vrobel (Arik’s father), an unemployed engineer, was seeking to fulfill his “American Dream” by becoming an entrepreneur. However, it was a difficult transition as Elie was unfamiliar with the business and El-Com was in a challenging industry. Arik worked alongside his father to understand the company and the industry. His involvement was characterized by a commitment to the values and vision established by his father.
When Arik took over the leadership of El-Com, he established a forward-thinking approach that significantly transformed the company. He says his vision for El-Com Systems “involved continuing its tradition of excellence and driving it toward new technological frontiers and market expansions.”
He assumed leadership of the company in the early 2000s, with strategic decisions that expanded El-Com's capabilities and market reach, particularly in sectors demanding high reliability, like aerospace, defense, and medical. “I was known for seeking simplified, yet effective solutions to technical challenges,” he says of that time, and his leadership was characterized by a drive to increase the company's capacity and scale.
To read the rest of this article in the Spring 2024 issue of IPC Community, click here.
Share on:
Testimonial
"Advertising in PCB007 Magazine has been a great way to showcase our bare board testers to the right audience. The I-Connect007 team makes the process smooth and professional. We’re proud to be featured in such a trusted publication."
Klaus Koziol - atgSuggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
07/18/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007It may be the middle of the summer, but the news doesn’t quit, and there’s plenty to talk about this week, whether you’re talking technical or on a global scale. When I have to choose six items instead of my regular five, you know it’s good. I start by highlighting my interview with Martyn Gaudion on his latest book, share some concerning tariff news, follow that up with some promising (and not-so-promising) investments, and feature a paper from last January’s inaugural Pan-European Design Conference.
Report: Broadcom Scraps $1 Billion Chip Investment in Spain
07/15/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamAmerican chipmaker Broadcom has pulled out of plans to invest in a microchip plant in Spain. According to a July 14 Reuters report, Europa Press, quoting anonymous sources, stated the action followed collapsed government talks but gave no further information.
IPC Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Lionel Fullwood
07/15/2025 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007Many IPC members who have contributed significantly to IPC and our industry have been awarded the IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame (HOF) Award. Though many early HOF members have passed away and are unknown to today’s IPC membership, their contributions still resonate. This special series on IPC Hall of Fame members provides a reminder of who was honored and why. As a bonus, for those who are still around, we get to find out what these talented individuals are up to today.
I-Connect007 Observes U.S. Independence Day Holiday
07/04/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Today marks the 248th anniversary of the signing of the American Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress. Known widely in the U.S. as Independence Day or “The Fourth of July,” this day also commemorates the declaration by the Congress that the American colonies are free and independent states.
MRSI Systems, LLC Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Suzhou LieQi in China
06/16/2025 | MRSI Systems, LLCMRSI Systems, LLC (a part of Mycronic Group), a global high-tech company that provides high precision production solution in electronics industry, filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Suzhou LieQi Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd. (SZLQ) with Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court for infringement of MRSI Systems’ patent related to die bonder (Case No. (2025) YUE03minchu No. 7154).