The Government Circuit: News on Defense Electronics, Europe, and Sustainability
American Made Advocacy: Taking the Fight to Capitol Hill
Defense Speak Interpreted: SWaPing Nanosatellites for Defense Systems
Expansion and Growth: You Can’t Do It Alone
July 10, 2024 | Prashant Patel, Alpha CircuitEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Building a new PCB facility takes strong partnerships with your suppliers. I quickly learned that we could not build our new facility alone. We would need to find and develop relationships with what would become trusted vendor partners.
We learned that it was vitally important to collaborate and partner with the equipment vendors as well as the automation companies to make sure we selected both the right equipment and the right vendor partner. We wanted to be sure we could count on them for a long and productive relationship. We needed these companies and people to be part of the journey with us. We wanted to ensure they would be there to train our team on how to best use their equipment and products. Most importantly, they would be there, “Johnny-on-the-spot,” to maintain and repair the equipment when it went down.
As we near completion of our new high-tech facility in Schaumburg, Illinois, I can’t stress enough the value of our vendor partners in that process. Equipment and products are only as good as the company that can maintain them. I expect the relationships we developed during the building and equipment process will serve us well moving forward.
Here are some things I learned to look for when selecting good supplier partners:
Technical expertise and innovation: Ensure the supplier has extensive technical knowledge and is at the forefront of innovation in PCB technology. They should be able to offer advanced solutions and stay updated with industry trends. They need to keep you informed of upcoming advances in their equipment and products to ensure you are always aware of the next best thing.
Quality and reliability: The equipment provided by the vendor should be of high quality and reliable. Check for certifications, quality control processes, and track records of uptime and performance. This is critical, especially with the reduction in the number of shops in the U.S. and the migration to Asia. I am fortunate enough to have my shop in the greater Chicago area, where there is still a significant enclave of PCB shops and vendors.
To continue reading this article, which originally appeared in the June 2024 issue of PCB007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Suggested Items
ULVAC Launches Technology Center PYEONGTAEK for Next-Gen Semiconductor Manufacturing
10/30/2024 | JCN NewswireULVAC, Inc., the world’s leading comprehensive vacuum manufacturer, has established Technology Center PYEONGTAEK in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
MKS Instruments Breaks Ground on Super Center Factory in Malaysia
10/25/2024 | Globe NewswireMKS Instruments, Inc., a global provider of technologies that transform the world, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and InvestPenang announced that MKS celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony of its super center factory in Penang, Malaysia to support the growing needs of semiconductor equipment for wafer fabrication in the region and globally.
MKS’ Atotech and ESI to Participate at TPCA Show & IMPACT Conference 2024
10/23/2024 | MKS Instruments, Inc.MKS Instruments, Inc., a global provider of enabling technologies that transform our world, today announced that its strategic brands ESI (laser systems) and Atotech (process chemicals, equipment, software, and services) will showcase their latest range of leading manufacturing solutions for printed circuit board (PCB) and package substrate manufacturing at the upcoming 25th Taiwan Circuit Board Industry International Exhibition 2024 to be held at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center from 23-25 October 2024.
The Chemical Connection: How We Deal With a Technology Roadmap
10/07/2024 | Don Ball -- Column: The Chemical ConnectionIdeally, we would all be aware of what future technology demands will be, at least for the near future, and take steps to be prepared to meet those demands. For most of us, however, while we may be aware of what’s coming in terms of production requirements, we usually don’t do much to get ready for them until we’re forced to by the market. We generally don’t have the time or personnel to spend on detailed planning or money to purchase any new equipment before it’s needed. So, how do most of us deal with it?
TAZMO, TAIFLEX Ink MoU on Taiwan-Japan Semiconductor Cooperation
10/04/2024 | TAIFLEX Scientific Co. LtdTazmo Co., Ltd. and TAIFLEX Co., Ltd. held a public signing ceremony and press conference for the “Memorandum of Understanding on Taiwan-Japan Semiconductor Cooperation” in Taipei.