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In this illuminating conversation with Mike Brask of IPS, we explore IPS’s involvement in the transformative journey of Alpha Circuit. (Alpha’s journey is detailed in a recent discussion with CEO Prashant Patel, who shared the challenges of entering an unfamiliar industry and establishing a successful manufacturing operation.)
Mike explains the strategic partnership between the two companies. He reveals the crucial decisions and investments that were made to improve their manufacturing capabilities, particularly in copper plating. The discussion also touches on the changing technological landscape, emphasizing IPS's commitment to innovation and client support, which has greatly contributed to Alpha Circuit’s growth and operational excellence.
Marcy LaRont: Mike, let's talk about your partnership with Alpha Circuit in building the new fabrication facility. Barry Matties recently toured Alpha’s new facility, and Alpha CEO, Prashant Patel, took Barry through the journey of standing up the facility from the lens of an industry outsider. Tell us about what you put into place for them.
Mike Brask: When we started working with Alpha Circuit on its new facility, Prashant was transparent and resolute about his needs. Being new in the marketplace, he surrounded himself with an excellent team of professionals who provided insight into where he could save money and where he should spend it.
From the standpoint of lifespan and turnover of equipment, there were smaller pieces in his shop where he was comfortable buying an offshore product at a lower price because he expected to get a short lifespan out of it, which would be easier to change out if needed. But for the investment of a large, high-end plating line, he was encouraged to use a U.S. manufacturer. Prashant liked the idea of having that in his backyard.
He also still owned the older facility, Alpha Circuit One, which was running in parallel to this new facility being built. In that, he had a lot of dated equipment. Based on that, he knew copper plating was an area where Alpha Circuit needed to enhance its capabilities and where Prashant knew they needed a strong supplier partner. He selected IPS because we have a good reputation with bigger lines and, importantly, the service and support that goes along with keeping something that large running. We right-sized the line for his shop, not just for his immediate needs, but for his future growth, putting in via fill and other high-end features that they are already taking advantage of.
After the line was installed, we stayed in close contact and worked through different technology issues as they were learning how to run the new shop. Lately, we've been working with them on increasing plating speeds and providing alternative solutions, such as adjusting certain consumable parts which have allowed them to increase the ASF and reduce plating times. They're just implementing those things now. We've been available days, nights, and weekends to support them when and where it’s needed.
LaRont: In implementing an expansion, it is critical to have a supplier that will be there.
Brask: Whether it's Prashant who calls me or any of his key people, they all get the same high level of attention and response.
LaRont: About a year ago, IPS had begun networking its equipment and offering data management to customers. Is this a high-demand area for IPS?
To read this entire conversation, which appeared in the July 2024 issue of PCB007 Magazine, click here.
