Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Four Important Books You Need to Read (Not Just Say You Have)
Marcy’s Musings: Advancing the Advanced Materials Discussion
The Marketing Minute: Cracking the Code of Technical Marketing
Grow, Pause, Grow: A Report From SMTA Guadalajara
September 12, 2024 | Nolan Johnson, PCB007Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Two years ago, the EMS industry in Mexico—spurred by the EV and medical markets, and accelerated by changing trade relations with China—was growing by leaps and bounds. In fact, recently, SMT007 Magazine reported on the near-shoring effects. This week’s SMTA Guadalajara Expo and Tech Forum reflects that growth through the show’s rapid expansion and high-energy enthusiasm.
There is a definite bustle here, despite first-hand reports from many EMS providers of a drop in revenues compared to the peaks in 2022 and 2023. This drop in sales, along with the glut in factory capacity which follows, is not a dark foreboding, however. The dynamic I hear described is that OEMs, seeing a pause in demand for their products, are pausing (not canceling) their EMS work. In turn, the EMS companies, faced with a pause in orders, have paused some of their capacity build-out.
Long-term investment, it appears, is still under way in the region. Multiple equipment suppliers are investing in local staff and support infrastructure to better support their Mexican customers. Meanwhile the business in South America continues to expand and to invest.
Judging from what I’m picking up on the show floor, this pause in the Mexican market is being used to take a breath, optimize existing capabilities across the supply chain, and get ready for the return of the growth phase.
Share on:
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
Redwire Announces Contract to Deliver Stalker Uncrewed Aerial Systems to Another European NATO Ally
09/18/2025 | BUSINESS WIRERedwire Corporation, a global leader in space and defense technology solutions, announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Edge Autonomy, has been awarded a contract from an undisclosed European NATO country to deliver its Edge Autonomy Stalker Group 2 fixed wing uncrewed aerial system (UAS) to perform long-range reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.
Medical Device OEM/ODM/CDMO Industry Forecast: CAGR of 7.5% to 2031 Amid Growing Healthcare Innovation
09/17/2025 | PRNewswireThe global market for Medical Device OEM/ODM/CDMO was valued at US$ 115434 million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of US$ 191760 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period.
Richardson Electronics Appoints Daniel Albers to Drive Made-in-USA Contract Manufacturing Expansion
09/17/2025 | Globe NewswireRichardson Electronics, Ltd., a global provider of engineered solutions for the green energy, power management, and custom display markets, announced the appointment of Daniel Albers to spearhead business development for its expanded, Made-in-USA contract manufacturing efforts.
India’s Aerospace and Defence Engineered for Power, Driven by Electronics
09/16/2025 | Gaurab Majumdar, Global Electronics AssociationWith a defence budget of $82.05 billion (2025–26) and a massive $223 billion earmarked for aerospace and defence spending over the next decade, India is rapidly positioning itself as a major player in the global defence and aerospace market.
VIDEOTON EAS's Bulgarian Subsidiary Expands Into Automotive Products
09/15/2025 | VideotonVEAS Bulgaria, engaged in electronics manufacturing, has joined the ranks of VIDEOTON companies authorized to produce automotive products.