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I-Connect007 Editor's Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
February 7, 2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

From UHDI to DesignCon to IMAPS and IPC APEX EXPO, we are in the full swing of the U.S. trade show season. The I-Connect007 Editorial Team has been covering these important events and topics. You’ll find all that coverage and more on our website, so please check it out.
For my top picks this week, I wanted to highlight some other important content we’ve featured. First is the incomparable Stephen Chavez, who provides insight into what the future PCB designer will look like. Bob Duke of American Standard outlines the seven key challenges he sees in offshore manufacturing. We move seamlessly from there to tariffs, one of today’s most talked about topics. Jeffrey Beauchamp of NCAB looks back at a recent timeline regarding tariffs, and it’s quite interesting. I’m also pointing you toward a feature on a thriving EMS company in Malaysia, one of the two most popular locations for China Plus One manufacturing expansions. Finally, we acknowledge the expansion news of a long-time PCB and EMS global supplier.
The PCB Designer of the Future: Blending Innovation, Technology, and Sustainability
Published January 30
Stephen (Steph) Chavez of Siemens never disappoints in his contributions to the PCB design community. In the January issue of Design007 Magazine, Steph addresses the interesting topic of “designers of the future,” highlighting popular topics like the reality of AI-augmented creativity, a more energetic focus on sustainability advocacy, and the need for the new age of designers to possess more interdisciplinary expertise. Though focused on the PCB designer of the future, this is informative and quite applicable (in my opinion) for all of us, regardless of the particular part of our industry you happen to fall into.
Global Sourcing Spotlight: Seven Key Challenges in Offshore Manufacturing
Published February 5
From managing long lead-times to shipping and logistics issues, Bob Duke provides a comprehensive look at the challenges in choosing to manufacture your products offshore. Though focused on the U.S., these things ring true no matter where you happen to be headquartered. As we have all come to know well, it is not always about the piece price. Total cost of manufacturing matters, and now more than ever. Take a couple of minutes with this quick read.
Fresh PCB Concepts: Tariffs and the Importance of a Diverse Supply Chain
Published February 6
NCAB’s Jeff Beauchamp shares his predictions about tariffs under the new U.S. administration. “President Donald Trump has said multiple times he will increase tariffs on goods from China from anywhere between 25% to 60%,” he writes. “The potential domestic and international economic impact of these tariffs could lead to increased inflation and trade wars, as well as major disruptions in the global supply chain.” In light of a colleague’s recent trip to Thailand to audit factories that are meant to offer a cost-competitive alternative to China, he outlines a tariff’s timeline from 2018 to present.
Siti's Recipe for Success: Siti Wahab's Thriving EMS Business in Malaysia
Published February 5
CG Global Profastex Manufacturing Sdn. Bh., in Malaysia is a thriving woman-owned EMS business profiled in the Winter issue of IPC Community. Siti Padillah Binti Abdul Wahab, shares her “simple” recipe for success, but when is success ever simple, even if the principles behind it are? Siti graduated college and started her manufacturing career at the age of 20. She says that through resilience and determination, she has continued to chart her company’s course toward ever-increasing success. If you are looking for a little inspiration this Friday, read on.
Technica USA Expands Partnership with ASMPT to Southern California and Southern Nevada
Published February 5
Technica USA announced an expansion with its partner ASMPT this week, creating a larger presence on the West Coast in Southern California and Southern Nevada, and illustrating once again a certain level of robustness in the North American PCB and EMS markets. This year, Technica celebrates the impressive milestone of 40 years serving the industry. I happen to know that there is a lot going on at Technica these days, and this expansion is just part of it. Stay tuned for more as we approach IPC APEX EXPO in March.
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The Test Connection, Inc. (TTCI) to Discuss Electronic Test & Manufacturing at the SMTA Capital Expo
04/15/2025 | The Test Connection Inc.The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a leading provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions, is pleased to announce its participation in the SMTA Capital Expo & Tech Forum on May 8, 2025, at the Waterford Springfield in Arlington, Virginia.
SAA and ASMPT Honored with Technica USA’s 2024 Supplier Alliance Awards
04/15/2025 | Technica USATechnica USA was pleased to announce the recipients of its 2024 Supplier Alliance Awards, presented at the 2025 IPC/APEX Expo in Anaheim, California. These prestigious awards recognize outstanding suppliers in the PCB fabrication and PCB assembly sectors, honoring those who go above and beyond in aligning their resources, initiatives, and expertise with Technica’s mission to achieve unparalleled success.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: GreenSource's Growth and Future Developments
04/15/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOThings are looking bright for GreenSource. Michael Gleason shares an update on GreenSource's recent growth and upcoming changes. A recipient of a Defense Production Act Investment Program award, GreenSource is planning for new substrate capabilities. Current investments continue to enhance equipment and sustainability initiatives such as water quality. And their unique collaboration with the University of New Hampshire continues to aid their workforce development, despite recruitment challenges.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Exploring LCP Materials with Matrix Electronics
04/15/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPONolan Johnson introduces Robert Berg from Matrix Electronics, highlighting the company's focus on high-speed, low-loss flexible materials, especially LCP materials. LCP (liquid crystal polymer) is a thermal plastic with unique properties that make it ideal for advanced PCB applications. Despite processing challenges, its stability and FDA approval for medical use drive interest in aerospace and medical markets.
Industry Voices Highlighted in the April 2025 Issue of PCB007 Magazine
04/15/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamWe take the pulse of the PCB industry by sharing insights from leading fabricators and suppliers in this month's issue of PCB007 Magazine. We've gathered their thoughts on the new U.S. administration, spending, the war in Ukraine, and their most pressing needs. It’s an eye-opening and enlightening look behind the curtain.