-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- I-Connect007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current Issue
Beyond the Rulebook
What happens when the rule book is no longer useful, or worse, was never written in the first place? In today’s fast-moving electronics landscape, we’re increasingly asked to design and build what has no precedent, no proven path, and no tidy checklist to follow. This is where “Design for Invention” begins.
March Madness
From the growing role of AI in design tools to the challenge of managing cumulative tolerances, these articles in this issue examine the technical details, design choices, and manufacturing considerations that determine whether a board works as intended.
Looking Forward to APEX EXPO 2026
I-Connect007 Magazine previews APEX EXPO 2026, covering everything from the show floor to the technical conference. For PCB designers, we move past the dreaded auto-router and spotlight AI design tools that actually matter.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - I-Connect007 Magazine
Top Investment Certification on 2nd Anniversary Boosts ESCATEC’s European Presence
June 9, 2025 | ESCATECEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Two significant milestones in recent days by ESCATEC’s business unit in Bulgaria adds much momentum to the EMS provider’s strategy to nearshore cost-effective and high-quality electronics assembly and plastic moulding services for its customers in the European Union.
ESCATEC Bulgaria (EBG), the Group’s ninth production facility, celebrated its 2nd anniversary in early June with its value proposition generating rapid growth in both capabilities and clientele. The occasion became more memorable by news that the Bulgarian government had awarded its prestigious Investment Class A certification to the company.
EBG’s Investment Class A status followed a comprehensive evaluation process by Bulgaria’s Ministry of Economy and Industry, and acknowledges the company’s compliance with stringent investment and employment criteria. It confers significant benefits to EBG, including expedited administrative procedures, personalised government support, financial incentives for infrastructure development and employee training, and preferential rights to acquire state or municipal property near its operations.
These advantages will facilitate EBG’s goals of expanding production services, onboarding new customers, and growing into ESCATEC’s key hub for electronics assembly and plastic moulding in Europe.
“ESCATEC Bulgaria is a cornerstone of our European strategy. The Class A investment certificate validates our commitment to contribute towards Bulgaria’s economic development and job creation and will further empower us to scale operations in Europe,” said ESCATEC CEO Charles-Alexandre Albin.
ESCATEC choose to locate EBG in Plovdiv (E.U. member Bulgaria’s second-largest city) in view of its large skilled workforce, large industrial base, and efficient transport links that provide convenient access to the wider European market.
The 4000m² facility has a full complement of advanced machinery (including two SMT lines, reflow ovens, AOI and Pick-and-Place stations, high-speed SPI stations, soldering and x-ray machines, laser markers, Kardex vertical carousel storage, testing stations, and four plastic injection moulding machines) for vertical integration of electronics assembly and plastic moulding.
ESCATEC remains committed to expanding its global production footprint and capabilities to cater to customers that are in the process of bringing new technologies and products to market, noted Albin. The Group already offers a full spectrum of EMS services - from design & development to certification to mass manufacturing and after-sales support - across electronics, mechatronics, machining, MOEMS, box build, and plastic moulding.
Testimonial
"The I-Connect007 team is outstanding—kind, responsive, and a true marketing partner. Their design team created fresh, eye-catching ads, and their editorial support polished our content to let our brand shine. Thank you all! "
Sweeney Ng - CEE PCBSuggested Items
May SMT007 Magazine: Putting North America in Focus
05/04/2026 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamA North America spotlight exploring tariffs, reshoring, AI demand, and supply chain challenges. Plus, insights on cybersecurity, workforce development, and the evolving role of U.S. electronics manufacturing. Read this issue of SMT007 Magazine now and see where the region is headed.
It’s Only Common Sense: The Phone Is Still Your Competitive Advantage
05/04/2026 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: It's Only Common SenseI know this is about the millionth column that I’ve written on this subject, but salespeople still aren’t getting it. Let’s stop pretending that the phone stopped working. You just stopped using it. Salespeople have convinced themselves that email is efficient, LinkedIn messages are strategic, and that marketing automation is scale. Yes, maybe, but none of that replaces a real conversation. The phone, it turns out, may be your unfair advantage.
EPTAC Expands. New HQ in Salem, NH, Draws Industry Leaders
04/30/2026 | EPTAC CorporationEPTAC, a global leader in electronics manufacturing training, has opened its new corporate headquarters and training facility in Salem, New Hampshire, expanding its capacity to support workforce development across North America.
Hon Hai, Mitsubishi Electric Exploring Automotive Equipment Business in MOU
04/29/2026 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd. (Foxconn) and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore a strategic alliance through joint operation of the automotive equipment business.
Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘The Next RenAIssance: AI and the Expansion of Human Potential’
04/29/2026 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: Dan's Biz BookshelfZack Kass delivers something truly special in "The Next RenAIssance: AI and the Expansion of Human Potential," a book that doesn’t just explain artificial intelligence—it reframes how we think about our future as individuals, leaders, and innovators. Written in a tone that is both accessible and deeply insightful, Kass manages to turn a complex, often intimidating subject into an energizing call to action. This is not a book about machines replacing humans. It’s a book about humans becoming more of who they’re capable of being.