Learning with Leo: Drones—Meeting Demand Without Compromise
Nolan’s Notes: Our Spotlight on North America
Global Sourcing Spotlight: Building a Supply Chain That Bends, Not Breaks
Leadership Change at Koh Young Europe
August 14, 2025 | Koh YoungEstimated reading time: 1 minute
After 16 years of leading Koh Young Europe as General Manager, we would like to announce that Harald Eppinger will step down from his executive role.
The operational leadership of Koh Young Europe will be handed over to two well-known and experienced team members:
Solin Ahmad and Michael Zahn will jointly lead the European subsidiary moving forward.
This next-generation leadership marks a strategic milestone for KYE, ensuring continued growth and success, as achieved over the past 16 years. It reflects our commitment to adapting to evolving customer needs, global market dynamics, and the many challenges shaping our industry. At the same time, Harald Eppinger will continue to support Koh Young as Senior Consultant for the next two years, supporting and advising where needed.
Harald Eppinger states:
“Having reached retirement age after 49 years in the electronics industry, it gives me great confidence to see the future of KYE in such capable hands. Solin and Michael have been passionate team members for many years. They are highly qualified, full of ideas, and ready to take responsibility — to lead the team and shape the future of KYE.”
Share on:
Testimonial
"Your magazines are a great platform for people to exchange knowledge. Thank you for the work that you do."
Simon Khesin - Schmoll MaschinenSuggested Items
American Made Advocacy: Rebuilding America’s Military Stockpiles Begins With Microelectronics
04/28/2026 | Shane Whiteside -- Column: American Made AdvocacyCurrent world events demonstrate the fragility of long-distance supply chains transiting multiple zones of conflict. The U.S. military is currently drawing down supplies of key munitions and other electronic systems at unprecedented rates.1Every one of those systems is powered by printed circuit boards. The American PCB industry has kept pace with peacetime demand for the defense industry, but will now be called upon to increase production to a wartime footing at rates not seen in decades.
Changing Times: Siemens Plans to Sell Former Mentor Graphics Wilsonville Campus
04/22/2026 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Siemens announced it will be selling its Wilsonville, Oregon, property, which has served as the campus for Mentor Graphics, which was later acquired by German EDA-giant Siemens, as reported by The Oregonian on April 20. Siemens will maintain one building on the sprawling 53-acre campus, citing the move to hybrid and remote work over the past few years as a key factor in the decision.
New EIPC President: Building Strength Through Unity in Europe’s Electronics Industry
04/14/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Industry veteran Rico Schluter, newly appointed president of EIPC, discusses his decades-long journey through the European PCB industry and his vision for its future. From building advanced manufacturing operations to leading large-scale facility development in Lithuania, Rico shares insights into automation, workforce evolution, and the challenges of scaling production. He emphasizes the urgent need for stronger collaboration across European industry organizations to effectively influence policy in Brussels, particularly around supply chain resilience, trade regulations, and energy-related incentives.
New SMT007 Magazine: Wire Harness Solutions
04/01/2026 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamIn the new issue of SMT007 Magazine, explore what’s shaping wire harness manufacturing and how new solutions are helping companies streamline operations and better support EMS providers. Hear from experts at the Wire Harness Manufacturer’s Association, companies advancing automated quoting, and see how these shifts are influencing production in one of the world’s largest wire harness hubs: Mexico.
SMTA Dallas Expo & Tech Forum: A National-level Local Event
03/31/2026 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Gary Tanel is the long-time chapter president of SMTA Dallas. He has been active in the industry for many years, retiring from Texas Instruments and Raytheon and then starting his own contract manufacturing company. He has been on the board of directors of SMTA and has held every office at the national and local level. He has received both the Founder’s and the Excellence in Leadership Awards from SMTA. Gary has been the SMTA Dallas Expo chair for many years, including for the 23rd annual show.