Learning With Leo: What Is the Cost of Quality Brought About by Training?
Nolan’s Notes: A Tribute to Iola—and Automation
Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Solderability Test Methods, Myths, and Realities
Building PCBs and Policy in Europe: Group ACB Champions Advocacy, Standards Development, and Technical Leadership
October 30, 2025 | Linda Stepanich, Community MagazineEstimated reading time: 1 minute
How does a European PCB manufacturer navigate the competitive manufacturing landscape in Europe? By participating in standards development committee meetings, testifying before the European Commission on industry issues, and sponsoring hand-soldering competitions in the region.
Group ACB, based in France and Belgium, focuses on high-reliability applications. The 37-year-old company is also active in the Global Electronics Association, giving credit for helping ACB to raise awareness of electronics manufacturing in Europe.
“In fact, our largest PCB plant is in Belgium,” says Joachim Verhegge, plant director. “It is convenient that we are close to Brussels because the decision-making happens in Brussels.”
Kevin Tastets, group sales director, agrees. “In the U.S., you have the CHIPS Act, and we have set up the same thing in Europe with the European Chips Act,” he says. “The Association is very active in this, and since we are a key player in the supply chain in Europe, this is a critical issue for us. We advocate for the industry by telling the European Commission that we need a supply chain in Europe, we need some players, and some independent supply for critical projects. During COVID-19, for example, when we had a shortage of respirators, the politicians discovered what happens when you depend on another continent.”
Advocacy at the EU Level: Making PCBs Visible in Brussels
PCB fabricators have learned they needed to raise a common voice for Europe, “because we are not too organized on a national level,” Kevin says. “For example, there is the French Association, the Italian Association, the German Association, and the UK— even if they are not part of the European Union they are still part of the European continent—and the Global Electronics Association can have a voice to speak for all the countries.”
Continue reading this article in the Fall 2025 issue of Community Magazine.
Share on:
Testimonial
"Advertising in PCB007 Magazine has been a great way to showcase our bare board testers to the right audience. The I-Connect007 team makes the process smooth and professional. We’re proud to be featured in such a trusted publication."
Klaus Koziol - atgSuggested Items
Global Electronics Association to Testify at USMCA Public Hearing; Industry Expert Chris Mitchell Available for Interviews
12/02/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationChris Mitchell, Vice President for Global Government Relations at the Global Electronics Association, will testify before the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Review Hearing on Thursday, December 4, outlining the electronics industry’s priorities for strengthening North America’s competitiveness and supply-chain resilience.
The Government Circuit: USMCA Review—A Crucial Opportunity to Fortify North American Electronics
12/02/2025 | Chris Mitchell -- Column: The Government CircuitAs the 2026 review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) approaches, policymakers have a rare opportunity to reinforce a partnership that powers their shared competitiveness, resilience, and growth. That is the message that I will have the honor of delivering on behalf of the Global Electronics Association in a public hearing at the U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington on Dec. 4. We’ve also submitted our views formally to the U.S. Trade Representative, and we’ve shared our position far and wide.
October EMS Trends Show Stabilizing Market and Building Momentum for 2026
11/28/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationThe Global Electronics Association announced the October 2025 findings from its North American Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.26.
October PCB Shipments Surge 24% as Bookings Soar 41%, Marking Strong Start to Q4
11/26/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationThe Global Electronics Association announced the October 2025 findings from its North American Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.00.
The Global Electronics Association Launches Double Materiality Assessment Toolkit to Support the Electronics Industry with Sustainability Reporting Compliance
11/20/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationThe Global Electronics Association announced the release of its Double Materiality Assessment (DMA) Toolkit, designed to help companies efficiently navigate the complex reporting requirements of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).