A Conversation with Andy Michniewicz

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

AM: We are in the process of building a team here in the US as well as in China, and we will grow the team as the demand requires. We have local technical support that has, as a team, over 80 years of experience in the PCB industry.

DB: You mentioned service earlier, so let’s focus on that for a minute. How do you service your customers now and how will you service your new customers in the future? 

AM: The organization is such that we have local reps near to the accounts and, if needed, our technical staff will be on a plane or in a car within hours of a need arising. The staff is set up with 24/7 coverage, so the client is never without a resource to call upon.

DB: Let’s get back to the company. What is Gultech’s vision for the future? Where do they want to be in three years, or in five years? I’m talking North America and globally as well. 

AM: With the new plant on board and becoming fully operational, they plan on doubling in revenues in the next 2-3 years while maintaining their high standard for quality.

DB: From what I know and what you have said, I consider Gultech as one of companies that exemplify the future of the PCB industry. What are your thoughts about that? 

AM: Without a doubt, they have restructured their plants to be totally in-line processing-wise, and eliminated WIP. And the cleanliness is remarkable, considering it is a PCB house. They have gone to the extent of slip-sheeting 100% of the product throughout the process while color-coding the slip sheets by area to avoid any cross-contamination.

DB: Andy, how do you see the PCB market today? Where do you think we are going?

AM: The marketplace is strong and growing. Virtually every product made today has some form of electronics in it, and that is usually mounted on a PCB, so the market will only grow.

DB: As Thomas Friedman, said the world is getting flatter, which means that boundaries are coming down in terms of the ability for worldwide trade. Let me put you on the spot. Are there any plans for a Gultech North America facility in the future near of far? 

AM: I do not believe so, as the cost of making PCBs in the US is not competitive, as evidenced by the amount of PCB houses that have closed over the past 10 years.

DB: Well, now it’s your turn. Do you have any last comments before we wrap this up?

AM: Just that I’ve been in the PCB industry for close to 40 years, and there are few things that I have not seen. I joined Gul 20 years ago and it has been a very rewarding journey watching them develop into a grade A PCB shop. It did not happen overnight, and it took a lot of hard work, but the rewards are gratifying.

DB: Thanks for your time, Andy.

AM: Thank you, Dan.

I found this an amazing story, one that goes beyond just one company, exemplifying the globalization in our industry, and in all industries and businesses throughout the world. In my conversation with Andy, I also found out that Gultech has a strong history in Formula One racing, having supplied Regal Flex for the engine control for Michael Schumacher’s car when he won his initial World Championship titles. Gultech also did some of the work on some of the first Compaq notebook computers using Regal Flex technology in volume, connecting the screen to the motherboard.

The Gultech story is one that certainly bears close watching, which is something that I plan to do. I’ll be checking in with Andy in a few months for the next episode as this PCB drama unfolds. Stay tuned.

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