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Current IssueThe Hole Truth: Via Integrity in an HDI World
From the drilled hole to registration across multiple sequential lamination cycles, to the quality of your copper plating, via reliability in an HDI world is becoming an ever-greater challenge. This month we look at “The Hole Truth,” from creating the “perfect” via to how you can assure via quality and reliability, the first time, every time.
In Pursuit of Perfection: Defect Reduction
For bare PCB board fabrication, defect reduction is a critical aspect of a company's bottom line profitability. In this issue, we examine how imaging, etching, and plating processes can provide information and insight into reducing defects and increasing yields.
Voices of the Industry
We take the pulse of the PCB industry by sharing insights from leading fabricators and suppliers in this month's issue. 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.
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I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Top Five Must-Reads for the Week
April 7, 2023 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

The adage about spring weather in Northern temperate climates is, “April showers bring May flowers.” This is, of course, on the heels of March, when the weather comes “In like a lion, out like a lamb.” The suggestion for March is that whatever way the month starts, it will end just the opposite. But we’re in the first week of April, where things are expected to settle into a steady state of preparation for an abundance just over the horizon. Sound a bit like our business climate right now, doesn’t it?
This week my editor’s picks include news of abundance: SMTC goes private, Flex gets kudos from General Motors, Zentech’s leadership changes, and local expos seem to be thriving—at least in Texas. Last but not least, this week we combine two interviews into a single news item covering the Presidential Determination that directly affects the electronics manufacturing industry. If you’re not sure what that is, never fear. These two interviews below will give you clarity.
SMTC Corporation Announces Completion of Investment by H.I.G. Capital
Published April 4
SMTC, a major player in the EMS sector on a global scale, has just gone private with this purchase transaction with H.I.G. Capital. The deal is reported to have a transaction price of $43 billion. For many companies in a dynamic market with a shifting competitive landscape, going private can be an advantage. SMTC’s move to private equity fits that trend.
Zentech Appoints Mike Buseman as President & CEO
Published April 5
Mike Buseman officially takes the helm from Zentech President and CEO Steve Pudles on April 10. In the announcement, Buseman said, “These are extraordinary times for U.S. manufacturing, and I am excited about our next stage of growth. Together with the team, we will continue to partner with our customers as a trusted source to deliver their mission critical manufacturing solutions. There are many opportunities ahead and we will double-down to drive even higher performance for our customers, our employees, and our stakeholders.” Mike, these an interesting times for our industry, and we wish you much success.
Serving up SMTA—Texas Style
Published April 3
Last week, Barry Matties attended the SMTA Dallas Expo and the SMTA Houston Expo. In this report from the file, Barry shares his impressions of this “Texas Two Step” of industry gatherings, including plenty of photographs and a video. Catch up with what an SMTA local chapter expo looks like.
Flex Recognized as a 2022 Supplier of the Year by General Motors
Published April 6
“Each year, GM's Supplier of the Year recipients are selected by a global, cross-functional GM team for their performance in criteria such Product Purchasing, Global Purchasing and Manufacturing Services, Customer Care and Aftersales and Logistics.” This news piece announces that Flex has indeed been recognized as a 2022 GM Supplier of the Year. With all the supply chain and other challenges, supplying the “just in time” auto manufacturers can be a challenge.
And finally, a two-fer:
Deciphering the Presidential Determination
Published April 3
PCBAA Reacts to Implications of Biden’s PCB Determination
Published April 5
My final pick is not a single news item, but rather a single story with two complementary reports. On March 27, 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden issued a Presidential Determination recognizing the printed circuit industry as important to U.S. strategic defenses. This determination changes some of the rules of engagement between U.S. DoD and the electronics manufacturing industries. These two interviews discuss the implications of this change with representatives from PCAA and IPC. I believe as you listen to these two conversations, you’ll get a clearer picture about how this affects our industry.
Suggested Items
NEPCON ASIA 2025: Innovating Smart Manufacturing Ecosystems and Bridging Global Opportunities
07/11/2025 | PRNewswireTaking place from October 28 to 30, 2025 at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center (Bao'an), NEPCON ASIA is the premier platform to discover the latest technologies and market trends, connect with new suppliers and products, and explore potential partnerships and distribution opportunities.
Mycronic Delivers Strong Q2 Performance and Raises 2025 Outlook to SEK 7.5 Billion
07/11/2025 | MycronicMycronic reported a 35% increase in Q2 net sales and a 27% EBIT margin, prompting an upward revision of its full-year 2025 revenue forecast to SEK 7.5 billion.
Cetec ERP Expands into Larger Office to Support Continued Growth
07/11/2025 | Cetec ERPCetec ERP, a leading provider of cloud-based ERP software for manufacturers, has officially relocated to a larger, modern office facility in central Austin as of July 2, 2025.
Digital Twin Concept in Copper Electroplating Process Performance
07/11/2025 | Aga Franczak, Robrecht Belis, Elsyca N.V.PCB manufacturing involves transforming a design into a physical board while meeting specific requirements. Understanding these design specifications is crucial, as they directly impact the PCB's fabrication process, performance, and yield rate. One key design specification is copper thieving—the addition of “dummy” pads across the surface that are plated along with the features designed on the outer layers. The purpose of the process is to provide a uniform distribution of copper across the outer layers to make the plating current density and plating in the holes more uniform.
Kitron Reports Strengthening Momentum in Q2 2025
07/10/2025 | KitronKitron reported solid quarterly sales and profits, particularly driven by the Defence & Aerospace market sector.