Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Dream First, Details Later
Happy’s Tech Talk #40: Factors in PTH Reliability—Hole Voids
Facing the Future: Time for Real Talk, Early and Often, Between Design and Fabrication
CMK Hits the Gas on Automotive PCBs
April 14, 2023 | Kelly Dack, CID+, EPTACEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Guest Editor Kelly Dack recently spoke with Mike Meyer, senior business development manager for CMK Americas, which specializes in manufacturing PCBs for the automotive sector. In this interview, they discuss CMK’s latest developments, trends in the global automotive market, and why they plan to expand their facility in Thailand.
Kelly Dack: Mike, nice to meet you. Tell us a little about CMK. What’s your sweet spot?
Mike Meyer: Absolutely. We are a Japanese-based printed circuit board manufacturer. Our headquarters are in Tokyo. We have manufacturing locations in Japan, China, and Thailand. We're primarily automotive-based. About 80% of our business is in the automotive industry.
Dack: Let's zoom in on the automotive industry. What are some special considerations for automotive PCBs?
Meyer: Well, quality and reliability are two of the requirements if you want to be a PCB supplier in the automotive industry. Also, you really need a global presence and the ability to support other types of initiatives like warehousing and things like that. This is something that we're really pretty good at. Very few people know that CMK is actually one of the world's largest automotive printed circuit board companies. That's because up until now, we’ve primarily done business with other Japanese automotive electronics companies. So what we're trying to do now is to start to expand that into non-Japanese car companies as well.
Dack: How about capability? Designers are always asking about capabilities.
Meyer: Sure. The bulk of our business is your standard multilayer, HDI, 10-layer, 12-layer, and 3-N-3 type product, which is typically going into your automotive applications. But we do have some capabilities like rigid-flex, metal-bonded boards and things like that for thermal management that we're able to do as well.
Dack: Very good. Now, why Thailand?
Meyer: When you consider what's happening right now on a global basis, we're very strategically located—not only in Japan and China, but also in Thailand. In fact, Thailand is the location where we're anticipating the most growth. In fact, it's public knowledge already that we are planning to expand that facility in anticipation of folks wanting to explore options outside of China.
Dack: That's the way it's going, right?
Meyer: Yes, it is. If you pay attention to the news and what's happening in the industry, there's a lot of interest in Thailand. In fact, we know that some other printed circuit board manufacturers are interested in moving into that region. We believe we have an advantage because we've been there since 2007. We’re very well established there and have a great facility which is very capable and, quite frankly, it will soon have a lot more capacity.
Dack: Thanks for speaking with me, Mike.
Meyer: Thank you. I appreciate it.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Stop Using Spreadsheets—and You Can Quote Me on That
07/03/2025 | Nolan Johnson, SMT007 MagazineMeeting changing business needs and a thriving market sometimes means process efficiencies. Not all those efficiency improvements take place on the shop floor, however. For EMS companies, growth can also mean changing out the business operations software to have one more chance to close a business deal that better aligns with the company’s sweet spot. One of the pressing issues for EMS companies is the great deal of attention on sales and quoting software solutions and how to make them perform better. Chintan Sutaria, the founder and former CEO of CalcuQuote now working on other projects at OpenJar, explains.
It’s Only Common Sense: Selling to Today's Generation of Buyers
06/30/2025 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: It's Only Common SenseMillennials and Gen Z hold significant purchasing power and influence in industries worldwide. Selling to them requires adapting to their unique preferences, behaviors, and values, and exploring their buying habits, embracing their emphasis on social values, and mastering digital communication. Unlike previous generations, they prioritize experiences, sustainability, and value.
Global Sourcing Spotlight: Evaluating a Supplier’s Capabilities
06/18/2025 | Bob Duke -- Column: Global Sourcing SpotlightGlobal sourcing is essential for companies looking to improve cost efficiency, access innovation, and optimize supply chains. Successfully identifying and collaborating with the right suppliers on a global scale requires rigorous evaluation processes. Businesses must ensure suppliers meet industry standards, are financially stable, and can scale alongside their growth.
Priority Software Appoints Ben Karniel as Chief Revenue Officer to Spearhead Global Growth
06/12/2025 | Priority SoftwarePriority Software, a leading provider of scalable and agile cloud-based business management solutions, proudly announces the appointment of Ben Karniel as its new Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), effective May 1, 2025. This strategic addition to the executive team underscores Priority's commitment to expand its global footprint.
Priority Software Announces the New, Game-Changing aiERP
06/12/2025 | Priority SoftwarePriority Software Ltd., a leading global provider of ERP and business management software announces its revolutionary aiERP, leveraging the power of AI to transform business operations.