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I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

This week, we bring you Global Electronics Association’s Chris Mitchell’s government relations column on—you guessed it—trade deals. TTM is balancing its facilities between East and West. The Global Electronics Association released July numbers for North American PCB shipments, and the news is good. Meanwhile, the corresponding report for EMS might seem like bad news, but that’s misleading. Be sure to look deeper for the rest of the story. Finally, for a bit space-science palate cleansing, I’m sharing news of the latest launch of NASA’s X-37B.

Integrated Solutions for Board-level Reliability: A Smarter Path Forward

In today’s electronics manufacturing landscape, reliability is no longer just a benchmark but a business imperative. As industries such as automotive, aerospace, and high-performance computing (HPC) push the boundaries of innovation, the demand for dependable board-level performance under extreme conditions has never been greater.

Coming Soon: The Advanced Electronics Packaging Digest

The upcoming Advanced Electronics Packaging Digest is a curated, condensed monthly publication designed to keep you informed and engaged with the fast-moving world of advanced electronics packaging (AEP). In our inaugural September issue, we will begin at the foundation with an in-depth interview featuring Matt Kelly, CTO of the Global Electronics Association. Kelly and his Technology Solutions Team approach advanced packaging from a holistic systems perspective.

The Hidden Geography of Electronics: Rethinking Trade, Inputs, and Strategic Advantage

Beneath the surface of debates about reshoring, tariffs, and supply chain resilience lies a deeper reality: Global electronics manufacturing is increasingly driven by the flow of inputs, not just the shipment of final goods. Electronics manufacturing is not just global; it is globally interdependent. In 2023 (the most recent data available), electronics trade reached $4.4 trillion, accounting for more than 20% of total global merchandise trade.

Standard of Friendship: Debbie McDade and Symon Franklin Went From Classmates to Colleagues

As a fairly new IPC Master Trainer, I nervously attended my first IPC committee meeting in 2002 in New Orleans—a 4,600-mile trip from my home in the UK—for the IPC-610 Task Group. With more than 250 members, it was the largest IPC committee at that time.

I-Connect007 Editor's Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

In this week’s roundup, we have a variety of articles covering design, manufacturing, sustainability, and, of course, tariff negotiations. We have a milestone anniversary to celebrate as well, with Dan Beaulieu about to publish his 1,000th column. When does Dan even sleep? Here’s to hoping that we have 1,000 more weeks of "It’s Only Common Sense."

The Power Shift in U.S. Manufacturing Ownership

The U.S. manufacturing landscape is driven by reshoring initiatives, supply chain realignments, and a surge of foreign interest. What does that mean for U.S.-based PCB and EMS companies? In this interview, mergers and acquisitions expert Tom Kastner breaks down the forces reshaping the industry—why foreign investors are eager to enter the U.S. market, why many are evaluating greenfield facilities over acquisitions, and why the high-mix, low-volume focus of most domestic shops doesn’t always align with foreign buyers’ goals.

Meet the Round 1 Winners of the Bright Manufacturing Student Challenge 2025

The Bright Manufacturing Student Challenge is an opportunity for student teams to design and develop innovative solutions for real-world electronics manufacturing problems. The eight-week competition, sponsored by the Electronics Manufacturing & Assembly Collaborative (EMAC) through electronicsworkforce.com, allows students to showcase their technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

50% Copper Tariffs, 100% Chip Uncertainty, and a Truce

If you’re like me, tariffs were not on your radar screen until a few months ago, but now political rhetoric has turned to presidential action. Tariffs are front-page news with major developments coming directly from the Oval Office. These are not typical times. President Donald Trump campaigned on tariff reform, and he’s now  busy revamping America’s tariff policy.

Advocates for Electronics: A Government Relations Team Puts Muscle Behind Your Hustle

When Steve Lechtenberg, president and partner of Mectronx in Wisconsin, needed guidance about how PFAS regulations could affect his business, he sent an email to a member of Congress representing his state. That email later resulted in a two-hour in-person meeting with Scott Rausch, one of Sen. Ron Johnson’s team members. “We discussed everything from how the Global Electronics Association helps Mectronx to how small contract manufacturers can compete in today’s global marketplace,” Steve says.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

In our industry, my top reads include Prashant Patel’s overview and argument for reshoring, which I found to be a great general overview and breakdown. In further support of the onshoring/reshoring message, I’m highlighting Nolan Johnson’s interview on the survey and report by the Reshoring Initiative. Check out my interview with USPAE’s Jim Will on the state of the flat panel display (FPD) industry and the risks associated with it for U.S. defense and critical infrastructure products.

Survey Says Reshoring is a TCO Equation

Harry Moser, founder of the Reshoring Initiative, and Kathy Nunnally of Regions Recruiting partnered to survey contract manufacturers and OEMs earlier this year, querying them about their offshoring beliefs and practices. They found that while offshoring, tariffs, trade balances, and the like, are important to a company’s bottom line, there’s a larger and more extensive issue: workforce. In this interview, they detail the results of that survey and what they believe can and should be done to fix this long-standing issue.

Securing the Future: The Battle for America's Flat Panel Display Industry

The production and sourcing of flat panel displays have become a focal point of concern, particularly regarding national security. In this interview, Jim Will, executive director of the U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics (USPAE), provides insights into the essential role of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) in both defense systems and everyday technology. Their conversation delves into the implications of America's dependence on Chinese manufacturers for these critical components, raising alarms about supply chain vulnerabilities amidst rising geopolitical tensions.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

If you’ve been watching the news lately, you might be tempted to opine, “What’s going on here?” In this week’s must-reads, we have a wrap-up of the latest news about U.S. tariffs with Asia, and columnist Tom Yang explains why some PCB fabrication business should remain in China. We also have a piece that examines the unprecedented growth that green manufacturing is expected to see over the next four years.

Strengthening U.S.-Japan Industry Ties

The Global Electronics Association-East Asia (formerly known as IPC East Asia) hosted a high-level Executive Roundtable in Tokyo on March 5, bringing together more than 50 senior executives, policymakers, and experts from Japan’s electronics and manufacturing sectors.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

We start with the latest report from the Global Electronics Association: North American PCB sales are down 8.6% in June. That might sound grim, but keep reading—there’s more to the story. Bookings are holding steady, and Dr. Shawn DuBravac offers context that paints a more balanced picture. Next, we turn our gaze to India, where mobile phone exports have surged 127-fold over the past decade. That stat alone says volumes about India’s emergence as a force in electronics manufacturing, something we’ll be digging into more deeply in an upcoming SMT007 feature.

Solving the Toughest BGA Challenges in Electronics

Since the late 1990s, ball grid array (BGA) packages have emerged as a preferred package style for electronic devices. Compared with high-density ultra-fine pitch quad flat packs (QFPs), BGA packages significantly reduce the required footprint on printed circuit boards (PCBs) by approximately 50%.

Creating Connections in Mexico

A concerted effort by the Global Electronics Association—Mexico team over the past year has created inroads for the Global Electronics Association (formerly IPC) with leading electronics companies, government offices, and academic institutions in Mexico. “Our goal is to bring more awareness to what the Global Electronics Association is and what it offers,” says Lorena Villanueva, senior director. “We also aim to increase our membership. Of 3,200 members of the Global Electronics Association, only 180 are in Mexico.”

From Attraction to Action: Where Marketing Ends and Sales Begins

Before a PO hits the system, marketing has already done a lot of heavy lifting. Without strategic marketing, the PO might never arrive. At I-Connect007, we have been fortunate to help many companies achieve sales success through marketing. The key to success? Understanding how marketing leads to sales.

Thanks a Million: STI Electronics Celebrates Creating 1 Million Power Supply Boards for Night Vision Goggles

In an industry where precision and reliability are paramount, STI Electronics Inc. recently celebrated a remarkable milestone: the production of its 1 millionth power supply board for L3Harris Technologies’ state-of-the-art night vision goggles. This achievement not only marks a significant volume for military electronics manufacturing but also highlights the enduring partnership between STI and L3Harris.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

In industry news this past week, I’m putting a focus on sustainability in electronics by highlighting my interview with Kelly Scanlon and Corey Dehmey, and Nolan Johnson’s Meet the Author podcast with Beth Turner of MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions. I also chose to spotlight the M&A activity and outlook in the U.S. market and regional market news in India and Mexico.

AI-driven MES Rewriting the Rules of Manufacturing Transformation

The Critical Manufacturing MES & Industry 4.0 International Summit, June 12–13, revealed a profound shift in how manufacturers approach digital transformation. AI-enabled execution systems are no longer a future ambition but are essential for navigating complexity and driving change.

Meet the Author: Beth Turner Explores Encapsulating Sustainability for Electronics

In a special Meet the Author edition of On the Line with…, host Nolan Johnson welcomes Beth Turner, senior technical manager at MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions. Beth is the author of The Printed Circuit Assembler’s Guide to… Encapsulating Sustainability for Electronics.

A Vision for India and Beyond: Gaurab Majumdar's Leadership Across the Southern Hemisphere

Gaurab Majumdar, vice president of the Global Electronics Association—India, Southeast Asia, Middle East, and Africa, joined the Global Electronics Association (formerly known as IPC) in 2020 and has taken full advantage of the industry's enormous growth by leading the Global Electronics Association—India to increase membership and certification by 40%, partnering with more than 50 companies to promote the benefits of Association membership, and collaborating with more than 20 government stakeholders. 

Powering Progress: Summer 2025 Community Magazine Now Available

In the new Summer 2025 edition of Community Magazine, members of the Global Electronics Association demonstrate what progress really looks like—through innovation on the factory floor, influence on public policy, and investment in the next generation of engineers.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

It may be the middle of the summer, but the news doesn’t quit, and there’s plenty to talk about this week, whether you’re talking technical or on a global scale. When I have to choose six items instead of my regular five, you know it’s good. I start by highlighting my interview with Martyn Gaudion on his latest book, share some concerning tariff news, follow that up with some promising (and not-so-promising) investments, and feature a paper from last January’s inaugural Pan-European Design Conference.

Reshoring Expert to Speak at WHMA Global Leadership Summit

The 2026 WHMA Annual Global Leadership Summit offers the tools you need to help your business succeed in this industry that constantly evolves with new technology and practices. WHMA's Annual Global Leadership Summit (formerly the WHMA Annual Conference) is a networking event for executives representing wire harness manufacturers, OEMs, and suppliers to companies that build wiring harnesses and cable assemblies.

Staying—and Excelling—in Their Lane

Michael Seltzer, chief commercial officer at Zentech Manufacturing, helps define his company’s niche and why it has mattered to them over nearly three decades. Should a company shift with the markets or stay true to its mission? Find out how Michael has helped the company truly understand its vision.

Hon Hai Research Institute Unveils AI-enabled ModeSeQ

Hon Hai Research Institute (HHRI), an R&D powerhouse of Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), the world’s largest electronics manufacturer and technology service provider, has been recognized for its competitive work in trajectory prediction in autonomous driving technology.

PCBAA’s David Schild: Where U.S. Electronics Manufacturing Stands Today

As the U.S. Congress looks toward a summer break, David Schild of PCBAA discusses the growing momentum in U.S. electronics manufacturing policy, emphasizing bipartisan support for reshoring efforts, the importance of targeted tax incentives, and the challenges posed by global competition. He highlights PCBAA’s growth, advocacy on Capitol Hill, and the need for sustained investment to revitalize the PCB industry.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

This week, we have quite a variety of news items and articles for you. News continues to stream out of Washington, D.C., with tariffs rearing their controversial head again. Because these tariffs are targeted at overseas copper manufacturers, this news has a direct effect on our industry.I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

Seeing a Future in Mexico

The Global Electronics Association (formerly known as IPC) has been instrumental in fostering a partnership with Guanajuato, a state north of Mexico City with 12 industrial clusters and close to 150 companies involved in electronics. This past spring, Alejandro Hernández, the undersecretary for investment promotion in Guanajuato, attended IPC APEX EXPO 2025 at the invitation of IPC Mexico Director Lorena Villanueva, where he met with several companies to discuss the opportunities available in Mexico. He is inviting electronics-related companies seeking long-term investment in a centrally located area with access to highways, railways, and ports.

Webinar Review: A Global Trade and Economy in Flux

In a July 8 webinar, Global Electronics Association Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac provided a comprehensive analysis of the evolving international trade environment, its implications for inflation, monetary policy, and labor dynamics, and a sober assessment of market valuations. In “Navigating a Shifting Landscape” DuBravac painted a picture of a global economy in flux, where shifting trade alliances and tariff structures are redrawing the supply chain map and influencing the broader economic landscape, while also conveying an overall bullish market outlook.

Inside Aimtron’s Cross-border EMS Strategy

Mukesh Vasani immigrated from a very small farming village in India to the U.S. in 1995 as a civil engineer. After shifting into electronics, Mukesh built his Chicago-based company, Aimtron, into a successful enterprise by combining quality with competitive pricing. He leveraged his roots in India to expand manufacturing without compromising on quality.

Be the Partner Engineers Can Rely On

Green Circuits’ unique niche in the electronics manufacturing industry comes partly from its location in Silicon Valley, but also from its specialty of serving up quick-turn prototypes and low-volume work with high-complexity production. In this conversation, CEO Michael Hinshaw emphasizes the value of end-to-end services, especially while the pace of R&D development is accelerating amidst a growing demand for complexity across industries.

I-Connect007’s Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

For our industry, we have seen several bullish market announcements over the past few weeks, including one this week by IDC on the massive growth in the global server market. We’re also closely watching global trade and nearshoring. One good example of successful nearshoring is Rehm Thermal Systems, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in Mexico and the official opening of its new building in Guadalajara.

I-Connect007 Observes U.S. Independence Day Holiday

Today marks the 249th anniversary of the signing of the American Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress. Known widely in the U.S. as Independence Day or “The Fourth of July,” this day also commemorates the declaration by the Congress that the American colonies are free and independent states.

Stop Using Spreadsheets—and You Can Quote Me on That

Meeting 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.

IPC-CFX, 2.0: How to Use the QPL Effectively

In part one of this series, we discussed the new features in CFX Version 2.0 and their implications for improved inter-machine communication. But what about bringing this new functionality to the shop floor? The IPC-CFX-2591 QPL is a powerful technical resource for manufacturers seeking CFX-enabled equipment. The Qualified Product List (QPL) helps streamline equipment selection by listing models verified for CFX compliance through a robust third-party virtual qualification process.

EU Defence Electronics Ecosystem Highlighted in Brussels

In this interview, Alison James, senior director of Global Electronics Association—Europe (formerly IPC), discusses the European Defence & Security Summit in Brussels, June 9–13, as well as the first IPC–ASD Europe Defense Electronics Summit, June 10th, which brought together 70 leaders from across the electronics manufacturing supply chain. ASD is the Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe, and co-hosted both the larger and smaller events.

Rehm Open House Celebrates 10 Years In Mexico

This week, Rehm Thermal Systems marks its 10th year in Guadalajara, Mexico, with a celebration that includes a demonstration area in its new building, and a recognition of the technology. Despite some challenges with economic situations between the U.S. and China, Rehm is moving forward and finding success.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

While news outside our industry keeps our attention occupied, the big news inside the industry is the rechristening of IPC as the Global Electronics Association. My must-reads begins with Marcy LaRont’s exclusive and informative interview with Dr. John Mitchell, president and CEO of the Global Electronics Association. For designers, have we finally reached the point in time where autorouters will fulfill their potential?

IPC Rebrands as Global Electronics Association: Interview With Dr. John W. Mitchell

Today, following a major announcement, IPC is embracing the rapid advancement of technology with a bold decision to change its name to the Global Electronics Association. This name more accurately reflects the full breadth of its work and the modern realities of electronics manufacturing. In this exclusive interview, Global Electronics Association President and CEO Dr. John W. Mitchell shares the story behind the rebrand: Why now, what it means for the industry, and how it aligns with the organization’s mission.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

It’s been a busy week in this industry, and we have news and articles from the PCB design, fabrication and assembly communities. Some of this news is out of this world. We may be losing the high ground—the really high ground. Columnist Jesse Vaughan explains how the U.S. seems to be falling behind in space, and how this could affect our ability to defend ourselves in the future. We have an update on the U.S.-China tariff talks, which seem to be moving forward, though sometimes at a snail’s pace.

New IPC VP Joe Schneider Building Stronger Focus on U.S., Canada

IPC has hired Joe Schneider as a vice president to strengthen its regional focus and address the specific needs in the U.S. and Canada. Joe brings a rich background in OEM and contract manufacturing, including with industry giants like Siemens and Abbott Laboratories. In this interview, he shares his vision for the region, which emphasizes workforce development and supply chain challenges.

Day 2: More Cutting-edge Insights at the EIPC Summer Conference

The European Institute for the PCB Community (EIPC) summer conference took place this year in Edinburgh, Scotland, June 3-4. This is the third of three articles on the conference. The other two cover Day 1’s sessions and the opening keynote speech. Below is a recap of the second day’s sessions.

Day 1: Cutting Edge Insights at the EIPC Summer Conference

The European Institute for the PCB Community (EIPC) Summer Conference took place this year in Edinburgh, Scotland, June 3-4. This is the second of three articles on the conference. The other two cover the keynote speeches and Day 2 of the technical conference. Below is a recap of the first day’s sessions.

SolderKing’s Successful Approach to Modern Soldering Needs

Chris Ward, co-founder of the family-owned SolderKing, discusses his company's rapid growth and recent recognition with the King’s Award for Enterprise. Chris shares how SolderKing has achieved these award-winning levels of service in such a short timeframe. Their secret? Being flexible in a changing market, technical prowess, and strong customer support.

Takeaways from the Keynotes at the Edinburgh EIPC Summer Conference

It was seasonably wet and windy in Edinburgh, Scotland, June 3-4, where delegates from 17 countries convened for the 2025 EIPC Summer Conference to enjoy a superlative program of 18 technical presentations over two days, plus an excursion to a whisky distillery. EIPC President Alun Morgan welcomed everyone to the Delta Hotel, reminding us that in its previous iteration, it was the Royal Scot, traditionally the annual venue of the Institute of Circuit Technology Northern Symposium.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

Today is Friday the 13th, and in much of Western folklore, this is a day when bad luck is lurking. But while Friday the 13th may top Western superstition charts, the global calendar is sprinkled with its own unlucky legends. In Spain and Greece, the bad juju lands on Tuesday the 13th—a day linked to Mars, the god of war, and naturally, chaos. In Italy, it’s Friday the 17th that is feared, thanks to the Roman numeral XVII, which can be rearranged to spell VIXI—Latin for “I have lived” (a poetic way of saying you’re dead).

Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Test: A Conversation with Bert Horner

Bert Horner is a seasoned industry veteran and co-creator of The Test Connection, Inc. (TTCI), a test and inspection company spanning over 45 years. In this candid conversation, Bert reflects on the challenges our industry faces with the retirement of career professionals and the subsequent loss of critical tribal knowledge. As he unveils The Training Connection’s innovative training initiatives, Bert emphasizes the importance of evolving educational programs that align with industry needs, particularly in design for test (DFT), and sheds light on strategies being implemented to foster the next generation of engineers.

Rethinking How Operators Interface With the Line

Jurgen Schmerler, CEO of WaveOn, reveals how AI and large language models are revolutionizing electronics manufacturing. By integrating AI with machinery, operators can access real-time, multimodal information for troubleshooting and maintenance, significantly reducing training time and enhancing efficiency. He discusses the industry's challenges, the customizable knowledge bases, and the future of proactive maintenance and process control.

Breaking Silos with Intelligence: Connectivity of Component-level Data Across the SMT Line

As the complexity and demands of electronics manufacturing continue to rise, the smart factory is no longer a distant vision; it has become a necessity. While machine connectivity and line-level data integration have gained traction in recent years, one of the most overlooked opportunities lies in the component itself. Specifically, in the data captured just milliseconds before a component is placed onto the PCB, which often goes unexamined and is permanently lost once reflow begins.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

Maybe you’ve noticed that I’ve been taking to social media lately to about my five must-reads of the week. It’s just another way we’re sharing our curated content with you. I pay special attention to what’s happening in our industry, and I can help you know what’s most important to read about each week. Follow me (and I-Connect007) on LinkedIn to see these and other updates.

Tariffs: Hope for the Best, Plan for the Worst

Paul Krugman received the Nobel Prize for Economics in 2008 for his work in economic geography and identifying international trade patterns. In April, he told the Goldman Sachs Exchanges podcast1, “The secret sauce of the Trump tariffs is that they are extremely uncertain. Nobody knows what they will be. Nobody knows what comes next. Now, if you’re a business trying to make plans, would you want to invest under those conditions?”

Catching Up With AMI EMS President Greg Boyd: Our People Make the Difference

I’ve had the privilege to work with countless companies in the electronics manufacturing space, but few have impressed me as deeply as Alternative Manufacturing Inc. (AMI). Based in Winthrop, Maine, AMI is a 100% employee-owned company that embodies the very best of what American manufacturing can be. AMI sets itself apart by its unwavering commitment to quality, transparency, and partnership.

Top Tech in Taiwan: IPC's Blueprint to Advance Smart Manufacturing

Renowned as a global hub of innovation and a cornerstone of the electronics industry, Taiwan is leading advancements in technology and manufacturing. A decade ago, IPC established an office in Taiwan, embedding itself deeply in this innovative ecosystem. Now with nearly 200 member companies in the region, IPC remains dedicated to driving standardization, education, and technological progress in Taiwan’s electronics manufacturing sector.

IPC Releases Latest Standards and Revisions Updates

Each quarter, IPC releases a list of standards that are new or have been updated. To view a complete list of newly published standards and standards revisions, translations, proposed standards for ballot, final drafts for industry review, working drafts, and project approvals, visit ipc.org/status. These are the latest releases for Q1 2025.

IPC Launches New Wire Harness Design Course Led by Defense Industry Expert

IPC is expanding its educational offerings with a new online course designed to provide foundational knowledge in wire harness and cable design. The course, Introduction to Wire Harness Design I, is led by a seasoned mechanical engineer and subject matter expert in military cable systems working at FNSS Defense Systems in Turkey.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

I don’t have a scorecard, but I do have a weekly wrap-up of must-reads that I think deserve another “bite of the apple,” so to speak. IPC’s Rich Cappetto shares his perspective on everything from tariffs to the CHIPS Act. Columnist Josh Casper discusses the use of AI in 3D AOI systems and the immediate benefits that AI can bring about. Columnist Anaya Vardya explains how technologies like AI can improve our customer service, as well as our manufacturing processes.
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