EMSNOW learns about dispensing solutions provider Axxon Mycronic from Jeff Leal, Director of Business Development and Strategy. The discussion starts with background about the history of Axxon, which was originally a Chinese company and was acquired by Mycronic in 2016. Now the plan is to bring these comprehensive dispensing solutions to the rest of the world, starting with the new subsidiary in Guadalajara, Mexico. Axxon has nearly 1000 employees laser focused on the full range of dispensing applications, from wafer level to large volume dispensing in the automotive industry. The blend of Chinese/Swedish business culture adds to the value for customers; Jeff says they can provide dispensing technology for any liquid applied to any kind of electronics from the front end to the back end. EMSNOW encourages those attending the SMTA Expo in Guadalajara next week to stop by Axxon Mycronic’s Booth 215 and arrange for a tour of their new facilities minutes away from the show.

EMSNOW queries Zedric Ochoa, President and Jayson Alfonso, EVP of Omega GTI about the evolution of this unique distributor. The discussion covers the company’s footprint in Silicon Valley and SE Asia, the journey from independent distributor to having franchised lines, their customer profile which includes OEMs and ODMs as well as EMS, and their customer-driven growth into a wide range of services. They are helping customers with excess inventory, logistics, kitting and warehouse services and OEM/EMS matchmaking. They also talk about what they are seeing in terms of a tentative market turnaround. It’s a great conversation with a distributor with unique capabilities. For more information, go to https://omegagti.com/.

Oshri Cohen, CEO of AI-based software provider Cybord, explains to EMSNOW how this solution finds non-conforming material coming into the PCB manufacturing process. In the past year a lot has happened in this arena and Oshri outlines the trends: EMS companies have become much more open to adoption of this groundbreaking technology to prevent not only counterfeit components but any defects arising from bad transportation or storage practices. EMS and OEMs are increasingly looking for ways to automate the inspection process to ensure their AVL and restrictions on country of origin requirements are adhered to. Oshri shares a video about a new solution – Real-Time Interceptor (RTI) – that will be available later this year.

EMSNOW gets an update about EMS company Libra Industries from its CEO Andrew Williams. Andrew just passed his one year mark as CEO and is setting ambitious growth goals for the company. He explains the history of the current Libra Industries footprint, with its two EMS facilities in Cleveland and Dallas, its precision machining capabilities from the Gem City acquisition in Dayton and the acquisition of a Tier 1 EMS facility in Mexico. The conversation covers what he sees as Libra’s key differentiators as a full suite manufacturer for highly complex systems integration. The discussion includes this industry veteran’s views on recent EMS challenges, the ever changing OEM/EMS relationship, the importance of managing the delicate balance of too little/too much inventory, as well as the right investment balance between human capital and automation. It is a fascinating discussion and well worth your time.

EMSNOW speaks with Rosemary Coates, Founder and Executive Director of the Reshoring Institute for an update from the front lines of this growing trend. Rosemary describes her background in supply chain in the electronics industry, and how she came to the decision to develop the tools and methodology to help companies evaluate their global manufacturing strategies. Drawing on her deep expertise, she talks about the mission of the Reshoring Institute, the scope of their work as a non-profit keeping consulting costs down, and teaching the next generation of executives about manufacturing. She shares her insights about the impact of the recent government initiatives on reshoring trends, and advice to companies trying to optimize their global manufacturing footprint.

In the second part of EMSNOW’s interview with the new CEO of IMI Lou Hughes, the two go deeper into plans for the company’s future. The discussion covers IMI’s distinctive competitive edge as a mid-tier EMS competing with the big guys, his focus on automation, developing healthy relationships with customers based on ‘fairness’, his introduction of ‘challenger selling,’ and the long term benefits of a shorter supply chain. It’s an insightful conversation from a CEO with a determined vision for success.

EMSNOW interviews Lou Hughes, the new CEO of Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. (IMI) about his background and insights into his new role at this unique global EMS. He explains how he will shepherd IMI into the next phase of its journey. He will be reviewing the manufacturing footprint and corporate structure, to increase efficiency and make sure each person in the company understands his/her role and importance to the company’s overall success. He explains his focus in the first 100 days of his leadership in Part One of this thoughtful conversation.

EMSNOW discusses in4ma’s European EMS Mid-Year Survey Report with study author Dieter Weiss.

Part Two begins with an explanation from Dieter about the thinking behind his new metric, Revenue/SMT line. They then turn to Dieter’s forecast for what’s ahead for the industry, how EMS companies should be preparing now, and why OEMs should commit to financially healthy electronics manufacturing services providers. They close by announcing their fall EMSNOW/in4ma On Tour plans.

For more information about this important research, go to www.in4ma.de.

EMSNOW discusses in4ma’s European EMS Mid-Year Survey Report with study author Dieter Weiss. Dieter’s methodology relies on what he calls ‘real numbers’ i.e. actual reported performance data rather than general forecasts or rumours, resulting in unshakeable benchmarking data for sound decision-making.

Part One of this discussion focuses on the the dramatic slowdown this year in European EMS. They discuss the different market sectors that are showing strength and weakness, and go deeper into the reasons why the first half of 2024 has been so challenging. They discuss the current status of excess inventory challenges; how the ‘big three’ players – Foxconn, Flex, and Jabil which represent about 30% of the revenues in Europe – impact the trends; and what everyone wants to know, which is, ‘where have all the orders gone?’

For more information about this important research, go to www.in4ma.de.

EMSNOW learns about component distribution trends in India from Rakesh Kumar, Sales and Business Development Director for Win Source Electronics. Rakesh is based in that growing market for EMS. He describes how and where the growth is occurring, and where the products are going, including electric vehicles, other subsystems for automobiles, renewable energy, and smart phones among other markets. He shares his insights into how the eco-system is evolving, the current state of the inventory overhang, his forecast for the next few quarters and how Win Source’s online platform helps customers manage their supply chain.

Roberto Gatti, CEO of automated optical inspection company Delvitech SA, explains to EMSNOW how artificial intelligence is totally integrated into their solution, enabling their system to go beyond what is currently possible with AOI technology. The AI is not an add-on commodity but an integral part of the engineering. This approach reduces waste by preventing errors in real time and by inspecting the board without destroying it. The discussion also includes details of how this system learns, which makes it capable of inspecting odd-shaped components, metal and plastic parts, and responding quickly to new board designs.

EMSNOW caught up with Joel Scutchfield, General Manager of SMT Business Operations & Director of Sales, Koh Young America, Inc. to learn how Koh Young has responded to inspection requirements in the system-in-package and semiconductor manufacturing environment. He discusses the pace of trends like reshoring semiconductor, packaging, and substrate manufacturing activities to the Americas and how Koh Young’s technology is evolving to meet the needs of these environments. He shares his insights about where this is going and how fast companies will be able to ramp up. It’s an information-packed conversation about a fast-moving global shift from an industry expert.

Eric and Dieter discuss the last company visit to DBK EMS, an electronics company founded in 1946 to develop heating systems for post-war Germany; now the EMS division serves that end market and others in Europe. The managers they talked with asserted the belief that in order to be competitive in Germany, you must automate manufacturing and this was evident in the lines they saw. The two experts then engage in a collegial and insightful discussion of the state of the European EMS industry as they saw it during these two weeks on the road. They say goodbye until next time, after noting the accomplishments of their ground-breaking trip.

EMSNOW wishes to acknowledge and thank this year’s tour sponsors:

Cogiscan – the factory digitalization partner for electronics manufacturers globally
Luminovo – your copilot for quoting and procuring PCBAs
Mycronic – Bringing tomorrow´s electronics to life
TrustedParts – Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.

Their support allows us to conduct these tours and provide these important insights to the industry.  Please check them out.

If you wish to connect with Eric Miscoll or Dieter Weiss please email them directly at:  emiscoll@emsnow.com or weiss@in4ma.de

Eric and Dieter unpack the invaluable data and insights presented at this year's successful in4ma EMS Forum in Ulm, Germany. This invitation-only event for EMS and PCB executives was mostly in German and covered the challenges of running a profitable business in these tumultuous times. The two discuss the overall business mood of the CEOs in attendance, the theme of the event, a summary of each presentation and when and where the next event will take place.

EMSNOW wishes to acknowledge and thank this year’s tour sponsors:

Cogiscan – the factory digitalization partner for electronics manufacturers globally
Luminovo – your copilot for quoting and procuring PCBAs
Mycronic – Bringing tomorrow´s electronics to life
TrustedParts – Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.

Their support allows us to conduct these tours and provide these important insights to the industry.  Please check them out.

If you wish to connect with Eric Miscoll or Dieter Weiss please email them directly at:  emiscoll@emsnow.com or weiss@in4ma.de

The tour spends another day in Germany with a visit to TQ Systems, the 3rd largest EMS in Germany. The discussion begins with Dieter's explanation of this family owned company's history and global strategy; the facility they visited was acquired in 2012. They discuss what they saw on their visit: a focus on both automation and workforce training.  Eric and Dieter share their thoughts about the importance of turning down unprofitable business and seeking out long term partners. It's an insightful discussion about critical industry practices, especially as the overall economy gets tighter.

EMSNOW wishes to acknowledge and thank this year’s tour sponsors:

Cogiscan – the factory digitalization partner for electronics manufacturers globally
Luminovo – your copilot for quoting and procuring PCBAs
Mycronic – Bringing tomorrow´s electronics to life
TrustedParts – Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.

Their support allows us to conduct these tours and provide these important insights to the industry.  Please check them out.

If you wish to connect with Eric Miscoll or Dieter Weiss please email them directly at:  emiscoll@emsnow.com or weiss@in4ma.de

The EMSNOW and in4ma team travels within Germany to visit with two unique EMS: Hekatron and Jopp Electronic are both OEMs that have launched divisions to enable them to offer  electronic manufacturing services to the industry. Hekatron EMS is a division of Swiss Securitas Group, a company that makes security and alarm systems. Jopp Electronics is primarily in automotive electronics. This episode's discussion explores the implications of this history for these highly automated and well run factories and provides a glimpse into the advantages of the hybrid business model.
EMSNOW wishes to acknowledge and thank this year’s tour sponsors:

Cogiscan – the factory digitalization partner for electronics manufacturers globally
Luminovo – your copilot for quoting and procuring PCBAs
Mycronic – Bringing tomorrow´s electronics to life
TrustedParts – Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.

Their support allows us to conduct these tours and provide these important insights to the industry.  Please check them out.

If you wish to connect with Eric Miscoll or Dieter Weiss please email them directly at:  emiscoll@emsnow.com or weiss@in4ma.de

After a long day, Eric and Dieter are on the German border with France after visiting French EMS éolane. Dieter explains this company's global footprint and position within the European EMS industry. They discuss the meeting with the CEO, Olivier Clement, including current market sectors served, plans for the future, and the technical capabilities of this unique company. The conversation then turns to a preview of the next few days of meetings.
EMSNOW wishes to acknowledge and thank this year’s tour sponsors:

Cogiscan – the factory digitalization partner for electronics manufacturers globally
Luminovo – your copilot for quoting and procuring PCBAs
Mycronic – Bringing tomorrow´s electronics to life
TrustedParts – Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.

Their support allows us to conduct these tours and provide these important insights to the industry.  Please check them out.

If you wish to connect with Eric Miscoll or Dieter Weiss please email them directly at:  emiscoll@emsnow.com or weiss@in4ma.de

Episode 6 covers Eric and Dieter's last tour in Tunisia before they head back to Europe. They visited Eleonetech, part of Onetech Group, a structure Dieter explains thoroughly. This is the largest EMS in Tunisia. Listeners will learn about the company's manufacturing process control culture, particulars about the local labor force, the capabilities and strengths of the company and a general discussion of Tunisia and its paradisical countryside.

The next report will cover the pair's overall impressions of Tunisia; they will be interviewed by EMSNOW contributor Philip Stoten, before they begin recording episodes from Europe.

EMSNOW wishes to acknowledge and thank this year’s tour sponsors:

Cogiscan – the factory digitalization partner for electronics manufacturers globally
Luminovo – your copilot for quoting and procuring PCBAs
Mycronic – Bringing tomorrow´s electronics to life
TrustedParts – Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.

Their support allows us to conduct these tours and provide these important insights to the industry.  Please check them out.

If you wish to connect with Eric Miscoll or Dieter Weiss please email them directly at:  emiscoll@emsnow.com or weiss@in4ma.de

Episode 5 features visits to La Pratique Electronique in Nabeul and emka MED in Monastir. La Pratique Electronique is the first indigenous Tunisian EMS company visited. It's also the 3rd oldest, founded in 2001. emka MED (Mediterranean) is a subsidiary of the French group Emka Electronique.

Eric and Dieter begin the podcast lamenting their busy schedule which doesn't allow them to eat, much less enjoy the beautiful country they are visiting. The discussion then turns to the unique characteristics of these two companies, covering background of the executives they met, history of the facilities, attitudes of local labor force, end markets served, and other fascinating insights and impressions from their decades of experience. They are gaining an increasing understanding of the nuances of doing business in Tunisia and will be sharing their conclusions over the next several days.

EMSNOW wishes to acknowledge and thank this year’s tour sponsors:

Cogiscan – the factory digitalization partner for electronics manufacturers globally
Luminovo – your copilot for quoting and procuring PCBAs
Mycronic – Bringing tomorrow´s electronics to life
TrustedParts – Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.

Their support allows us to conduct these tours and provide these important insights to the industry.  Please check them out.

If you wish to connect with Eric Miscoll or Dieter Weiss please email them directly at:  emiscoll@emsnow.com or weiss@in4ma.de

This 4th podcast in the EMSNOW and in4ma On Tour series has Eric and Dieter discussing the day's visits to the Tunisia facilities of ATEMS and Cicor. ATEMS is the Tunisia subsidiary of Alliance Electronics, based in France; the products they build are 100% for export. The second company is a Tunisia facility of Swiss-based EMS Cicor. This facility is a recent acquisition of Cicor.

The discussion covers the two analysts' observations of the facilities, who they met with, what the unique capabilities and differentiators are of the two companies and begin to outline some trends about the local labor force, logistics issues and the companies' go-to-market strategies.

EMSNOW wishes to acknowledge and thank this year’s tour sponsors:

Cogiscan – the factory digitalization partner for electronics manufacturers globally
Luminovo – your copilot for quoting and procuring PCBAs
Mycronic – Bringing tomorrow´s electronics to life
TrustedParts – Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.

Their support allows us to conduct these tours and provide these important insights to the industry.  Please check them out.

If you wish to connect with Eric Miscoll or Dieter Weiss please email them directly at:  emiscoll@emsnow.com or weiss@in4ma.de

This podcast covers visits to two French EMS companies with facilities in Tunisia, LaCroix and TIS the Tunisian branch of All Circuits. Eric Miscoll and Dieter Weiss recount the executives they spoke to, what they saw, and their overall impressions, as the broader trends in this geography begin to come into focus. They discuss labor costs, commonalities between the two facilities as well as unique characteristics. This ground-breaking tour continues to bring details about this emerging region to EMSNOW podcast listeners.

EMSNOW wishes to acknowledge and thank this year’s tour sponsors:
Cogiscan – the factory digitalization partner for electronics manufacturers globally

Luminovo – your copilot for quoting and procuring PCBAs

Mycronic – Bringing tomorrow´s electronics to life

TrustedParts – Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.

Their support allows us to conduct these tours and provide these important insights to the industry.  Please check them out.

If you wish to connect with Eric Miscoll or Dieter Weiss please email them directly at:  emiscoll@emsnow.com or weiss@in4ma.de

Dieter and Eric discuss the day's visits at Zollner Electronics and AsteelFlash's facilities in and around Tunis. They  dive into the similarities and differences of these two global EMS companies. They each shared impressions of the facilities, who they met with, what the capabilities and details of how they operate in Tunisia. It's a fascinating and congenial conversation about the first two visits in this emerging geography.

EMSNOW wishes to acknowledge and thank this year’s tour sponsors:
Cogiscan – the factory digitalization partner for electronics manufacturers globally
Luminovo – your copilot for quoting and procuring PCBAs
Mycronic – Bringing tomorrow´s electronics to life
TrustedParts – Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.

Their support allows us to conduct these tours and provide these important insights to the industry.  Please check them out.

If you wish to connect with Eric Miscoll or Dieter Weiss please email them directly at:  emiscoll@emsnow.com or weiss@in4ma.de

The first episode of  EMSNOW and in4ma On Tour 2024 podcast series begins in Tunis with Eric Miscoll and Dieter Weiss discussing the reasons for the importance of this geography for the European EMS industry, some background on the history and current demographics of Tunisia, a preview of the visits planned for the week and the theme of the in4ma EMS-Forum in Ulm Germany and other details about this dynamic and evolving region.

EMSNOW wishes to acknowledge this year’s tour sponsors:

Cogiscan – the factory digitalization partner for electronics manufacturers globally

Luminovo – your copilot for quoting and procuring PCBAs

Mycronic – Bringing tomorrow´s electronics to life

TrustedParts – Genuine electronic components from only authorized sources.

Their support allows us to conduct these tours and provide these important insights to the industry.  Please check them out.

If you wish to connect with Eric Miscoll or Dieter Weiss please email them directly at:  emiscoll@emsnow.com or weiss@in4ma.de

In this second part of the interview with Vivek Khanna, Managing Director of INDIC EMS Electronics, the conversation shifts to the overall industry for EMS in India. The discussion continues with Vivek’s insights into the impact of industry challenges on India EMS companies. He comments on supply chain disruptions, the unique labor force challenges in India, an update on infrastructure requirements for electronics manufacturing and how those are being addressed and much more. He also explains the reasons for his confidence in the goals he has stated for INDIC EMS Electronics. It’s an in-depth discussion touching on key trends in this exciting geography for electronics manufacturing, from a local expert.

EMSNOW talks to Vivek Khanna, Managing Director of INDIC EMS Electronics, an EMS company with manufacturing facilities in Bengaluru India, and Barcelona Spain. In Part 1 of this interview, Vivek summarizes his fascinating personal story working in the tech industry as it evolved in Bangalore; he started in the chip design world, and then shifted to software and now has come back around to hardware manufacturing, riding several global industry trends. He has worked for both start-ups and global corporations and applies that experience to INDIC to drive solid growth, while honoring his personal determination to give back to the community. He discusses the advantages of building electronics in India; the demographics, the workforce, the government support and more. Part 2 of this thoughtful interview covers Vivek’s views about industry trends.