EMS@C-LEVEL

The manufacturing landscape is changing rapidly, with economic headwinds creating a fascinating divide among electronics producers. While some companies hesitate in the face of tariff uncertainties and political tensions, others boldly expand capacity and embrace AI to solve their most pressing challenges. This dichotomy forms the foundation of an insightful conversation with Joel Scutchfield, General Manager of Koh Young America at APEX 2025.Looking beyond current challenges, we explore the fundamental shift in growth expectations for the electronics manufacturing industry. The explosive post-pandemic growth of 2022 represented an anomaly fueled by inventory rebuilding and backlogged investments - creating a "new normal" that requires technological innovation rather than simply waiting for another market surge. This reality is driving forward-thinking manufacturers to invest strategically in AI capabilities that can increase productivity without expanding their workforce.Particularly fascinating is the developmental pathway of manufacturing AI systems, which mirrors human learning progression. Beginning with high-quality, trustworthy data collection, these systems evolve from making recommendations (which operators implement) to eventually becoming fully autonomous, self-correcting entities. We explore Koh Young's practical implementation of this approach through their KAP (Koh Young Auto-Programming) tool and review functions, which are steadily progressing toward the autonomous, or 'agentic', model that represents manufacturing's future. For companies seeking manufacturing advantage in uncertain times, understanding this progression - and having the right data foundation - may be the critical differentiator between struggling with today's challenges and thriving despite them.Curious about how AI is transforming manufacturing floor operations and how economic uncertainties are reshaping investment strategies? This episode provides both high-level perspective and practical insights you can apply to your own operation. Whether you're cautiously waiting for economic clarity or pushing forward with technology-driven solutions, you'll find valuable guidance for navigating manufacturing's rapidly evolving landscape.EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com) You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

Manufacturing is going global, but "Made in USA" still matters. Dr. Bill Cardoso reveals how Creative Electron's groundbreaking joint venture with Unicomp is redefining X-ray inspection technology while maintaining their American manufacturing roots.In this interview with Eric Miscoll on the show floor of IPC APEX 2025, Bill shares how the partnership creates a 1,200-employee global enterprise with facilities spanning Hungary, India, Malaysia, and China. This strategic expansion arrives just as international trade faces growing challenges from protectionist policies and tariff barriers, positioning Creative Electron to serve customers worldwide while strengthening their San Marcos, California manufacturing operations.The joint venture combines complementary technological strengths. Unicomp brings hardware expertise optimized for Asia's high-volume, low-mix production environments, while Creative Electron contributes user-friendly software tailored for Western manufacturing's high-mix, low-volume challenges. All systems—including those based on Unicomp technology—will be American-made for the American market, maintaining the quality and warranty that distinguishes Creative Electron in the marketplace.Behind this expansion lies a closely aligned customer-obsessed philosophy driving everything from R&D to organizational structure. Dedicated business units now focus on specific product lines, ensuring specialized attention to customer needs. For Cardoso, this represents just the beginning of an ambitious journey to grow Creative Electron into a multi-billion dollar enterprise bridging technological silos to deliver inspection solutions that work across global manufacturing environments.EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com) You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

The landscape of European electronics manufacturing is undergoing substantial shifts as geopolitical tensions rise and tariff uncertainties loom large. In this revealing conversation, NOTE CEO Johannes Lind-Widestam  and  Kitron CEO Peter Nilsson share their frontline perspectives on navigating these turbulent waters while maintaining the exceptional performance that has become synonymous with Nordic EMS providers.As tariffs and regional manufacturing requirements reshape global supply chains, both leaders offer pragmatic insights into the challenges ahead. Despite the push for regionalization, the specialized nature of electronic components means complete supply chain localization remains impractical. "Everyone talks about how fast it is to move a factory," Johannes notes, "but if you want to move the electronic production that the US is making in China, that's going to be an enormous investment."As the conversation switches gear to the topic of Nordic EMS Exceptionalism, we examine why Nordics companies consistently stand out for their resilience, profitability, and customer relationships. Scandinavia is the most outsourced market in Europe by some distance, but what exactly drives these advantages? Our guests peel back the curtain on the unique cultural factors that have positioned companies like Note and Keytron at the forefront of the industry."I think there is no secret formula," Johannes reflects, "it's a dedication to do things better and better, to never become complacent." This philosophy of continuous improvement permeates the entire ecosystem, from management approaches to factory floor operations. Peter adds that when American customers visit their Swedish factories, they frequently mistake production operators for senior engineers – a testament to the depth of talent and problem-solving capability built into their workforce.The conversation reveals how the region's manufacturing heritage, stemming from telecom giants like Ericsson and Nokia, created not just technical expertise but a distinctive approach to business relationships. Unlike more protective manufacturing cultures found elsewhere in Europe, Scandinavian companies embrace openness and partnership. This cultural orientation creates sticky, strategic relationships with customers rather than merely transactional ones.Discover why cultural factors and leadership approaches may ultimately determine which manufacturers thrive in this uncertain environment, and why the Scandinavian model offers valuable lessons for the broader electronics industry.EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com) You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

With tariffs monopolizing an extraordinarily rapid news cycle, I ask IPC Chief Economist and regular guest, Shawn DuBravac, to appear in this impromptu episode of EMS & The Economist late last evening (around 10:30pm in Washington DC).Tariffs are changing by the hour, not just by the day. What began as reciprocal measures against specific countries has morphed into a sectorial approach targeting entire industries regardless of manufacturing location.The market response has been predictably volatile, with tech stocks swinging wildly as announcements and clarifications emerge in rapid succession. Business leaders across the electronics landscape find themselves paralyzed by uncertainty, delaying investment decisions while trying to navigate the shifting policy landscape. This hesitation alone increases recession probability, with many experts, including our guest IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac, now seeing an economic downturn beginning in Q3 2025 as likely.Most revealing is the likely motivation behind these tariffs - not merely to punish foreign manufacturers or rebalance trade relationships, but to drive domestic electronics production within the United States. Yet even American-made electronics rely heavily on imported components, creating a complex challenge that tariffs alone cannot easily solve. As companies worldwide reconsider their market priorities, there's growing concern that global supply chains might realign in ways that reduce American centrality in the electronics ecosystem. The electronics industry stands at a pivotal moment. How manufacturers, policymakers, and investors respond to these unprecedented challenges will reshape global trade relationships for years to come.EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com) You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

What happens when women bring their authentic selves to male-dominated technical fields? Transformative leadership emerges.At APEX 2025, I spoke with Jody Urquhart, the standup comedian and motivation speaker giving the keynote at IPC's Women in Electronics Reception, about her provocatively titled message, "This Would Be Funny If It Wasn't Happening to Me". Rather than adapting to traditional expectations, Jody advocates for women to leverage their natural strengths—empathy, emotional intelligence, and deep understanding—as competitive advantages in technical environments.The conversation unpacks a remarkable success story: a junior female engineer who rose to lead a major automotive facility simply by connecting authentically with her boss while male colleagues missed opportunities by prioritizing social dynamics over meaningful connection. This illustrates Jody's central thesis that belonging isn't about fitting in but about showing up as your complete self.We explore the business case for diversity beyond quotas or representation. As one design leader pointedly asked, "How could you design a product where 50% of the consumers are female without women on your team?" The answer lies in recognizing that diverse perspectives directly impact product quality and market success.Drawing from her background in stand-up comedy, Jody creates transformative experiences for organizations by helping teams recognize unconscious patterns—poor listening, disregarding others, procrastination—without triggering defensiveness. Her most profound insight may be that "the way you lead yourself is the same way you lead others," suggesting that self-compassion directly influences leadership effectiveness.Ready to discover how bringing your authentic self to work can transform your organization? Listen now and share your thoughts on how empathy becomes a superpower in technical fields.EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com) You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

NOTE: This show was recorded on April 8th, days after President Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs had been announced, but before a 90 day pause was applied to those same reciprocal tariffs, apart from those on China. The comments and opinions reflect this point in time.Sweeping tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions have manufacturers worldwide questioning their next move. What happens when no one can predict tomorrow's trade landscape? In this premiere episode of MADE IN EUROPE, an IPC Podcast, host Philip Stoten dives deep with Bo Lybaek of GPV Group A/S and Markus Aschenbrenner of Zollner Elektronik AG into the challenges facing EMS companies and their customers as they navigate the unpredictable waters of global trade tensions. Far from just reacting to headlines, these industry leaders reveal their strategic approaches to uncertainty."Most important thing is to stay calm, follow what is happening, and be agile when needed," shares Bo Lybaek, capturing the measured response many manufacturers are taking while awaiting clarity. Yet beneath this wait-and-see approach lies sophisticated preparation – from comprehensive supply chain data modeling to strategic global footprint development that has been years in the making and continues to be an imperative.The conversation reveals how current disruptions are accelerating an existing trend toward "region for region" manufacturing – a localized approach that provides greater resilience against cross-border complications. Both Bo and Markus offer fascinating insights into how they've built truly global operations that maintain agility through shared equipment platforms, standardized processes, and most importantly, consistent corporate culture.Perhaps most compelling is their perspective on Europe's position in this changing landscape. As Markus Aschenbrenner notes, "We need a strong European Union with real value for others to negotiate with." This includes not just the recently announced infrastructure investments, but critically, reducing bureaucracy that hinders competitiveness.Join us for this thought-provoking discussion that goes beyond tariff headlines to explore how leading manufacturers are building resilience in uncertain times. Subscribe to MADE IN EUROPE now to hear more insights from European manufacturing leaders in future episodes.MADE IN EUROPE is an IPC podcast, produced by SCOOP and hosted by Philip Stoten. Learn more about the IPC and their activities in Europe at https://www.ipc.org/europeEMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com) You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

A fascinating glimpse into the rapidly shifting landscape of global electronics manufacturing reveals dramatic contrasts between regional approaches and priorities. From India's emergence as the "poster child" for end-to-end electronics ecosystems to Europe's struggles with cohesive industrial policies, this conversation with IPC's Sanjay Huprikar, filmed on location at APEX 2025, illuminates the complex challenges and opportunities facing our industry.India stands at the precipice of transformational growth, with major semiconductor investments, a flourishing EMS sector, and revitalized PCB fabrication capabilities potentially creating a market of a billion consumers. Meanwhile, European electronics companies face a mixed landscape – dwindling PCB manufacturers but relatively robust EMS providers, increased defense spending, but a critical missing element: "a cohesive policy around how electronics manufacturing fits in the industrial base."The conversation highlights IPC's impact and influence across the world and Europe in particular, growing from a team of two to ten professionals driving unprecedented engagement with executives, engineers, and workforce development initiatives. European leaders are increasingly recognized within IPC, earning President's Awards and Board positions while strengthening the organization's truly global perspective. The UK's strong aerospace and defense focus has made it second only to the US in IPC certifications, demonstrating the critical importance of standards and training in high-reliability applications.Looking forward, IPC's ambitious agenda includes aerospace-focused events with Airbus and the European Space Agency, EMS Leadership Summits in the UK and Paris, and continued advocacy for comprehensive industrial policies that integrate electronics manufacturing strategies with workforce development, regulatory frameworks, and economic initiatives. These efforts address the universal concerns we all share – from responsible AI implementation to talent development and navigating political uncertainty. As Sanjay  notes, IPC is fundamentally about "interconnection" – bringing diverse stakeholders together to solve our industry's most pressing challenges.EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com) You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

The economic landscape once again shifted dramatically with the White House's "Liberation Day" announcements, and Shawn DuBravac, Chief Economist of IPC, brings clarity to the chaos. His analysis reveals how the newly announced tariffs - including a surprising 46% on Vietnamese goods and 34% on Chinese imports - are already causing companies to pause production, announce layoffs, and rethink their supply chains.What makes these tariffs particularly disruptive is their timing and scope. Vietnam had emerged as a key alternative to China for electronics manufacturing, capturing 27% of US laptop imports compared to China's 66%. Now, those diversification efforts face severe headwinds. Shawn estimates laptop prices could surge by as much as 48%, a cost neither manufacturers with their tight margins nor financially-strained consumers seem prepared to absorb.The conversation takes a concerning turn when discussing recession probability. While the US economy was on solid footing before these announcements, Shawn notes the probability of a 2025 recession continues to rise with these policy announcement. Consumer sentiment was already weakening with Americans "spending everything available to them." The timing creates a potential economic storm: short-term panic buying followed by significant demand contraction as prices rise.Mexico and Canada emerge as potential winners due to USMCA exemptions, while European manufacturers face difficult decisions about their US export strategies. Companies are responding with various approaches - 31% investing in automation, nearly 30% switching suppliers, and 60% attempting to push costs upstream through renegotiated contracts. Meanwhile, 18% have already announced hiring freezes with another 36% considering similar measures.Join us for this critical and timely conversation about global trade realignment, manufacturing strategies, and how organizations like IPC are evolving to provide both global and region-specific insights during this period of economic uncertainty. The landscape is changing daily - understanding these shifts has never been more important for anyone involved in global manufacturing and supply chains.EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com) You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

A remarkable transformation is sweeping through European defense policy, creating new opportunities and challenges for the electronics industry. In this revealing conversation with Alison James, Senior Director Europe, Government Relations at IPC, we explore the European Union's dramatic shift in defense strategy, which she describes as a genuine "sea change" in approach.The EU has moved with unprecedented speed to modify debt ceiling rules, creating essential "fiscal space" for member states to increase defense investments. This comes alongside proposals for simplification and joint procurement programs expected by June - lightning fast by European standards. What's driving this urgency? Growing recognition of critical vulnerabilities in Europe's electronics supply chain at a time when technology increasingly determines military capability.IPC's timely new report reveals that electronics will comprise around 25% of defense systems' value by 2035. This data-rich study highlights why Europe must strengthen its electronics industrial base to achieve even modest autonomy in defense production. The goal isn't complete manufacturing independence but establishing what Alison calls a "minimum autonomy threshold" to address the most critical vulnerabilities.For electronics manufacturers, particularly EMS companies, many deriving 10-30% of business from defense contracts, these developments present significant opportunities alongside challenges. While European companies maintain strong relationships with American partners, uncertainty around tariffs creates planning anxiety. As Alison astutely notes, "Businesses need certainty," something in short supply during this geopolitical realignment.Looking ahead, IPC continues building coalitions across the European electronics ecosystem to advocate with one voice for policies supporting technological sovereignty. Understanding the "silicon system" beneath emerging technologies like AI becomes increasingly crucial as Europe reconsiders its place in the global technology landscape. Join us for this illuminating discussion on how defense priorities are reshaping the electronics industry's future.EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com) You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

The global electronics industry stands at a crossroads of political uncertainty and economic volatility. Few understand this challenging landscape better than Chris Mitchell, Vice President of Government Relations at IPC, who shared valuable insights with me during this candid conversation recorded at APEX 2025.Chris, who oversees both government relations and industry intelligence programs, reveals how IPC has strategically expanded its global footprint to better serve members navigating complexity. With dedicated representatives now covering North America, Europe, and soon Asia, the organization provides crucial intelligence that helps companies make confident decisions despite market turbulence. As Chris observes, "Companies are looking for clarity," which explains why many have temporarily paused investments and expansion while awaiting greater certainty.The political dimension looms large throughout our discussion. Chris offers a sobering assessment that volatility will likely continue for six to nine months as the US administration reshapes its approach to domestic governance and international relationships. Yet he remains optimistic that opportunities will emerge once the situation stabilizes. Meanwhile, in Europe, IPC focuses on revitalizing weak industry segments by helping policymakers recognize and address fundamental challenges.What truly distinguishes IPC is its evolution into a respected global authority through strategic investment in expertise. The organization has assembled an impressive internal team including chief economist Shawn Dubravac, sustainability leader Kelly Scanlon, and engineering specialist Matt Kelly. Together, they transform overwhelming amounts of data into actionable insights, particularly valuable for companies evaluating supply chain diversification or new investment locations. As Chris notes, the challenge isn't just having data—it's having quality data delivered with meaningful context.EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com) You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.