IPC

Catching up with the Winners That’s a wrap! On the 14 March 2025, Allison Guermond and Nathalie Foubert from Safran Fougeres in France made the podium ranking number two and three at the IPC 2025 Hand Soldering Competition at Global Industrie in Lyon, France. Post competition, the two winners shared their thoughts on their victories and overall experience. Both ladies were very relieved and happy with their results and their performance. Interestingly, they both echoed the opinion of other contestants, as well as that of Eva Gobet, that this competition and board assembly were more challenging due to more components, more technology, and that the skill level is increasing every year. Allison and Nathalie appreciated the structure of the PCB board, apart from the “Plomb masse.” The two victors admitted that they were prepared for the competition technically. However, they felt that the time pressure was a challenge. According to Allison: “We were well prepared, but stress is the thing that you can never be prepared for. But we were willing!” A heartwarming moment was when the ladies expressed what they loved most about these HSC competitions. They explained that they came for the competition and the good atmosphere. They find that the advantage of these competitions is that they get the opportunity to catch up with other teams and make new friends and relationships. It was a good time to share with everyone. According to Safran Fougeres’ HSC coach, the point of having their staff participate in this competition is to assess their know-how, promote this knowledge and skillset, and demonstrate their company-specific expertise. They love and are thankful for being able to take part in these competitions every year and would like to thank IPC and IFTEC for organizing the competition! Congratulations again, Allison and Nathalie! We wish you luck and hope to see you again soon at the next competition!

?? NEW INDUSTRY ANALYSIS: "Navigating Uncertainty: The EMS Industry at a Crossroads" In this article, and following my recent conversation with IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac, PhD, CFA, I examine how the electronics manufacturing services sector is responding to unprecedented challenges: - Are strong book-to-bill ratios masking a rush to beat tariff deadlines? - Why are manufacturers reconsidering their Mexico operations? - Is the US-Europe relationship creating new defense opportunities? - How can AI provide a silver lining amid geopolitical turbulence? As tariff policies shift at lightning speed and recession fears loom, the companies that thrive will be those with adaptable business models and an eye on technological innovation. The paradox? Unprecedented uncertainty layered on a solid foundation of innovation and demand. What strategies is your organization implementing to navigate this unpredictable landscape? As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts. #ElectronicsManufacturing #EMS #SupplyChain #Tariffs #AI #DefenseSector Wach ot listen to the full conversation with Shawn on "EMS & The Economist" podcast:?https://lnkd.in/gm8AMwhD?or find "EMS@C-Level" wherever you get your podcasts.

Navigating Tariffs, Talent, and Technology: Parting Insights from APEX 2025 The curtain has fallen on IPC #APEXEXPO2025 after an intensive three days that yielded over 50 interviews with industry leaders. As attendees and exhibitors drifted out into the California sunshine, they left behind conversations that revealed the #electronics #manufacturing industry at a crossroads of political uncertainty, technological transformation, and talent challenges. #Tariffs dominated discussions, creating a palpable sense of unease. #EMS companies aren't necessarily advocating for specific policies but seek stability to make confident investment decisions. This uncertainty extends to manufacturing locations, with executives questioning whether operations should be in the US, #Mexico, #Canada or elsewhere. The business decision of where to manufacture has become a complex calculation influenced by shifting #political winds. Talent development emerged as a critical focus during the EMS Leadership Summit. Audrey McGuckin delivered a compelling keynote and facilitated discussions on linking business strategy with #talent acquisition and development. Companies recognize that addressing the talent pipeline is fundamental to future success, regardless of technological advancement. The #AI conversation has evolved significantly. Unlike the overwhelming scope of Industry 4.0 initiatives that left many disappointed, companies now favor targeted AI projects with clear KPIs and solid ROI potential. Many attendees came specifically to identify trustworthy AI partners who could guide them through implementation without expensive missteps. At least, previous work undertaken in the name of Industry 4.0 has provided valuable #connectivity and #data foundations that are essential for successful AI deployment. European politics also received some attention, with discussions about the recent German elections and #defense spending increases. This political focus underscores IPC's crucial government relations work undertaken in Brussels, Washington and around the world. Subscribe to our YouTube channels at https://lnkd.in/gfQKvTSm and follow the EMS@C-Level podcast to catch all the upcoming interviews as we dive deeper into these industry-defining conversations. The insights shared at APEX 2025 will undoubtedly shape manufacturing strategies around the world. EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young Technology, Inc. (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron, Inc. (https://lnkd.in/gw66xNir)

A recent IPC survey found that 59 percent of global #electronics industry members expect their companies to increase #sustainability efforts in 2025. However, knowledge-sharing, access to resources, and industry-wide interaction are needed to achieve significant goals. eeNews Europe reported on IPC’s Evolve program, which was developed to provide the industry with the resources required to address those challenges. As John W Mitchell, IPC president and CEO, stated, “The electronics industry has an unprecedented chance to drive innovation, improve operational efficiency, and meet the growing demand for sustainable products.” Read the full article here: https://hubs.li/Q03cVB0-0

?????????? ??????, IPC ???????? ???????? ????????!?????? What an unforgettable experience!?Mexico made history at IPC APEX EXPO 2025, and we’re leaving inspired to?reimagine what’s possible?in our industry. From launching our first-ever?Mexico Pavilion?to forming new connections and exchanging ideas, this week has been about innovation, collaboration, and the future. A huge thank you to everyone who made this moment possible, especially to the best team anyone could ask for, the IPC México Dream Team —see you next year! ?? ?? ?? #APEXEXPO2025 #MexicoInElectronics #ReimaginePossibilities

What a ride, #IPCAPEXEXPO 2025! ?? A huge thank you to all the amazing attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and volunteers who made this event unforgettable! ?? We couldn’t #BuildElectronicsBetter without YOU—until next time, keep innovating!

Join us from 11:30 AM–2:00 PM for expert insights on Advanced Packaging for EV Power Electronics. Don’t miss this deep dive into design, materials, assembly, and testing for top-notch EV performance!

Don’t miss out on expert insights on Advanced Packaging for High Performance Computing and AI/Data Center Applications s from 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM. Learn how innovative solutions are tackling density, performance, and manufacturing challenges.

What a powerful evening at #IPCAPEXEXPO 2025! Jody Urquhart’s presentation, “Eagerly Empowering Worn-Out Professionals with Humor, Hindsight, and Hallelujahs,” inspired us all to find joy and purpose in our careers. ?? #WomenInElectronics #CareerInspiration

Big moves for Europe’s electronics industry!?In this interview with Nolan Johnson, IPC’s Alison James breaks down why the EU?Competitiveness Compass?is a game-changer and how IPC is rallying the industry to take action. From supply chain resilience to strategic investments, this is a must-read for anyone shaping the future of European electronics: https://lnkd.in/grKP6EU7