EMS@C-LEVEL

As day two of APEX 2025 draws to close, I sit down for some group therapy with Creative Electron CEO Bill Cardoso and EMSNOW Publisher Eric Miscoll to explore the key takeaways from two show days, and more than forty interviews. The manufacturing world stands at a crossroads where artificial intelligence meets production reality. At APEX 2025, manufacturing leaders are showing up in unprecedented...

The manufacturing revolution we've been promised for decades might finally be within reach. In this interview with Kevin Surace about his keynote at APEX 2025, he cuts through the hype to reveal how artificial intelligence is transforming production floors in ways Industry 4.0 never quite delivered. "We want a lights-out factory," he explains, painting a compelling vision where equi...

While much of the European electronics manufacturing industry faced a 14-15% downturn in 2024, InCap Corporation demonstrated remarkable resilience. In this  conversation filmed at APEX 2025, CFO Antti Pynnönen reveals how InCap not only weathered the storm but thrived, delivering double-digit EBITDA performance and particularly strong Q4 results. The secret to their success? According to Antti it...

The curtain has fallen on IPC APEX 2025 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 discussi...

What if AI could revolutionize the manufacturing industry by making data not just accessible, but actionable? Join us as we uncover the transformative power of AI with Emily Laird, an AI integration technologist and fellow podcaster. Emily offers a wealth of experience, sharing her insights on how generative AI is reshaping manufacturing by enhancing data connectivity and delivering predictive ins...

White House policy shifts and tariff uncertainties are creating a complicated landscape for electronics manufacturers trying to plan their future. While recession whispers grow louder in media and economic circles, EMS and PCB industries are showing surprisingly strong book-to-bill numbers - though some of this strength may come from companies rushing orders to beat potential tariff implementation...

Ever wondered what it takes to turn a reluctant start into a flourishing entrepreneurial journey? Discover the fascinating story of Mike Konrad, a podcaster, author, and industry raconteur, as he shares his unexpected path to entrepreneurship and authorship. With his book, "The Reluctant Entrepreneur," at the heart of our conversation, Mike opens up about the motivations that fueled his...

What if the key to business success lies not just in market strategies but in the untapped potential of your workforce? Join me as I explore the intriguing intersection of talent and strategy with Audrey McGuckin, CEO of McGuckin Group, and a visionary in aligning talent with business goals in the electronics manufacturing services industry.  Audrey shares her insights on starting discussions with...

In a world where innovation is often driven by collaboration, Philip Stoten explores an exciting new joint venture between Creative Electron and Unicomp, both leaders in x-ray manufacturing. This transformative partnership aims to bridge product offerings across continents and enhance customer accessibility to cutting-edge technology and the relentless pursuit of excellence in product and serve. A...

In the episode of EMS@ C-Level we explore the intricate world of mergers and acquisitions in the electronics sector. We dive into how global macroeconomic trends impact the strategies companies adopt amid shifting political landscapes. With Shaan Tharani's expertise, we unravel the complexities of M&A, discussing the implications of recent geopolitical changes and how they shape investmen...

The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the manufacturing landscape, particularly within the inspection sector. In the latest episode of The EMS (Eric Miscoll Show), we dive into how inspection processes are not only evolving but becoming a linchpin in the AI revolution. Join Eric and Philip Stoten as they welcome industry experts Oshri Cohen, CEO of Cybord, and Joel Scutchfie...

Tariffs under Trump’s new administration are creating rapid shifts in trade dynamics with significant economic implications. This discussion raises concerns about inflationary pressures, market uncertainty, and opportunities for domestic manufacturing. • Tariffs viewed as an ‘easy button’ for policymaking • Panic among businesses rushing to secure imports pre-tariff • Significant increase in impor...

Join me for an insightful conversation with Arno Kolk from the Estonian Electronics Industry Association, who sheds light on Estonia's pivotal role in the European electronics manufacturing landscape amidst a world of rising geopolitical tensions and protectionism. Explore how Estonia, despite its geographic proximity to Russia, remains steadfastly oriented towards Western markets, offering a...

Discover why Costa Rica is becoming a hotspot for the electronics and semiconductor industry as I chat with Carolina Sánchez, Director - Advanced Manufacturing at Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (PROCOMER) at Electronica 2024. You'll gain insights into how this small Central American nation is attracting giants like Zollner, Intel and Siemens with its skilled workforce, enticing...

Join EMSNOW Publisher Eric Miscoll and I on an exhilarating journey through the bustling corridors of electronica 2024. Uncover the hidden dynamics and global connections of the electronics industry as we navigate the challenges of excess inventory and explore India's burgeoning role as a manufacturing powerhouse. Discover the bold tactics employed by sales people from China that reveal the p...

Join us for a compelling conversation with Kevin Decker-Weiss, the former Managing Director of CircuitByte, now steering sales for the electronics division at znt-Richter. We unravel the strategic acquisition of CircuitByte by znt-Richter—a formidable force in manufacturing digitalization and a trusted Siemens ally. Kevin unveils the synergies born from this merger, spotlighting the enhanced capab...

What if a pandemic experiment could lead to a groundbreaking innovation in power supply technology? Join me as Mo Mirvakili from Seron Electronics shares his story of necessity and invention, which began in the unlikeliest of places—a bathroom lab during a global pandemic. With an impressive academic journey from UBC to MIT, Mo's drive to solve complex research challenges birthed a precise po...

What happens when speed, agility, and digital transformation collide in the vibrant world of electronics supply chains? Join me, Philip Stoten, alongside Richard Barnett, CMO and SaaS Sales Lead at  Supplyframe, as we explore the energy and optimism at Electronica 2024. Despite political uncertainties and market challenges, the electronics supply chain is buzzing with possibilities. Richard shares...

What does the future hold for electronics manufacturing as we edge towards 2025? Join me for a conversation with Jeff Ray, SVP from TTI, as we explore the complexities of untangling post-COVID supply chains and navigating the predictions and challenges that surround the sector. We tackle the tempered growth expectations head-on, diving into how the recent US election, protectionism, and tariffs ar...

Nicolas Denis, the CEO of Asteelflash Group, and Dragan Persic, GM of their Tunisia facility, share  the strategic pivots and forward-thinking measures guiding this global French-based EMS company through a challenging 2024. Despite a dip from 2023’s record-breaking revenues, Nicolas and Dragan remain optimistic for 2025, bolstered by emerging business prospects and investments in technology and m...

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Yevhen Horniuk from IKT Electronics, an EMS company demonstrating remarkable resilience amidst adversity. As the world focuses on the conflict in Ukraine, Yevgen takes us behind the scenes of navigating significant supply chain disruptions and the human impact of team members stepping away for military service or fleeing the country. Hear firsthand how IK...

Discover the secrets behind the success of Eleonetech, a rising star in the Tunisian electronics manufacturing landscape, as Khaled Daami, their charismatic CEO, gives us an insider's tour. Along with host Eric Miscoll of EMSNOW, Khaled shares the innovative strategies and lean operations that have propelled Eleonetech in the automotive, industrial, and IoT sectors. As part of the formidable...

Discover how innovation meets sustainability with Steve Driver, CEO of Jiva Materials as we uncover the transformative journey of creating a green solution for printed circuit boards (PCBs). When industry veteran Steve teams up with young innovator Jack, sparks fly, igniting a revolution in electronic materials. Together, they're addressing the pressing need for sustainable options within an...

Discover the remarkable journey of Aimtron with Nirmal Vasani, part of the original ownership family, and the current Senior Director of Technology, as he shares his insights from the show floor of Electronica 2024. What does it take for a company to grow from humble beginnings to a successful IPO, and why is investing in Indian manufacturing more crucial now than ever? This episode provides a dee...

Unlock the secrets behind Stentech's industry-leading innovations with Sergio Juarez Madrid, Mexico GM and co-founder, as we explore the  evolution of this pioneering company at SMTA Guadalajara 2024. Sergio sheds light on how their engineering team’s first-hand industry experience plays a crucial role in effectively addressing customer challenges and staying ahead of the curve. Discover the...