Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1406534
92 SMT007 MAGAZINE I SEPTEMBER 2021 lenges in getting product sourced out of China due to tariffs and other things. It was cheaper than what we could get in China and the qual- ity met or exceeded everything we were get- ting out of China previously. at's now grown to be well over a million dollars spent each year, and it has continued to grow as we source some machine parts and metal stamp parts out of Vietnam. We set up a small office in Vietnam and we were able to move tasks that didn't make sense to be done here in the Bay Area. It allowed ev- eryone to remain here in San Jose, but at the same time also grow the business. Our front- end office, all the documentation BOM loads— that type of work is done in Vietnam. We have a staff of eight people over there, and it works very well. Because of the 14-hour time differ- ence, they are working while we're sleeping, and vice versa. e systems we have set up are very transparent and seamless. Domestically, we're looking at different g e- ographies outside the Bay Area that are low- er cost, but still meet the Built-in-USA foot- print. We have some customers where that is a requirement, so it would make sense for us to supplement what we do here in San Jose. at is something we need to investigate. Another option is Mexico. I oversaw a very large manufacturing operation in Mexico so I'm very comfortable with what goes into set- ting up and running a manufacturing facility there. at might be another avenue that we approach as we look to grow our business. Johnson: Look out 12 to 24 months and tell me what you see for Javad. Walker: I believe we will see substantial growth in the next 12 months, and I predict that we will be manufacturing in one of those three places that I mentioned within 24 months. We need to move in that direction, and we are pretty committed. Johnson: Great. is has been very informa- tive. Sometimes the technology transfer works so much better when you have a relationship over a transaction. Walker: I agree. I think when it becomes pure- ly transactional, then you're only as good as your last transaction. I've always said, "Peo- ple buy from people. People want to work with people. People want to partner with people." en transactions are part of that partnership. I don't think it's the primary aspect of a rela- tionship. Johnson: ank you so much for taking the time. Walker: ank you for giving me the opportu- nity to tell you about Javad. SMT007 Sponsored Link: Javad.com Paperless manufacturing improves workflow, eliminates non-value added tasks, and enhances operator productivity.