Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1443477
36 PCB007 MAGAZINE I JANUARY 2022 Feature Interview by Nolan Johnson I-CONNECT007 Cicor Group is a Swiss-based manufacturer of highly complex PCBs and hybrids. Nolan Johnson recently chatted with Karl-Heinz Fritz, vice president of development and tech- nology, about how his company has adapted to the changes brought on by the pandemic, par- ticularly its effect on the European market. Nolan Johnson: What are the market drivers that Cicor is responding to currently? Karl-Heinz Fritz: e main market driver is the ongoing miniaturization of electronic systems. Combined with the need for a higher level of connectivity and more functionality, more features have to be integrated. Of course, the form factor of devices should not increase or even be reduced. During the pandemic, the demand for services along the whole value chain has increased, which we are the perfect partner for. Cicor Adapts to Changing Market Conditions Johnson: How are you adapting to changing market conditions, or is that even necessary for Cicor? Fritz: ere are some shis in technology, which I'll discuss. From an organizational standpoint, the pandemic required that changes had to be made. For example, in-person meetings had to be replaced by virtual meetings or events. is had to be done quickly, as the pandemic hit all of us somewhat unexpectedly. We've now adjusted to a more virtual work environment. Of course, supply chain topics, such as mate- rial shortages, are something we have to deal with. But then, our competitors must deal with those challenges as well. Johnson: How has the European market shied in the past two years? Fritz: e material supply situation espe- cially caused issues for the automotive indus- try, which has been heavily hit. is mate- rial shortage is not just affecting electronics Karl-Heinz Fritz