Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1471044
76 PCB007 MAGAZINE I JUNE 2022 e impact of global events on supply chains has opened more opportunities in Mexico. OEMs are expanding the number of suppliers they use, and Mexico has proven it can pro- duce assemblies for verticals like automotive, medical devices, aerospace, and communica- tion equipment. As shiing supply chains move to Mexico, the industry needs more trained workers. IPC has always offered IPC standards and certifica- tion exams in Spanish, but in 2021 we launched two operator training courses in Spanish to help meet this need. Lorena and I discussed IPC's commitment to supporting and grow- ing our Spanish-speaking membership. When she accepted the position, she told me that IPC creating education courses in Spanish was a deciding factor. Another exciting event is scheduled for Sep- tember 27–29. IPC and WHMA are produc- ing the M-EXPO Wire Processing Technol- ogy show in Ciudad Juarez just across the bor- der from El Paso, Texas. Leading companies in the wire and cable harness assembly indus- try are exhibiting and we are working to build a series of educational workshops like those at our upcoming Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE) show in Milwau- kee, Wisconsin. IPC/WHMA is also provid- ing an instructor-led training session for wire harness operators to help local facilities train effectively. IPC and WHMA are proud to pro- duce M-EXPO and believe it is important for the industry to hold these shows in the regions where the work takes place. e executive teams at IPC and WHMA are thrilled to have Lorena join our team. Her commitment to excellence has been illustrated throughout her career and we cannot wait to see her success with IPC/WHMA. If you have operations in Mexico or anywhere in Latin America, feel free to reach out directly to Lore- naVillanueva@ipc.org and start the conversa- tion in English or Spanish. PCB007 For additional information, visit https://mexico.ipc. org/, or email us at mexico@ipc.org. David Hernandez is vice president, IPC Education. To read past columns by John Mitchell, click here.