Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1491409
34 SMT007 MAGAZINE I FEBRUARY 2023 much equipment, the install, or even when we had the logistics issue. ose played a role in delaying the opening of the business, but the regulatory issues have been a major hurdle. Patel: Wherever you decide to put in a facil- ity, make sure the city is somewhat friendly toward the chemical processes. If they're not, you will have a nightmare on your hands. We went through a lot of challenges with our city to get approvals. e inspectors probably won't understand what your waste treatment or your equipment can do, or how much you can purify. It's an education process for them, so it's helpful to locate where there are at least one or two other fabrication facilities in the area. at way they know what is expected vs. going somewhere where there's nobody else like you. Johnson: As we look ahead, what should we expect to see at the new Alpha Circuit facility? Smith: We're focused on the larger OEMs as their technology and boards get more difficult. The future of pr inted cir- cuit boards and substrates is in telecommunications, high speed digital, and really low loss materials. We're tar- geting that niche because we think signal speed will be everything in the future. Patel: Everybody has their own different niches within the board industry, but we want to be in the top three to five in our niche. Johnson: What are your sales currently? Patel: We're c ur rently at about $10 million. J o h n s o n : Building out a greenf ield fac il- ity certainly shows that you don't have to be a large shop to make that kind of investment. Is this financed or cash? Patel: is is all self-funded. Johnson: ere aren't that many facilities that are putting in a greenfield fab. Why do you think that is? Patel: is is a niche industry with businesses passed down within the family, and at some point, the new generations stopped com- ing into it. e new talent is pretty hard to find and that's a chance for us to step in and make our mark. Some people on my team have 30 years plus experience, but they'll retire at some point. How do we get the next genera- tion? How do we keep this going for the next 30 years? at's a challenge. Johnson: Yes, agreed. ank you all for this very enlightening conversation. SMT007 Schmoll MXY drilling machine with CCD camera for highest precision.