Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1501483
58 PCB007 MAGAZINE I JUNE 2023 Interview by Nolan Johnson I-CONNECT007 It's a given: Capital equipment, especially equipment that runs hard, will need service. e larger the installed base of equipment, the more service support that will be required. Burkle North America's Schmoll Service Manager, Evan Howard, discusses how Schmoll North America has grown its service organization in response to equipment sales in the region, a con- versation that touches on hiring, training, spare parts logistics, and potential future growth. It's clear that this company intends to keep its ser- vice team ahead of the curve. Evan, your customer service team has been busy implementing a lot of changes. What has driven that change? Burkle North America: Service With a Smile Everyone has seen success. ere have been many machine purchases, and that has driven much of our service demand. In 2018, we ser- viced roughly 90 machines in North Amer- ica; today, we have about 360 machines. at growth has driven the demand for service. Is this growth a result of added capacity or new capabilities? It's a combination of both. With respect to capacity, you're seeing more boards built in America. Technology is moving faster than we can keep up with it. For example, our machines are running with linear motors instead of AC motors. ere's also the demand of special