Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1519075
26 PCB007 MAGAZINE I APRIL 2024 I first joined TTM 10 years ago, we were deal- ing predominantly with the supply chain orga- nizations at our OEM accounts. Today, while we continue to support the supply chain orga- nization needs, we have also developed critical engineering relationships because that early impact can influence the designs that enable innovation for our customers, and successful manufacturing at TTM. Some things that have been hugely positive in pushing such engagement forward are web- casting and virtual meeting interactions at the engineering level. ese efforts allow us to deal with 30 or 40 engineers in one sitting and pro- vide education on design for manufacturing (DFM) requirements, especially for younger OEM engineers who are still learning. At TTM, we talk about that kind of engagement all the time. If our engagement is only with the supply chain, then there's really nothing that differentiates our capability. We are not adding value to the customer engagement so the cus- tomer will treat us like any other commodity supplier. We have many touchpoints with our custom- ers. If you take one of the major defense primes, they're probably engaging with 30 different touchpoints within TTM. e customer must hear and see a consistent set of values that focuses on per- formance and execution. at will define the experience. If we are consistently reflecting these values in our messaging and mission, and everybody knows exactly what their roles are, that's very reaffirming for the OEM. As a result, there is a higher likelihood of them becoming more involved with TTM. Tom, great things are happening in our industry. There's a lot of fun to be had. What are the most exciting things happening now or on the horizon? You're absolutely r ight. The change and dynamic nature of our business make it fun for everyone. When you wake up in the morning, you don't know what good things will occur on a given day. at makes it interesting and enjoyable, and it keeps engineers and techni- cians excited about their jobs. at innovation cycle keeps getting shorter: We are being asked to do more, whether it's the features shrinking, the density of the circuits, the form factor we're building, or the mate- rial sets that we're using; it is all very dynamic. Apple and the initial smartphones certainly helped drive this 20 years ago, but that inno- vation cycle has spread across the electron- ics industry. is puts an expectation on our industry, whether it's printed circuit boards, RF, or microelectronics, to respond with agil- ity. It's a big change, but that challenge makes our jobs even more enjoyable. Tom, thank you for your time. Congratulations again on TTM's announcement and commit- ment to build a new UHDI facility in Syracuse, New York. Good luck with everything that comes next. ank you, Marcy. PCB007