Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1524164
26 PCB007 MAGAZINE I JULY 2024 partner to exchange thoughts and ideas, and we take those best exchanges and use that knowl- edge to develop new products with advanced features. It also means having our eye squarely on the ball to develop our team into experts in those areas needed by our customers. at means a relentless drive to hire and develop our people. In the end, it means if we stay focused on the needs of our customers, we should be around for a long time. Schmoll America and Schmoll Maschinen are proud to be considered an industry leader in the segments we serve. You recently announced Schmoll America as a distinct business entity, which is a signifi- cant and strategic business move. What led to that decision? Making the decision for Schmoll to come directly into the North American PCB mar- Thriving in the Global PCB Market Feature Interview by Marcy LaRont I-CONNECT007 As we examined what it means to thrive in our industry, it only made sense to reach out to Kurt Palmer, president of Schmoll America. e new business expansion was created from Schmoll Maschinen to focus on and better serve the expanding North American PCB market. Pro- fessionally, Kurt has been in this business for decades. He explains what thriving looks like for Schmoll America as the company moves for- ward into this new venture and what he is most looking forward to in the years ahead. Marcy LaRont: Kurt, from the perspective of you and Schmoll, what does it mean to "not only survive, but to thrive?" Kurt Palmer: e PCB industry is mature and very competitive, as you know. In some ways, I suppose "thriving" is relative. To me, thriving means we are thought of by customers as a go-to