Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1538540
AUGUST 2025 I PCB007 MAGAZINE 9 turing strategies and strong supplier partnerships highlight where advanced production is headed. Together, these interviews paint a clear picture of the lessons learned so far and the emerging opportunities that will define the road ahead. To complete the picture, we learn how some of SEL's vendor partners keep operations at the top of their game: • GreenSource Engineering: Their work was foundational to SEL in designing the shop floor layout, recommending vendor partners, managing the build, and training staff • Sigma Mecer: Offers a copper plate-out sys- tem for closed-loop processing and regener- ation of both water and copper • IPS: Built an 81-foot fully inline ENIG system • MKS' Atotech: Installed the Uniplate PLBCu6 line (one of the longest of its kind in the U.S.), and the Digital Factory Suite • Machvision: Installed the 4.0Pro AFVI and AFI6 systems for optical inspection When it comes to designing and building a new greenfield facility, these are some of the industry's heaviest hitters, and stellar examples of what a true customer/supplier partnership can look like. Additionally, columnist Don Ball of Chemcut uses real-world examples to discuss strategy and growth, echoing some of Dr. Schweitzer's wisdom. Among Don's takeaways is the wise counsel that innovation and success often involve "sticking with your core business" and that some of the most important and enduring lessons in businesses are the ones you learn early on. MKS' Atotech elaborates on the technology and benefits of its Uniplate PLBCu6 line. Kurt Palmer of Schmoll America discusses precision depth rout- ing and the need for both machine robustness and a high level of measurement and control capa- bility to achieve what is needed for miniaturized designs, rigid-flex boards, those with cavities, and high-power PCBs with heat sinks. Michael Carano explores the causes and pre- vention of small hole voids, especially as they relate to high-density builds. Shane Whiteside of PCBAA and Summit Interconnect brings us up to date on U.S. policy related to manufactur- ing, investment incentives, driving supply back onshore, and whether there exists a federal bud- get to support these efforts. Summer is winding down, but take heart, the lat- est issue of PCB007 Magazine will keep you ready for what comes next. Enjoy! PCB007 Marcy LaRont is the managing editor of PCB007 Magazine and executive director of IPC Publishing Group. Marcy started her career in PCBs in 1993 and brings a wide array of business experience and perspective to I-Connect007. To contact Marcy, click here. M A RCY 'S M U S I N G S