IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
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110 I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE I JANUARY 2026 D R I V I N G I N N OVAT I O N BY S I M O N K H E S I N , S C H M O L L M A S C H I N E N G M B H People Driving Precision in PCB Processes The technology behind PCB production is both complex and fascinating. It represents a pre- cise mix of different technologies and disciplines— mechanical, optical, and chemical—all working in concert. Yet, people are the most vital component in perfecting these solutions. I'd like to share how the specialized roles at Schmoll Maschinen GmbH in Germany contribute to the company's commit- ment to excellence. To sustain the production and support of high- precision equipment, a PCB equipment manufacturer must have robust organizational pillars. At Schmoll, every individual product is supported by four core teams, ensuring that hardware, software, process knowledge, and global support are well-managed. Our service-focused approach combines differ- ent methods of support, including a hotline, remote connectivity, person-on-duty systems, multi-tier support, and local subsidiaries. I've seen how this type of layered support helps customers from initial diagnosis to culturally fluent assistance. To sustain our growth, we employ a dual hiring strategy: educating and hiring local talent from our neighborhood, while also seeking international experts. We now employ more than 700 people globally across the entire Schmoll Group, and being a "foreigner" myself, I feel well accepted here. Mechanical Department The Mechanical Department, which handles drilling and routing, is the historical core of Schmoll and traces its roots back to the first mechanical drilling machine, which was made in 1962. Since 2020, we have typi- cally built more than 1,000 machines each year, and supporting this level of output requires a strong com- mitment of resources and specialized expertise.