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62 SMT007 MAGAZINE I JUNE 2026 It's been an exciting time for EPTAC, an IPC train- ing and certification center based in Salem, New Hampshire, which recently opened a new state- of-the-art training facility to much fanfare. To help celebrate this accomplishment, we spoke with some key individuals who tell the story of what truly makes EPTAC successful. For over 35 years, EPTAC has built a reputation as a leading provider of IPC training and certifica- tion for the electronics manufacturing industry. It began in 1987 as a focused effort to deliver hands- on solder training and process expertise, and has evolved into a broad network of 24 training centers serving companies across North America. What may surprise many is that EPTAC also offers professional services to manufacturers, including on-the-floor process audits and problem-solving. The opening of a new training facility in New Hamp- shire reflects the company's continued growth and ongoing investment in workforce development and high-reliability electronics education. "We train the industry," said Jonathan Gilman, senior business development manager, who came to EPTAC nearly a year ago. He was a business owner and entrepreneur for over 30 years, during which time he did much of his own training. "That's one of the reasons this resonated with me." He's impressed by EPTAC's "ridiculously high EPTAC BY M A RCY L A RO N T, I - C O N N ECT 0 07 F E AT U R E A RT I C L E The 'Ivy League' of High-tech Training