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EPTAC Celebrates New Expansive Training Center in New Hampshire On a picture-perfect spring day in Salem, New Hampshire, on April 23, EPTAC marked a major milestone with the opening of its new 14,000-square- foot training facility and headquarters on 7 Stiles Road. EPTAC welcomed state and local officials, industry partners, business leaders, and customers for a ribbon-cutting celebration that felt equal parts ceremonial and personal. Remarks from President and CEO Burak Gokmen, along with good food and easy conversation, set the tone for an event de- fined by both growth and gratitude. With 24 training locations in the U.S. and Canada, the ex- pansion underscores EPTAC's continued momentum and its sharpened focus on serving high-reliability sectors including de- fense, aerospace, and medical devices. "This expansion strengthens our abil- ity to deliver the hands-on training that today's manufacturers require," Gokmen said to the crowd of visitors. He emphasized the broad- er ecosystem behind workforce development and added that EPTAC will continue to deepen its "col- laboration with industry, government, and education partners to help build a more resilient and highly skilled workforce." As states compete for advanced manufacturing investment, that message resonated with policy- makers as well. U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) pointed to EPTAC's long-standing impact. "Today marks an important step forward for EPTAC as you continue to grow and innovate within the electronics manufacturing industry," she said. "For more than 35 years, EPTAC has played a vital role in training and certifying professionals across critical sectors, helping to ensure quality, reliability, and advance- ment in fields ranging from medical technology to aerospace. Your decision to expand here in New Hampshire reflects the strength of our state's workforce and our shared commitment to fostering economic growth and innovation. I commend the entire EPTAC team for your dedication and vision. Your investment in both your industry and our state's workforce will have lasting ben- efits for the region." David Hernandez, vice president of edu- cation and workforce training at the Global Electronics Associa- tion, traveled to the event and echoed that sentiment. "EPTAC has a long and dis- tinguished legacy of training for the elec- tronics manufacturing industry," Hernandez said after the event. "They are a critical partner to the Global Electronics Association in addressing workforce challenges and ensuring the industry has access to a skilled work- force. Congratulations to them on their new building and expansion, and our great appreciation goes out to them for all the essential training work they do." The new facility features four large classrooms, two lecture halls, and two fully equipped training areas designed for hands-on instruction. Across all its sites, EPTAC offers a flexible mix of in-person, on- site, and online training, working closely with cus- tomers to tailor programs for maximum impact. BY M A RCY L A RO N T, I - C O N N ECT 0 07 JUNE 2026 I SMT007 MAGAZINE 65 From left to right, David Hernandez of the Global Electronics Association with Burak Gokeman, EPTAC President and CEO.