IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1545855
12 I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE I JULY 2026 Ten years ago, Shane Whiteside had a vision for the dwindling North American PCB indus- try: to develop a company at scale that would put North American PCB manufacturing back on the map. The result was the combination of six PCB or- ganizations and complementary businesses to cre- ate Summit Interconnect, now the second-largest PCB manufacturer in North America. In this interview, Summit CEO Shane Whiteside and Vice President of Technology Gerry Partida reflect on the achievement of Summit's 10th anni- versary, the pride they take in what they've built, and the enthusiasm they still bring to the business as they celebrate this milestone. Marcy LaRont: Shane and Gerry, congratulations on 10 years. It's a great accomplishment. What was the impetus for starting Summit? Shane Whiteside: The U.S. market over the pre- ceding 15 years had undergone a period of rapid decline due to geographic migration to lower-cost regions. It was very fragmented. We thought there was a case for future growth and that was part of our original strategic thesis. Summit Interconnect CELEBRATES 10 YEARS BY MARCY LARONT, I-CONNECT007 I N T E RV I E W