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Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1545855
32 I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE I JULY 2026 well-capitalized while staying focused on delivering value to our clients. There is a lot of innovation hap- pening across the flex ecosystem. Early supplier involvement can reduce revision cycles and costs, but in rigid PCB manufacturing, there are often several layers between the fabrica- tor and the OEM. Flex seems to encourage closer collaboration. Is that level of engagement with cus- tomers and OEMs fairly seamless for FCT? Yes, that is our business model. Early engagement depends on the company, their resources, and where they are in their design cycle, but we are ac- tive in design support as early as possible. When we become engaged with a customer, it really spans the entire product development and product lifecycle. We get clients that come to us very early on, and those that come to us only once they have a challenge. There are also customers that reach out after their initial product has been fully developed, seeking cost reductions as they look to scale. FCT has made significant investments to expand beyond flex fabrication and into assembly and other services. What drove that decision, and how does it fit into the company's long-term strategy? We have made it 26 years. To continue thriving, we knew we needed to invest in the future by building new facilities and capabilities. Over the past four years, we have invested about $60 million in the latest flex and EMS equipment and in new facilities to offset some of the risks we discussed. However, our expansion is more about looking ahead and fig- uring out how we can deliver additional value and become more vertically integrated by offering plas- tics, sterilization, enhanced flex capabilities, and full EMS services. We are focused on the value of having advanced electronics contract manufacturing in-house for our clients. This includes die bond, wire bond, and flip chip for the latest PCBA and FPCA designs. With our facilities in China, Thailand, and soon, Vietnam, we bring flex solutions and products to market and offer our clients a vertically integrated solution with risk mitigation in mind. For all of us, tariffs remain a moving target, and we regularly have conversations with our clients about the options we provide. This includes warehousing, stateside logistics, and distribution offerings. We feel that being vertically integrated is a necessity. Ray, end-to-end, other than being well-capitalized, what advice do you have for PCB fabricators look- ing to diversify? What questions should they ask, and what do they need to be successful in this attempt? We feel diversification is fundamental to survival in today's market, whether that is expanding into a new geography or adding new services. For ex- ample, if you are only in Vietnam, looking at anoth- er country to support your manufacturing strategy and mitigate risk is probably warranted. What other value can you bring to your customers? What is your access to capital? The bottom line is to find ways to offer real value to the market and your clients. Oth- erwise, your customer will look for another supplier that does more than just the bare PCB or just flex. You want to simplify their supply chain and be a bet- ter supplier for them in the long term. It has been good talking with you, Ray. FCT is a good example of strategic diversification to be a true solutions provider for your clients. It has been a fun two years, and we're really looking forward to the future. Thank you, Marcy. I-CONNECT007 " We are focused on the value of having advanced electronics contract manufacturing in-house for our clients."