Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1546383
22 SMT007 MAGAZINE I SEPTEMBER 2026 Maria Elena Gallego, Collectron frames its role around taking responsibility for the operating environment surrounding manufacturing. Customers receive direct access to leadership, manu- facturing-industry expertise, and support tailored to each operation, allowing them to focus resources on manufacturing while Collectron manages regulatory and operational requirements. Jesús Duarte, Expo WireTech sees its value in creating a highly targeted environment where manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, OEMs, service providers, and decision-makers can connect. Participants gain access to a specialized network, market visibility, and exposure to technologies and trends that can lead to partnerships and business growth. Ignacio Lopez Arroyo, Repstronics describes its differentiator as complete manufacturing solu- tions rather than individual products. Its portfolio spans SMT, wire processing, cable and harness manufacturing, assembly, marking, fiber optics, automation, inspection, and smart manufacturing. The company says customers most value technical expertise, responsive local support, and a long-term partnership approach. Frederico Teixeira, Ricardo & Barbosa points to its ability to manufacture crimp applicators and tooling on two continents using the same processes, supporting consistent quality and lead times. Its technology is designed to increase productivity and reduce cost per crimp, while the company also emphasizes customized solutions, response time, quality, and long-term technical support. Alejandro Solórzano Elorza, ROCKA Solutions says customers value close relationships, tech- nical knowledge, responsiveness, and regional coverage. Beyond representing global brands, its role is to help customers select, implement, and support solutions that improve productivity, quality, and operational continuity while reducing risk and optimizing processes. Filiberto Severiano Moreno, SMTLINK Solutions emphasizes hands-on manufacturing experience in SMT and THT processes, NPI, process development, continuous improvement, automation, and manufacturing support. Its goal is to function as an extension of the customer's engineering team and provide end-to-end support from concept and implementation through optimization. What Manufacturers Want From Their Partners "What is your unique value to your customer and the manufacturing value chain?" "Partnership" appeared in all responses, consistently used to describe a practical change in customer expectations. As manufacturing becomes more automated, interconnected, and technically demanding, suppliers are being asked to understand the process, reduce risk, support implementation, respond locally, and stay involved after the sale.