EMS@C-LEVEL

Philip Spagnoli Stoten

As Forbes, Entrepreneur, Fast Company and SCOOP writer, Philip Stoten, continues to talk to EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services) executives he learns more about their individual and collective experiences and their expectations for their own businesses and for the entire electronic manufacturing industry.

  1. -1 ДН.

    Customer-Led Manufacturing Made Easy with Andreas Nordin, HANZA's COO

    What if scaling production were as simple as one phone call? I sat down with Andres Nordin, HANZA's COO at their recent Capital Markets Day to unpack a customer-led operating model that turns complex supplier webs into a single, responsive partnership—and why the most valuable technology choices start with pain points, not buzzwords. From defining six core capabilities to exploring a seventh and eighth, we walk through how real quote requests shape investment in sub-technologies like specialized welding and assembly, keeping capital focused on outcomes customers actually want. The conversation gets tactical on supply chain rewiring. Instead of managing forty suppliers to move capacity 20% up or down, the team shows how a unified partner compresses coordination, slashes indirect costs, and responds to volatility in both directions. We dig into a standout example with Mitsubishi forklifts: building out a facility, installing complex assembly, and standing up an operation designed around the customer’s exact needs. It’s solution design over commodity sourcing, with measurable gains in speed, quality, and resilience. We also talk about integration after acquisition, especially as it relates to the recent acquisition of BMK in Germany. The approach is deliberately humble: listen first, learn what the acquired team does best, and bring those strengths into the broader system. And on AI, we keep it real—use it where it removes a bottleneck, ignore the hype where it doesn’t. Throughout, the theme is constant motion: what works in 2026 will evolve by 2028 and 2031, so the edge comes from sensing change and building with customers, not ahead of them. If you value practical strategy, fewer handoffs, and tech that actually serves the work, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share with a colleague who manages suppliers, and leave a review with the one change that would make your operations 10x easier. This podcast is part of series filmed at HANZA's Capital Markets Day in Stockholm on March 10th 2026. EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org) You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

    7 мин.
  2. -2 ДН.

    Vertical Integration as a Superpower with HANZA Founder & CEO Erik Stenfors

    What if your supply chain felt like one well-run factory instead of a maze of vendors and shifting promises? I sit down with founder and CEO Erik Stenfors at Hanza's Capital Markets Day in Stockholm to unpack a simple but powerful idea: build a manufacturing partner the way a buyer wishes it worked. That means vertical integration where it counts, smart outsourcing where it helps, and a single accountable brain coordinating many capable hands. We walk through the evolution from scattered globalization to an orchestrated model that turns fixed costs  variable, reduces delivery risk, and makes room for growth. As Erik explains, HANZA's framework runs on three axes—geography, technology, and capacity—so investments land where customers feel them most. HANZA 2025 was a phase focused on capacity and balance, HANZA 2028 shift toward technology, adding processes that expand the scope of supply and collapse handoffs. Not every site needs every tool; instead, clusters keep a common backbone while deepening specialities that remove real bottlenecks in electronics, mechanics, and final assembly. Voice of customer sits at the center. We share a standout story where a client moved from roughly forty suppliers to one orchestrated solution, gaining shorter lead times, clearer data, and fewer escalations. Acquisitions matter only when they extend the backbone or sharpen regional coverage without diluting standards. The aim stays constant: a consolidated supply chain that behaves like an integrated plant, priced like a flexible network, and measured by outcomes buyers actually care about—reliability, responsiveness, and total landed cost. If you’re ready to rethink how you scale, reduce risk, and free your team to focus on design and market instead of firefighting, press play.  Subscribe for more candid operations strategy, share this with a teammate who’s drowning in vendors, and drop a review to tell us what capability you want added next. This podcast is part of series filmed at HANZA's Capital Markets Day in Stockholm on March 10th 2026. EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org) You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

    5 мин.
  3. 14 АПР.

    Europe Is Writing New Rules For Chips, Defense And EV Supply Chains: Alison James, Global Electronics Association

    Energy prices can spike overnight, shipping lanes can become political flashpoints, and suddenly the “normal” electronics supply chain starts to look fragile. I sit down with Alison James, Senior Director for European Government Relations at the Global Electronics Association to talk through what the latest geopolitical tensions could mean for European manufacturing, including the quiet but critical dependencies many people forget, like petrochemicals across the electronics value chain and helium for the semiconductor industry. From there, we move into the policy engine room: the European Chips Act review and the next proposal expected from the European Commission as part of a broader tech sovereignty package. We unpack why this matters beyond semiconductor fabs, and why printed circuit boards, EMS, IC substrates, and advanced packaging have to be in the conversation if Europe wants real supply chain resilience instead of isolated capacity. We also dig into the surge in defense-driven demand and what it means that Europe’s first defense industry program explicitly includes electronics capacity building, with funding and a call that names PCBs and IC substrates.  Then we turn to automotive, where EV competition and new “Made In Europe” style procurement rules could reshape sourcing decisions, define what “origin” means, and create tough trade-offs across a global electronics ecosystem. If you care about European electronics manufacturing, industrial strategy, or how policy becomes real constraints and real opportunity, this is a practical roadmap. Subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave a review with the one policy change you think would help most. EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org) You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

    12 мин.
  4. 8 АПР.

    From Data To Circularity: How Global Electronics Association Pushes Greener Electronics with Kelly Scanlon

    The stakes around sustainable electronics have never been higher, and the momentum is real. At Productronica 2025 I sit down with Kelly Scanlon, Global Electronics Association's Lead Sustainability Strategist to unpack what “all in” actually looks like across a complex, global value chain—from executive commitment to the nuts and bolts of data, standards, and training that make greener products possible. We dig into why 99% of surveyed CEOs still prioritize sustainability despite market headwinds, and what that means for design, sourcing, and operations. Kelly shares how shared standards for materials declarations enable reliable data exchange, and why decentralized data models—proven in the auto industry—could unlock secure, interoperable sustainability insights for electronics without exposing sensitive IP. We also spotlight a forthcoming carbon accounting standard focused on consistent methods for calculating CO2, helping teams align product footprints with evolving regulations and customer demands. Beyond frameworks, we get practical about people and processes. From electrostatic discharge training that directly cuts scrap, to targeted health and safety programs for emerging manufacturing hubs, we outline how workforce upskilling delivers immediate environmental and financial ROI. The conversation then turns to circularity—the “RE” economy of repair, reuse, remanufacture, reclaim, and rework—and how better collaboration with recyclers and refurbishers can inform design choices that extend product life and keep materials in play. Along the way, we highlight the power of convening: bringing component suppliers, PCB makers, EMS leaders, and OEMs into the same room to align on methods, accelerate adoption, and tackle challenges no single company can solve alone. If you care about supply chain resilience, accurate carbon measurement, and building products that last, this conversation offers a clear path forward—grounded in standards, amplified by partnerships, and delivered through training that sticks. Subscribe to the show, share this episode with a colleague, and leave a review to tell us which sustainability move your team is prioritizing next. EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org) You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

    15 мин.
  5. 7 АПР.

    Building Mexico’s Electronics Future Through Training, Alliances, And Advocacy, with Lorena Villanueva

    What does it take to turn nearshoring from a headline into factory-ready capacity? I sit down with Lorena Villanueva, who leads Mexico for the Global Electronics Association, to unpack a practical blueprint: align government incentives, open university doors, and certify talent where hiring happens. The conversation starts with a clear shift in strategy after a major rebrand—more resources and attention flow into Mexico, and the results show up in local programs that train hundreds at a time in Guadalajara and Guanajuato. We dig into the three-helix model that guides the work: government, academia, and industry moving in step. You’ll hear how Education Weeks and Electronics Days translate into portable certifications that employers trust; how universities like UNAM and the Technological University of Querétaro are joining the association, updating curricula, and letting companies train on campus; and how factories reciprocate by bringing students to SMT lines for hands-on learning. It’s a closed loop that reduces onboarding time, strengthens retention, and builds a talent pipeline sized for real demand. Lorena also shares how advocacy amplifies these efforts. With regional incentives shaping outcomes, the team brings multiple state governments—and soon federal representation—into the room at major trade shows, expanding the Mexico Pavilion and turning policy curiosity into concrete collaboration. The takeaway is simple and powerful: nearshoring isn’t magic. It’s the compound effect of standard-aligned training, open institutions, and trusted convening that shortens the distance between classroom, line, and market. If you care about electronics manufacturing, workforce development, or how regions win in global supply chains, this one’s for you. Subscribe for more candid conversations with leaders building the next generation of capability, and share your own success stories—we’d love to learn what’s working in your region. EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org) You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

    9 мин.
  6. 31 МАР.

    From Quotes To Confidence: How Luminovo Is Rewiring EMS Collaboration, Founder Sebastian Schaal

    What if the fastest way to fix electronics supply chains starts with the quote? We dig into how targeting that high-pressure moment—where BOM clarity, sourcing, manufacturability, and price collide—catalyzes a broader shift from scattered spreadsheets to connected, resilient operations. By standardizing part data across millions of SKUs, integrating live pricing and lead times, and introducing customer portals, EMS teams cut response times dramatically and win on trust, not just cost. And that's just the start of this in-depth conversation with Luminovo Managing Director and Founder Sebastian Schaal, conducted on the show floor at productronica 2025. From there, we widen the lens to show how a “tool you use” becomes a “system that works for you.” Always-on monitoring tracks price shifts, lead time volatility, lifecycle and compliance risks, and geopolitical exposure, then flags precise exceptions so teams act before problems surface. We talk through why ERP and MES should keep their lanes while a vertical CRM and SRM for electronics connect customers, suppliers, and the external parts universe. The result is a glass pipeline: shared visibility that shortens cycles, reduces errors, and captures savings that used to slip away. We also map the trust curve of AI automation. Early stages deliver alerts and recommendations; confidence grows with one-click approvals; mature teams hand routine sourcing to autopilot while keeping humans in the loop for edge cases. With new AI interfaces turning ten clicks into one clear command—and transparent reasoning behind actions—speed no longer requires opacity. Along the way, we highlight collaborations with leading EMS players, expansion from Europe to the U.S., and why openness beats secrecy when the true enemies are bad data, manual processes, and pure arbitrage. Subscribe for more grounded conversations on connected manufacturing, smart sourcing, and supply chain resilience. If this episode sparked ideas or questions, share it with your team and leave a review telling us what you want tackled next. EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org) You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

    17 мин.
  7. 24 МАР.

    How Better Industry Data Powers Smarter Policy And Business Moves, with Chris Mitchell

    Data is only useful when it changes your next move. During my recent 'on location' session with Global Electronics Associates, I sat down with Chris Mitchell, Vice President of Global Government Relations, to unpack how a new, global industry intelligence program is turning raw numbers into decisions that matter for EMS leaders, OEMs, and policymakers. From Washington to Brussels and beyond, the focus is on credible, high-integrity data that can be sliced by sector, region, and supply chain layer—so leaders can act with speed and confidence. We dig into why the market feels like it is at an inflection point: EV growth is reshaping power electronics, AI hardware is driving demand for advanced boards and thermal solutions, and supply chains are being rewired for resilience and yield. Chris explains the build-out of dedicated data leads across regions, the push for stronger partnerships, and the shift from static annual reports to self-serve analytics. The goal is clear: let members interrogate the dataset, surface the “so what,” and back strategic choices—from capacity bets to localization—with evidence. Advocacy comes alive when policy meets proof. We explore how hard data informs briefings for governments, helping align on supply chain priorities, incentives, and workforce needs. It’s a two-way street: members gain foresight on policy directions and access to decision-makers, while policymakers gain ground truth on EMS capabilities, quality demands, and bottlenecks. Throughout, we highlight the evolving role of EMS as strategic innovation drivers—partners who manage complexity, lift yields, and enable brands to scale globally without sacrificing reliability. If you’re navigating electronics manufacturing, this conversation brings clarity on where momentum is building, how to measure it, and how to act on it. Subscribe, share with a colleague who lives in spreadsheets, and leave a review with the one question you’d ask a global industry dataset. EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org) You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

    19 мин.
  8. 19 МАР.

    From CES To Factory Floors: Robotics, Labor, And The New Supply Chain, with Shawn DuBravac

    CES signals are loud and clear: AI is no longer a feature, it’s the infrastructure layer crowding out capital, capacity, and attention across the electronics value chain. I sat down in Washington DC with Global Electronics Association Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac to unpack how that surge touches everything from storage and memory to semiconductors and factory planning, and why even companies “not in AI” are feeling the squeeze. The conversation traces a bigger shift too—mature tech moving from proof to scale—where autonomy is judged by fleet size and uptime, not lab demos. Robotics takes center stage as physical AI edges toward real work. We compare humanoids that can dance with systems ready for prime-time tasks like palletizing and truck unloading, and we map realistic timelines of 36 to 48 months for broader manufacturing deployment as dexterity and perception improve. With labor shortages set to widen through 2030, we dig into how smart plants rebalance capital and labor, use robots to close repetitive loops, and free people for quality, test, and exceptions. The result is a practical playbook: start narrow, integrate well, and scale when capability and cost cross the threshold. Zooming out, we chart a K-shaped industrial landscape. AI-adjacent and defense spending push ahead while housing, construction, and parts of agriculture struggle; Southeast Asia, Mexico, India, and Vietnam attract fresh capacity as Europe weighs EV ambitions against automotive sovereignty. Tariffs have shifted from crisis to cadence as EMS providers rewire networks, absorb costs, and—where needed—pass through pricing. We also tackle M&A’s role in securing U.S. capacity and strategic footholds, the financing mix behind AI builds, and why hyperscaler cash flows temper bubble fears even as demand risks remain. Threading it all together is data. Annual PDFs aren’t enough when decisions can’t rely on a rear-view mirror. We share how a global, real-time data backbone—built through partnerships and internal analytics—turns signals into guidance members can act on: where to invest, which lines to automate, how to hedge trade exposure, and when to break ground on new facilities. If you’re navigating AI’s crowding effect, timing your robotics ramp, or weighing consolidation, this conversation offers the markers to move with confidence. Enjoy the episode, then subscribe, share with your team, and leave a review to help others find the show. EMS@C-Level is hosted by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Global Electronics Association (https://www.electronics.org) You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.

    23 мин.

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As Forbes, Entrepreneur, Fast Company and SCOOP writer, Philip Stoten, continues to talk to EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services) executives he learns more about their individual and collective experiences and their expectations for their own businesses and for the entire electronic manufacturing industry.

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