Electronics Industry Mourns Loss of Visionary and Long-time IPC Leader and Volunteer Michael Ford

Key Summary:

• IPC announces the passing of Michael Ford, a leading innovator in electronics manufacturing
• Ford was a longtime IPC volunteer and global thought leader in Industry 4.0 and digital manufacturing
• His work at Aegis Software advanced major software and data-driven solutions for electronics assembly
• He earned multiple IPC honors for contributions to CFX, cybersecurity, traceability, and digital twin standards
• Ford served actively on IPC’s Technical Activities Executive Committee and more than a dozen committees
• IPC expresses condolences, noting his lasting impact on standards, innovation, and the global electronics community

It is with deep sadness that IPC reports the recent news of the death of industry visionary and long-time IPC leader and volunteer Michael Ford, who passed away on January 27.

Working most recently for Aegis Software provided Michael the opportunity to apply his software for electronics assembly manufacturing experience to further drive technology solution innovation, satisfying evolving business needs in modern digital manufacturing.

Throughout his career, including eight years working in Japan, Michael was instrumental in creating and evolving revolutionary software solutions for assembly manufacturing.

An established thought leader for Industry 4.0 data-driven manufacturing, and an active contributor to IPC’s standards development activities, Michael has been recognized by IPC with the Hillman-Lambert, the IPC President’s and Dieter Bergman IPC Fellowship awards. These awards recognized his contributions to IPC standards including connected factory exchange (CFX), cybersecurity, traceability, secure supply-chain and digital twin standards, and his service on IPC’s Technical Activities Executive Committee (TAEC).

“IPC staff, Michael’s fellow standards committee members and his colleagues at Aegis are better for having known and worked alongside him as we’ve benefited from his knowledge and his passion for the industry,” said IPC President and CEO John Mitchell.

“An active participant on more than a dozen IPC technical committees and a sought-after speaker on software solutions for assembly manufacturing, Michael helped promote and position IPC’s factory of the future initiative by contributing articles, columns and blogs to several leading industry publications, presenting at several IPC events and serving as a thought leader on the subject. He will be greatly missed, but always remembered as an industry expert, leader and friend,” added Mitchell.

“IPC extends its sincere condolences to Michael’s family, work colleagues and friends during this difficult time.”