Electronics Manufacturers Anticipate Revenue Growth Increase of 9.5 Percent in 2024

IPC releases January 2024 Global Sentiment of the Electronics Supply Chain Report

Electronics Industry sentiment improved during January, with electronics manufacturers, on average, stating that they expect 5.2 percent revenue growth for 2023, with an increase to 9.5 percent in 2024, according to IPC’s January 2024 Global Sentiment of the Electronics Supply Chain Report.

Labor and materials costs continue to rise, with 59 percent of electronics manufacturers experiencing a rise in labor costs while 45 percent report rising material costs.

“Industry insiders appear optimistic about 2024,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC chief economist. “Demand sentiment rose in January, driven primarily by stronger shipment data.”

Additional survey data show:

  • The New Order Index rose 1 point to 102.
  • The Shipment Index rose 5 points to 110.
  • The Backlog Index was flat at 94.
  • The Capacity Utilization Index remained steady at 106 for the third consecutive month.
  • Cost measures remain at an all-time low, remaining flat for the third consecutive month.

For the report, IPC surveyed hundreds of companies from around the world, including a wide range of company sizes representing the full electronics manufacturing value chain.

View full report.

IPC and the PCBAA Urge Congress to Fully Fund and Invigorate Domestic PCB Industry

Feb 06, 2024

Key Summary

• IPC and PCBAA urged Congress to fully fund the Defense Production Act Purchases Account at $618.6 million
• The groups also called for $1.08 billion for the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program
• The request supports the Presidential Determination that PCBs are critical to the defense industrial base
• PCBs are essential to electronics in defense, healthcare, telecom, aviation, and automotive sectors
• U.S. PCB production lags behind, putting strategic investments like the CHIPS and Science Act at risk

IPC joined with the Printed Circuit Board Association of America (PCBAA) to deliver a letter to Congress today that was signed by 54 member companies. The impactful letter called on Congress to fully fund the Defense Production Act Purchases Account at the House-passed level of $618 million and $1.08 billion for the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program.  

IPC and PCBAA advocated for the Presidential Determination declaring printed circuit boards (PCBs) as a critical defense industrial base need, qualifying the industry for investment from the Defense Production Act program. As Congress negotiates full year funding by the March 8 deadline, Congress needs to fulfill the Presidential Determination for Printed Circuit Boards and Substrates by fully funding the Defense Production Act Purchases account at the higher, House-passed level of $618.6 million.

PCBs are central to all electronics across all industries including defense, healthcare, telecommunications, aviation, and automotive. U.S. armed forces depend on PCBs found in everything from night vision goggles and drones to avionics and satellites.

The success of the United States' strategic investments like the CHIPS and Science Act hinge on advanced printed circuit boards. Unfortunately, the U.S. lags behind in PCB production, jeopardizing our investments. The Defense Production Act Purchases program has started presenting awards using funds from prior years. However, without complete funding, it cannot proceed with additional essential investments in the PCB industry, as identified by the President and multiple U.S. government supply chain reviews. 

 View full letter. 

Q:
Why are IPC and PCBAA urging Congress to increase funding now?
A:

They want Congress to meet the March 8 funding deadline and ensure full support for the Presidential Determination that PCBs are critical, enabling essential investment through the Defense Production Act program.
 

Q:
Why are PCBs considered vital to national security?
A:

PCBs power critical defense technologies including night vision systems, drones, avionics, and satellites, making them foundational to U.S. military readiness.
 

Q:
How does PCB production affect broader U.S. industries?
A:

PCBs are central to electronics used in healthcare, telecommunications, aviation, automotive systems, and other industries that depend on reliable electronic infrastructure.
 

Q:
How does underinvestment in PCBs threaten the CHIPS and Science Act?
A:

Advanced semiconductor capabilities require equally advanced PCB manufacturing; without strong domestic production, U.S. chip investments could be undermined.
 

Q:
What happens if the Defense Production Act Purchases Account is not fully funded?
A:

The program will be unable to continue issuing critical investments needed to strengthen domestic PCB manufacturing, as identified by the President and federal supply chain reviews.

IPC Mourns Loss of Former Vice President of Industry Programs, Tony Hilvers

Feb 06, 2024

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It is with sadness that IPC announces the passing of Tony Hilvers, former IPC vice president of industry programs, on Tuesday, February 6. Hilvers left IPC in 2012 after 29 years of service.

During his long tenure, Hilvers was responsible for the association’s market research, government relations and environmental policy, meetings and professional development departments.

In addition, he was responsible for industry segments including the PWB and EMS Management Councils, the PWB Suppliers Council, the Surface Mount Equipment Manufacturers (SMEMA) Council, the Solder Products Value Council, and associated events, including IPC APEX EXPO. While he was vice president of industry programs, IPC APEX EXPO was named one of the top 25 fastest-growing U.S. trade shows in attendance by Trade Show News Network.

While serving as director of educational services and marketing communications, he formed the EMS Management Council and published the first market research study on the EMS industry in 1984. Hilvers was also instrumental in launching IPC Printed Circuits Expo, IPC APEX Conference and Exhibition and the co-located IPC APEX EXPO and worked with the Hong Kong Printed Circuit Association to launch the HKPCA/IPC International Printed Circuits and Assembly Fair.

Said David Bergman, IPC’s vice president of standards and technology and long-time colleague of Hilvers, “I had the privilege of working with Tony for nearly 30 years. I did sales visits, traveled internationally, collaborated, supported and was supported by Tony and his team. I always admired his ability to listen to a group of business leaders, figure out a program to solve a problem they were faced with, and then convince others that this program was worth their support. Tony’s passion for the industry and his natural sales ability facilitated his creation of many new programs for IPC.”

IPC extends its sincere condolences to Tony’s family, friends, and former work colleagues.

Q:
Who was Tony Hilvers?
A:

Tony Hilvers was IPC’s former vice president of industry programs, serving the association for nearly three decades. He played a key role in shaping IPC’s councils, research efforts, events, and global industry initiatives.
 

Q:
What were some of his major contributions to IPC?
A:

Hilvers helped launch IPC APEX EXPO, the EMS Management Council, key market research studies, and multiple international events. He also oversaw departments including market research, government relations, environmental policy, and professional development.
 

Q:
How did colleagues describe his impact?
A:

Colleagues, including David Bergman, remembered him as a strong listener, creative problem-solver, and natural leader who built programs that addressed industry needs and gained widespread support.
 

My Top Three Reads from Winter Issue of IPC Community

Feb 06, 2024

I just finished the latest issue of IPC Community which is chock full of great content, including timely updates on IPC standards, workforce programs, and events like IPC APEX EXPO 2024. The issue also spotlights the certification team that works with our community to develop, implement and promote industry credentialing and workforce programs. The Community magazine is truly an indispensable resource!
 
But the articles I enjoy most are those that feature the amazing people in our community—electronics professionals who commit themselves every day to building electronics better through industry collaboration. In the spirit, here are my top 3 reads from the latest issue:
 
A Farmer at Heart. How can you not love this profile of IPC standards volunteer Joe Russeau? He brings the same passion, precision, and sense of responsibility to his cattle farm that he brings to his work at Precision Analytical Lab Inc.  
 
Demystifying the Technical Activities Executive Committee. The headline undersells an article that pops through the voices of those on the committee. The true gem though is the mini-profile of Karen McConnell, a giant in our industry and who I learned is also a “Harry Potter nut.” On the kind of collaboration that takes place in IPC standards committee meetings, she says, “We can do things better together than any one of us could individually.” That truly is the IPC spirit which places problem solving at the heart of what we do!
 
IPC Day Romania. I'm jealous of those who attended this amazing Flex-sponsored event in #Romania which drew more than 230 participants and great speakers from the industry’s leading companies. Congrats again to IPC Europe for organizing such an incredible event. This piece is just one of many in Community that exemplifies IPC’s global reach.

Also don’t miss Shawn DuBravac, PhD, CFA DuBravac’s take on near-shoring with a focus on Mexico, Jan Pedersen’s piece on recycling of PCBs, Mike Carano’s update on IPC’s Thought Leadership Program, an interview with IPC chapter leaders at Auburn University, and the profiles of American Standard Circuits, LLC Standard Circuits-Sunstone Circuits and BOSTONtec.     
 
And if you have ideas for the next issue, reach out to the editorial team! Share your suggestions and questions. After all, as Karen McConnell reminds us, doing things together is better!
 

IPC Partners with the Institute for American Apprenticeship to Announce Funding Opportunities to Reimburse Participation in IPC’s Registered Apprenticeship Program

IPC, the leading association for electronics manufacturing, and the Institute of American Apprenticeship (IAA) will offer two grant opportunities to companies offering apprenticeships.

One grant offers funding for a first-time apprentice program, given to new employers adopting apprenticeships. The grant provides $375 per apprentice.

The second grant offers full reimbursement for the cost of related technical instruction, equal to $500 per apprentice. The funding for this grant is available through June 2024, and seats are limited.

“We are excited to join IAA to offer funding opportunities for apprenticeship programs,” said David Hernandez, IPC vice president of education. “Apprenticeships help to address the workforce shortage by providing unique opportunities for learning. In addition, the two funding sources can be combined for added value allowing a company to be reimbursed in full for the related technical instruction and receive an additional $375 per new apprentice in the first cohort.

For more information and assistance with this opportunity, please contact Victoria Hawkins, director of workforce grants and proposals at VictoriaHawkins@ipc.org. To learn more about the funding and an upcoming webinar, visit www.ipc.org/workforce-training-apprentice-funding.

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

Jan 31, 2024
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.”

Q:
Who was Michael Ford?
A:

Michael Ford was a visionary in electronics assembly software and a long-time IPC volunteer. He worked at Aegis Software and spent decades advancing digital manufacturing, standards development, and Industry 0 practices.
 

Q:
What contributions did he make to IPC?
A:

He played key roles in developing IPC standards including CFX, cybersecurity, traceability, secure supply-chain frameworks, and digital twin standards. He also served on IPC’s Technical Activities Executive Committee.
 

Q:
Which IPC awards did Michael Ford receive?
A:

He earned the Hillman-Lambert Award, IPC President’s Award, and the Dieter Bergman IPC Fellowship—recognitions honoring his leadership and technical contributions to IPC standards and the industry.
 

Q:
How did he influence the electronics manufacturing industry?
A:

Ford was a global thought leader who promoted data-driven manufacturing, authored numerous articles, spoke at IPC events, and helped advance IPC’s factory of the future initiatives.
 

IPC Standards Task Group Meeting - Japan regional F2F meeting

Date
- (Oct 30, 2024 | 11:30pm - Oct 31, 2024 | 3:00am CDT)

This face-to-face opportunity intends for regional task group members in Japan such as 7-31BV-JP. With the guests from IPC Global, we discuss and make proposals to the original task group.

For more information or event sponsorship, please contact Mr. Yusaku Kono at YusakuKono@ipc.org

IPC Works ASIA 2024 IPC Seminar in Japan

Date
- (Oct 30, 2024 | 8:00 - 10:00pm CDT)

This annual seminar is held mainly for IPC members, regional TG participants and its standards users in Japan with the collaboration of IPC Asia. In the morning of the day, we have guest speakers from IPC global such as TG chair and liaison to update on IPC standards and activities for them. Following this, in the afternoon, Japan regional task group meeting(s) will be held.

For more information or event sponsorship, please contact Mr. Yusaku Kono at YusakuKono@ipc.org

NEPCON NAGOYA / IPC HSC 2024 Japan Final

Date
- (Oct 22, 2024 | 8:00pm - Oct 25, 2024 | 3:00am CDT)

NEPCON NAGOYA is the exhibition held in the center of the manufacturing industry of Japan. Nagoya is a capital city of Aichi prefecture which has Japan's largest automotive-related manufacturing industry cluster. IPC Japan will have its booth and have Japan regional final of IPC hand soldering competition 2024.

For more information or event sponsorship, please contact Mr. Yusaku Kono at YusakuKono@ipc.org

Port Messe Nagoya, Japan

2-2, Kinjofuto
Nagoya Minato-ku, Aichi
455-0848
Japan

Port Messe Nagoya, Japan

Port Messe Nagoya, Japan
2-2, Kinjofuto
Nagoya Minato-ku, 23 455-0848
Japan

IPC Hand Soldering Competition (HSC) 2024 in Japan

Date
-

This competition is for choosing the Japanese champion to dispatch the world final 2024 with the cooperation of Japan Unix Co., Ltd. Preliminary details (mid-July & August) will be announced around June in their website. And then, only who pass the preliminary is invited to the final at NEPCON NAGOYA (Oct. 23 - 25).

For more information or event sponsorship, please contact Mr. Yusaku Kono at YusakuKono@ipc.org

Port Messe Nagoya, Japan

2-2, Kinjofuto
Nagoya Minato-ku, Aichi
455-0848
Japan

Port Messe Nagoya, Japan

Port Messe Nagoya, Japan
2-2, Kinjofuto
Nagoya Minato-ku, 23 455-0848
Japan

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