North American EMS Industry Down 8.9 Percent in June

The Global Electronics Association releases EMS industry results for June 2025

The Global Electronics Association announced today the June 2025 findings from its North American Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.28.

North American PCB Industry Sales Down 8.6 Percent in June

The Global Electronics Association releases PCB industry results for June 2025

The Global Electronics Association announced today the June 2025 findings from its North American Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.06.

The Wire Association International’s Wire Expo to Co-Locate with the Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE) May 6-7, 2026

The Wire Association International Inc. (WAI) announces plans to co-locate its biennial Wire Expo with the Wiring Harness Manufacturer’s Association (WHMA)/Global Electronics Association’s Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE) May 6-7, 2026. The two shows will co-locate at the Baird Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

North American PCB Industry Sales Up 4.7 Percent in November

IPC releases PCB industry results for November 2024

IPC announced today the November 2024 findings from its North American Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.15.

North American EMS Industry Up 10.6 Percent in November

IPC releases EMS industry results for November 2024

IPC announced today the November 2024 findings from its North American Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.18.

Elevate Your Electronics Expertise with IPC's Process Optimization Courses

Two New Courses Focused on IPC-A-610 and IPC-J-STD-001

Key Summary

• IPC introduced two new process optimization courses focused on IPC-A-610 and IPC-J-STD-001 to help professionals improve assembly quality and compliance.

Q:
What is the purpose of the new IPC process optimization courses?
A:

They are designed to help electronics professionals develop the skills needed to implement and optimize IPC-A-610 and IPC-J-STD-001 standards within their assembly processes.
 

Q:
Who are the IPC-A-610 and IPC-J-STD-001 courses intended for?
A:

They are useful for both experienced technicians and individuals new to electronics assembly who want practical guidance on improving quality and compliance.
 

Q:
What skills will participants learn from the IPC-A-610 and IPC-J-STD-001 courses?
A:

Participants learn how to interpret IPC standards, reduce process variability, troubleshoot defects, understand root causes, and apply effective corrective actions.
 

Q:
What topics do the course modules cover?
A:

Modules include subjects such as ESD, soldering, mechanical assembly, surface mount assemblies, process control, materials, PCB damage, cleaning, and more depending on the course.
 

Q:
How do these courses benefit organizations?
A:

They help reduce downtime, scrap, and low first pass yield by strengthening quality control and process consistency across assembly operations.

Onshoring Advanced Packaging and Assembly

An IMAPS/GEA Workshop Focused on Increasing Domestic MicroelectronicS Production

WHMA's Annual Global Leadership Summit 2027

The wire harness industry is constantly evolving with new technology and practices. The 2027 WHMA Annual Global Leadership Summit offers the tools you need to help your business succeed in this fast-changing landscape. WHMA's Annual Global Leadership Summit (formerly the WHMA Annual Conference) is a networking event for executives representing wire harness manufacturers, OEMs and suppliers for companies that build wiring harnesses and cable assemblies.

APEX EXPO 2026

APEX EXPO is the premier event in North America for the electronics industry.

Why It Matters

The ROI of Training in Electronics Manufacturing

Key Summary

• Training ROI shows that workforce development is a strategic investment, not a cost.
• Measuring ROI helps companies refine training programs for higher productivity and fewer errors.

Q:
Why is measuring training ROI important in electronics manufacturing?
A:

It demonstrates how training contributes to productivity, quality, and overall business performance.
 

Q:
How does ROI help improve training programs?
A:

ROI reveals which training methods are effective so companies can refine content and delivery for better outcomes.
 

Q:
What business goals can training ROI support?
A:

ROI ties training to goals such as increasing production yield, reducing rework, improving efficiency, and strengthening quality control.
 

Q:
Does training ROI impact employee retention?
A:

Yes, employees who receive meaningful training feel valued, stay longer, and maintain stronger engagement.
 

Q:
How does ROI measurement reduce risk for manufacturers?
A:

It shows whether compliance and safety training are decreasing violations, improving processes, and lowering operational risk.

U.S. AI Action Plan Should Revive Focus on the Electronics Inside

By Chris Mitchell, Vice President, Global Government Relations

 

Q:
Why does the AI Action Plan need more focus on electronics manufacturing?
A:

Because AI systems rely on high-performance PCBs, substrates, and assemblies that the U.S. currently lacks adequate capacity to produce.
 

Q:
How do data centers factor into electronics supply chain concerns?
A:

AI data centers require advanced electronics, and current U.S. supply constraints risk slowing deployment and increasing reliance on foreign suppliers.
 

Q:
What role does the Defense Production Act play in strengthening electronics manufacturing?
A:

The DPA enables strategic federal investments to scale domestic production of critical technologies like high-density PCBs.
 

Q:
Why should electronics manufacturers be included in robotics and drone supply chain discussions?
A:

Every robot and drone relies on electronic components, so excluding this sector leaves major vulnerabilities unaddressed.
 

Q:
How is Global Electronics Association supporting workforce development in electronics?
A:

Through Registered Apprenticeship Programs, grant funding, and workforce playbooks that help companies train and retain skilled talent.

Powering U.S. Electronics Talent with Apprenticeship

Join industry and workforce leaders for Powering U.S. Electronics Talent, a free executive webinar exploring solutions to the growing talent gap in electronics manufacturing. This session will cover strategies for strengthening hiring pipelines, upskilling employees, and leveraging workforce funding and partnership opportunities.

IPC APEX EXPO 2025

Event

Great Lakes/Detroit EMS Leadership Roundtable: Bot or Not? AI, Automation, and Assembling the Workforce of the Future

Join fellow EMS leaders in the region to share industry pain points and solutions.