Allgemeines

During the IPC APEX Expo 2024 in Anaheim, California, we awarded I.T.C. Intercircuit, one of the leading suppliers of equipment for the PCB industry, the contract for a new plugging machine. The CF 200 high-vacuum plugging machine is a real innovation: filling and cleaning take place in just one fully air-conditioned chamber, and through-holes and blind holes on both sides of the PCB are filled in a single operation.

The ILFA business model combines the best of both worlds for its customers: The in-house production of complex printed circuit boards in Hanover as well as the trade with printed circuit boards from controlled external production. Our Asian partners are personally qualified by our own local office in Shenzhen. Regular audits ensure consistent material quality and smooth production processes. From small batch sizes for samples to large series, we can fulfil any request. This makes us particularly interesting for all electronics companies that do not have their own contacts in Asia.

In February, we had 14 vocational students training to become electrical engineering assistants visit ILFA. In addition to four of their teachers, they brought with them a great thirst for knowledge and numerous questions about ILFA and our printed circuit boards. The 14 young people attend the BBS ME in Hanover, where they complete the two-year school-based training programme.

Shortly before Christmas, it was finally time to organise a joint event for all ILFA employees. It was to be a joint Christmas barbecue and so we quickly decorated our foyer and parts of the outdoor area, got the barbecues out, organised meat, vegetarian dishes, salads and much more and spent a few enjoyable hours together.

Our CEO Thomas Michels gives a detailed insight into the PCB industry and highlights challenges and opportunities, such as efforts to relocate production facilities and the battle to remain competitive in the global market. It looks at changing trends among customers, the role of the ZVEI in promoting the importance of the microelectronics ecosystem and the urgent need for balanced government support.

On November 8th, the Hanover Career Information Center (BiZ) organized a training fair for all future starters. Around 60 companies from the region presented themselves to young people who are interested in a training or internship position. Of course, we were also there with our “Training Team” and presented our apprenticeships and the opportunities at ILFA.

The ZVEI e.V. Semiconductor Summit took place in Berlin on 8 November 2023. Numerous top representatives from politics, science and industry took part in the event and discussed the topic of “How do we create a strong microelectronics ecosystem in Europe?”. Opportunities as well as challenges for the entire supply chain were highlighted, with high-calibre contributions and keynotes from the participants and, of course, plenty of room for networking and the exchange of ideas.

For ILFA, 9 November is an occasion to once again focus on our open and tolerant corporate culture. With around 200 employees from more than 20 nations, we are also a multicultural pool of individuals who get on well and work well together.