MILPITAS, Calif. — January 28, 2026 — SEMI, the industry association serving the global semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, today announced its 2026 U.S. Policy Strategy: Securing the Semiconductor Supply Chain to Enable American AI Leadership designed to strengthen U.S. competitiveness, sustain long-term market investment, and support innovation across the full semiconductor ecosystem. These focal points reflect SEMI’s role as a trusted partner to policymakers and its commitment to advancing practical, coordinated, and industry-informed solutions that reinforce U.S. competitiveness in a highly integrated global industry.
“The semiconductor industry is vital to every facet of the modern economy, from artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing to national security and workforce development,” said Ajit Manocha, president and CEO of SEMI. “As global competition intensifies and policy frameworks continue to evolve, the ability of the U.S. to maintain leadership in semiconductor design, manufacturing, and innovation will depend on clear, predictable, and forward-looking policy execution.”
SEMI policy priorities this year focus on providing certainty, enabling long-term investment, and ensuring the U.S. remains connected to the global network that makes semiconductor manufacturing resilient and sustainable. The SEMI 2026 U.S. Policy Strategy emphasizes five interconnected areas critical to strengthening U.S. leadership:
These priorities underscore the importance of early and meaningful engagement with industry for policymakers. Given the complexity of semiconductor supply chains and the scale of investments involved, policies developed with technical input from industry are more likely to achieve their intended outcomes while avoiding unintended consequences.
SEMI’s 2026 U.S. Policy Strategy also highlights the importance of coordination with U.S. allies and partners, as well as continued support for public-private research partnerships. Semiconductor manufacturing relies on a global network of specialized materials, equipment, and expertise, and policies that are aligned internationally help strengthen supply chain resilience, protect shared security interests, and preserve U.S. competitiveness.
“SEMI’s approach is grounded in partnership,” said Joe Stockunas, president of SEMI Americas. “Our members are investing in the United States at historic levels, bringing thousands of good-paying, skilled jobs to communities across the country. Clear rules, predictable incentives, and coordinated policy execution give those investments the best chance to succeed. We look forward to continued collaboration with policymakers to ensure the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem remains strong, resilient, and globally competitive.”
The SEMI 2026 U.S. Policy Strategy positions the industry as a constructive partner in advancing policies that support economic growth, innovation, and national security. Through collaboration, credibility, and consistentengagement, SEMI is working to ensure that the next phase of U.S. semiconductor expansion delivers lasting benefits for the broader economy.
Visit SEMI Global Advocacy to learn more about public policy efforts and developments.
CHON BURI, THAILAND – Southco is proud to announce the grand opening of its new facility in Chon Buri, Thailand marking a significant milestone in the company's expansion into Southeast Asia.
This facility will enhance our ability to serve customers more effectively by reducing lead times, strengthening supply chain resilience, and positioning Southco’s innovative, world-class operations closer to the dynamic markets.
Spanning over 2,255 square meters, the new facility will focus on the production of Captive Screws, Electronic Access Latches, Ejectors, Injection Molding, and Clean Room manufacturing for Quick Release Adapters. This investment underscores Southco’s dedication to upholding global quality standards while providing outstanding products and services.
The grand opening event was a celebration of culture and achievement, featuring traditional Thai performances and a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. Colleagues and business partners gathered to commemorate the occasion, highlighting our unified vision for growth and innovation in the region.
This opening came on the heels of an outstanding year for Southco, marked by record growth and the introduction of new capabilities and facilities worldwide. The Chon Buri factory is poised to play a pivotal role in delivering cutting-edge solutions to customers throughout Southeast Asia.
For more information about Southco, please visit www.southco.com.
January 27, 2026 – Boardera Software Inc., a provider of PCB costing and quoting automation software for the electronics manufacturing industry, today announced a strategic partnership with Revco Products Inc., aimed at advancing Revco’s operational efficiency and transforming their customers’ experience.
Through this partnership, Boardera and Revco will work together to automate the PCB costing and quoting process and deliver faster and more accurate quotes to their customers and prospects. This partnership further strengthens Boardera’s growing network of industry collaborators and underscores its ongoing commitment to helping manufacturers adapt to evolving market demands through automation, intelligence, and connected digital workflows.
“Revco is delighted to be partnering with Boardera which we feel will enhance our quotation response time to our customers inquires”, explained Greg Gonzales, Vice President of Business Development at Revco Products. “We feel with Boardera’s interface we will be able to provide a more thorough customer service experience while at the same time supporting more customers. We feel this partnership is a game changer.“
"Boardera is excited to partner with Revco Products, a pioneer in the EMS industry. Together, we look forward to achieving Revco’s operational efficiency goals in PCBA costing and quoting, but are equally excited to partner for future innovations that will have meaningful impact on Revco, their customers and the industry as a whole,” stated Curtis Hunter, CEO of Boardera Software Inc.
About Boardera Software Inc.
With a commitment to delivering innovative solutions to PCB fabricators, assemblers and designers, Boardera specializes in providing a turn-key solution for PCB fabricators and assemblers to allow their customers to specify their requirements for manufacturing online in a highly automated and collaborative environment. This results in drastic reductions in quoting time and effort, directly impacting overhead costs and the time to deliver an assembled product. www.boardera.ca
About Revco Products Inc.
Revco Products has over 48 years of experience in Contract Electronic Manufacturing (CEM), including full-service PCB assembly with automated SMT and through-hole equipment. From prototyping to production, their cutting-edge equipment and highly trained technicians produce unmatched quality and workmanship. They begin each project with a Design For Manufacturability (DFM) review to improve quality, reduce timeto market, and reduce costs. They support their customers by offering both consignment and turn-key manufacturing services. www.Revcoproducts.com
LAKE FOREST, CA ― January 2026 ― Semi-Kinetics, a leading provider of electronic manufacturing services, opened a new manufacturing facility in Nampa, Idaho and is now hiring as it builds its production team at the new location.
Semi-Kinetics currently operates a 35,000-square-foot facility in Lake Forest, California, which includes production, shipping and receiving, conference rooms, and administrative and management offices. The Nampa facility expands the company’s manufacturing footprint by an additional 30,000-square feet and provides additional capability to support customer programs across a range of industries.
The company is recruiting for the following positions at the Nampa facility:
Semi-Kinetics operates audit-approved, ESD-compliant, and environmentally controlled production environments. Assembly personnel are trained in ISO awareness and IPC standards, including IPC-A-610, IPC-A-620, and J-STD-001, with instruction provided by a certified IPC trainer on staff.
The company is certified by NSF-ISR to ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and AS9100, and is ITAR registered. Semi-Kinetics builds to IPC Class II and Class III standards and offers fully RoHS-compliant assembly processes, serving customers in medical, defense, semiconductor, and test and measurement markets.
Recent investments in equipment, facilities, and personnel support Semi-Kinetics’ ongoing efforts to strengthen manufacturing capability across both locations.
Candidates interested in opportunities at the Nampa facility can learn more by visiting www.semikinetics.com.
New Milford, CT — February 6, 2026 — Vision Engineering, a global leader in ergonomic optical inspection and non-contact measurement technologies, is proud to celebrate 45 years of continuous business operations in the United States, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to American manufacturing, innovation, and customer support.
Founded in 1958 in Surrey, United Kingdom, Vision Engineering Ltd. initially supplied advanced quality control equipment to the defense, aerospace, and rapidly expanding electronics industries. Between 1960 and 1970, the company’s products were exported to the United States, supporting the strong growth of American electronics and defense manufacturing.
As demand for Vision Engineering solutions increased, founder Rob Freeman established a joint venture in 1973 with Kulicke & Soffa U.S.A., operating as Vision Systems Inc., to support OEM integration and distribution. Based in Ivyland, Pennsylvania, this partnership marked the company’s first formal presence in the U.S. market. In 1974, Vision Systems Inc. became wholly owned by Vision Engineering Ltd. and relocated to New York.
In 1981, Vision Engineering Inc. was officially founded, and in 1982 the company established its long-term North American headquarters in New Milford, Connecticut, where it remains today. Initially, the site housed sales, service, technical support, and a small machine shop, set up by Rob Freeman and Robin Gable, who began his career as an apprentice in the optical shop at Vision Engineering’s UK headquarters.
A defining moment in the company’s history came in 1994 with the launch of Mantis®, the world’s first eyepiece-less stereo microscope. Designed to improve comfort, accuracy, and productivity, Mantis rapidly gained global adoption for assembly and quality control applications, particularly in electronics, telecommunications, and medical device manufacturing. As demand grew, the New Milford facility became the dedicated manufacturing site for Mantis and Mantis is still built there today.
Over the years, the company’s product portfolio has grown to include a wide range of optical and digital stereo microscopes, 4K digital inspection systems, and non-contact video measuring systems, each designed to enhance precision, reduce operator fatigue, and improve workflow efficiency. Innovations such as patented Dynascope® technology, advanced 3D optics, integrated digital imaging, and high-resolution metrology solutions have helped customers improve quality, consistency, and throughput. Today, Vision Engineering’s U.S. operations support customers throughout North and Central America, delivering application expertise, service, and technical support to industries including electronics, aerospace, medical device manufacturing, and precision engineering.
“This milestone is ultimately about people,” said Bernie Sherwill, Vice President & General Manager, North America. “It’s about the engineers, technicians, assemblers, service teams, and support staff who show up every day with skill, pride, and care for what they build, and about the customers who trust us to be part of their process. The relationships we’ve formed over 45 years are the true foundation of this company, and they remain our greatest strength.”
“As we celebrate 45 years in the United States, our focus remains firmly on the future,” said Richard Nagel, VP of Sales and Marketing at Vision Engineering. “Our success is driven by a forward-looking approach, developing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern production environments while supporting the people who rely on them every day.”
To mark this milestone, Vision Engineering will be launching a series of commemorative initiatives throughout the year, including customer spotlights, historical retrospectives, special promotions, and educational events highlighting the company’s long-standing commitment to American manufacturing.
THAILAND – Bluechips Microhouse Co., Ltd., member of the Zollner Group, has today marked the official opening of a new cleanroom facility on their campus in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The expansion highlights Zollner’s continuous commitment to expanding capacity and capabilities across international markets.
Construction of the new cleanroom building began in June 2025 and, due to cooperation across international Zollner sites, achieved an ambitious schedule to be constructed and certified as ISO Class 7 within six months. The 1000m2 facility has been built as a standalone structure, allowing for stringent adherence to cleanroom standards for logistics, assembly and packing.
The opening ceremony was conducted in the presence of both Bluechips and Zollner management along with our strategic partners who will be served by the new facility. After receiving a tour of both the main factory and the newly built cleanroom, guests were invited to an authentic Lanna market, celebrating both the Thai and German culture that has defined the collaboration between Zollner and Bluechips.
Markus Aschenbrenner, Member of the Managing Board, highlighted the crucial role that expansion in Thailand will play in Zollner’s strategic outlook going forward, stating: “More than ever, our customers need Zollner to offer global solutions. By strengthening our manufacturing network here in Thailand, we continue to ensure a reliable collaboration with our key partners.”
The new cleanroom facility marks the first expansion since the acquisition of Bluechips in July 2025 and is an endorsement of Zollner’s commitment to an expanded global footprint, customer proximity and increased capabilities.