-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- design007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueCreating the Ideal Data Package
Why is it so difficult to create the ideal data package? Many of these simple errors can be alleviated by paying attention to detail—and knowing what issues to look out for. So, this month, our experts weigh in on the best practices for creating the ideal design data package for your design.
Designing Through the Noise
Our experts discuss the constantly evolving world of RF design, including the many tradeoffs, material considerations, and design tips and techniques that designers and design engineers need to know to succeed in this high-frequency realm.
Learning to Speak ‘Fab’
Our expert contributors clear up many of the miscommunication problems between PCB designers and their fab and assembly stakeholders. As you will see, a little extra planning early in the design cycle can go a long way toward maintaining open lines of communication with the fab and assembly folks.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - design007 Magazine
Navigating Change, Mitigating Risk: We’ve Been Here Before
April 22, 2025 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 1 minute

At IPC APEX EXPO 2025, industry leaders gathered to assess the evolving economic landscape influenced by recent political shifts and global trade dynamics, in addition to exploring technology and process innovation.
I visited with Tom Edman, president and CEO of TTM Technologies, and chair of the IPC Board of Directors. Tom candidly shares his insights into the implications of changes on the defense sector and the broader electronics manufacturing industry, especially concerning PCB manufacturing. With half of TTM’s business tied to defense, Tom discusses the potential opportunities and challenges arising from government initiatives, tariffs, and supply chain complexities. His perspective highlights the importance of adaptability and collaboration with customers to navigate this intricate environment successfully.
Marcy LaRont: Tom, with the almost daily changes in Washington, D.C., what is the state of business for TTM?
Tom Edman: These changes are always interesting. Particularly as a company with almost half of our business in defense, we watch the happenings in Washington very closely. Of course, we think about the potential influence of the changes being made, of which I will highlight just a few.
One is the DOGE effort, which hasn't reached the Department of Defense yet, but it will. As DOGE and other efficiency efforts look at the Pentagon, there are several areas with opportunities for improvement that could benefit everyone. One in particular is tied to the federal government’s purchasing process, which is really challenging today for our global competitiveness. It is something worth addressing.
Many of our customers are major prime contractors to the defense department, so depending on how hard that drive for efficiency is, these contractors may look differently at the choice of whether to outsource or build within their own captive facilities. To the extent that the pendulum swings toward outsourcing, and given our product capabilities, it could be an opportunity for TTM. That's an area that we're watching closely.
Two other potential opportunities for TTM are also worth mentioning. First, the Golden Dome project in the United States, which is planned to focus on missile defense systems, plays right into TTM’s strength of radar technology. Second, increased defense spending outside the U.S. will likely have to significantly rely on U.S. prime contractors.
To read the entire interview, which originally appeared in the April 2025 PCB007 Magazine, click here.
Suggested Items
RTX's Raytheon Awarded $536 Million US Navy Contract for SPY-6 Family of Radars
06/05/2025 | Raytheon CompanyRaytheon, an RTX business, has been awarded a $536 million contract from the U.S. Navy for the SPY-6 family of radars. The contract is a follow-on to the previously awarded Integration and Production Support contract and includes upgrading Flight IIA destroyers with the SPY-6(V)4 variant.
Cicor Closes Strategic Partnership with Mercury and Strengthens Market Leadership in the European Defense Sector
06/03/2025 | CicorCicor Group announces today the successful completion of the strategic supply partnership with Mercury Mission Systems International S.A. (Mercury) announced in April.
Stephen Winchell Appointed DARPA Director
06/02/2025 | DARPAStephen Winchell was sworn in today as the 24th director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
Canada PCB Market Report 2025-2030: Strong Growth Projected Amid EV Boom, 5G Rollout, and Defense Investments
05/29/2025 | Globe NewswireCanada Printed Circuit Board Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2025-2031F. The Canada PCB market is set for robust growth in the coming years, driven by several factors.
Honeywell Expands Defense Modernization Efforts in Japan with New Aerospace Technologies
05/26/2025 | HoneywellHoneywell announced the expansion of its support for Japan’s defense modernization efforts with the delivery of advanced aerospace systems for two key helicopter programs. These latest awards expand Honeywell’s footprint in Japan’s defense sector and reinforce the company’s commitment to mission readiness and long-term operational performance.