May Nakamura
Tijuana, Baja California | North America
Business Development Associate at Sumitronics

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About me ...

Hello, I am working with Sumitronics USA, my expertise are supply chain, logistics and listening customer's needs.


My thoughts on ...
EMS companies I have worked with
Sumitronics, 16th out of Top 50 Global EMS (according to MMI) and fully owned by Sumitomo Corp.

The skills I often see lacking in the EMS industry today
To suggest a better plan for the customer. One time when I was working with this customer, I suggested a new PCB design to save cost because theirs was old-fashioned. To my surprise, they were looking for the alternate design since 2004. Often time EMS sales people talk about their capability, but that's not what customers want to listen.

What I think about some of the emerging EMS markets or regions
Mexico, especially border area. China's higher labor and RMB are their concerns. Obviously US operation costs a lot. I have been consulting with customers who is interested in operation shift to Mexico. I am excited to see if there is a way to achieve lower cost somehow. Yes, some of the border cities are dangerous, but I would say Tijuana is safer because I commute every day.

What I think about low-cost manufacturing
Low-cost manufacturing is great, as far as other metrics meet your needs. I once experienced when my old partner was having quality issues with their former EMS providers and contacted me for help. Low-cost is lovely when quality and delivery meet your expectation. But I guess this sounds pretty common.

My thoughts on what makes a good program manager
A good program manager will be your pain killer. When you have issues in cost, delivery, quality or anything, you can talk to your program manager. Capable program manager is a quick action taker. They are also knowledgeable in your products and organization, supply chain, logistics and technical matter; they are very reliable and respectful.