# Exploring Facility Scale, Automation, and Supplier Partnerships with IMI's Oscar Valdivia

- Show: [EMS@C-LEVEL](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level)
- Published: 2023-10-17
- Length: 11m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-10-17-exploring-facility-scale-automation-and-supplier-partnerships-with-imis-oscar-va

## Summary

Oscar Valdivia, Manager of Engineering at IMI Guadalajara, discusses the scale and automation of his facility, which manages 1.2K employees across 10 SMT lines with plans for two more. He explains how automation mitigates talent shortages by reducing operator training time from weeks to days, allowing IMI to maintain 24/7 production. Valdivia details the rigorous process of re-qualifying suppliers like Koh Young, emphasizing the critical role of global vision, technical support, and integrated inspection software in equipment selection. He highlights the industry-wide challenge of retaining key engineers and the strategic necessity of training local talent to meet increasing quality requirements.

## Chapters

- [0:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-10-17-exploring-facility-scale-automation-and-supplier-partnerships-with-imis-oscar-va#t=8) Introduction: IMI Facility Scale and Automation
- [1:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-10-17-exploring-facility-scale-automation-and-supplier-partnerships-with-imis-oscar-va#t=96) Evolution of IMI's Technology and Automation
- [2:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-10-17-exploring-facility-scale-automation-and-supplier-partnerships-with-imis-oscar-va#t=162) Automation as a Response to Talent Shortages
- [4:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-10-17-exploring-facility-scale-automation-and-supplier-partnerships-with-imis-oscar-va#t=280) Supplier Re-qualification and Koh Young Partnership
- [6:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-10-17-exploring-facility-scale-automation-and-supplier-partnerships-with-imis-oscar-va#t=419) Inspection Software and Data Integration
- [8:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-10-17-exploring-facility-scale-automation-and-supplier-partnerships-with-imis-oscar-va#t=538) Talent Development and Future Challenges

## Topics

- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Factory operations & automation](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/factory-operations)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- IMI (company)
- Koh Young (company)
- Global Electronics Association (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [287: The Art of Precision Manufacturing: Why Humans Still Matter on the Factory Floor | Live from The Manufacturing Exchange in Rochester, NY (Powered by Fathom)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-05-12-287-the-art-of-precision-manufacturing-why-humans-still-matter-on-the-factory-fl) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Building for Long-Term Success w/ Ron Speicher and David Craft](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2023-08-29-building-for-long-term-success-w-ron-speicher-and-david-craft) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Dimming the Lights: How to Build a Shop Ready for Automation, Ep #17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-06-06-dimming-the-lights-how-to-build-a-shop-ready-for-automation-ep-17) (Lights Out)
- [BONUS: Gaps in the Manufacturing Industry (and what to do about them), LIVE from Fathom's Manufacturing Exchange in Hartland, WI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-11-07-bonus-gaps-in-the-manufacturing-industry-and-what-to-do-about-them-live-from-fat) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Lights Out Lenses: Inside an Automation Journey from the Operations & Production Frontlines, Ep #40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-05-08-lights-out-lenses-inside-an-automation-journey-from-the-operations-production-fr) (Lights Out)

## Citing this page

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