# Navigating the Future of Manufacturing: A conversation with Zollner's Markus Aschenbrenner

- Show: [EMS@C-LEVEL](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level)
- Published: 2023-11-26
- Length: 11m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-26-navigating-the-future-of-manufacturing-a-conversation-with-zollners-markus-asche

## Summary

Markus Aschenbrenner of Zollner discusses the current state of the electronics manufacturing services industry, noting a growth trend in 2023 followed by a demand slowdown due to excess inventory and the bullwhip effect. He highlights regional variations, with strong demand in aviation, military, and EV sectors in Europe, while industrial manufacturing remains weak. Aschenbrenner emphasizes that Zollner is using this period to focus on operational excellence, digitalization, and AI to address talent shortages and improve supply chain visibility across complex components like sheet metal and cables.

## Chapters

- [0:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-26-navigating-the-future-of-manufacturing-a-conversation-with-zollners-markus-asche#t=8) Introduction: Markus Aschenbrenner and Zollner's 2023 Performance
- [1:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-26-navigating-the-future-of-manufacturing-a-conversation-with-zollners-markus-asche#t=92) Inventory Levels and the Bullwhip Effect
- [2:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-26-navigating-the-future-of-manufacturing-a-conversation-with-zollners-markus-asche#t=174) Regional Demand Variations: Europe, US, and China
- [4:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-26-navigating-the-future-of-manufacturing-a-conversation-with-zollners-markus-asche#t=295) Operational Excellence and AI for Talent Shortages
- [6:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-26-navigating-the-future-of-manufacturing-a-conversation-with-zollners-markus-asche#t=403) Flexible Automation and Administrative Digitalization
- [8:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-26-navigating-the-future-of-manufacturing-a-conversation-with-zollners-markus-asche#t=503) Supply Chain Visibility and ESG Legislation
- [10:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-26-navigating-the-future-of-manufacturing-a-conversation-with-zollners-markus-asche#t=633) Digitalizing Sheet Metal and Cables

## Topics

- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Factory operations & automation](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/factory-operations)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Zollner (company)
- Productronica 2023 (other)
- Koh Young (company)
- Global Electronics Association (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [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)
- [The State of Manufacturing: Resilience in Uncertain Times with Willem Sundblad](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2023-02-07-the-state-of-manufacturing-resilience-in-uncertain-times-with-willem-sundblad) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Return of the Trade Show Jedi](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-04-11-return-of-the-trade-show-jedi) (The Amp Hour)
- [Smarter Manufacturing in an Evolving Ecosystem w/ Chris Lupfer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-02-04-smarter-manufacturing-in-an-evolving-ecosystem-w-chris-lupfer) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Matchmaking Supply and Demand for Parts Manufacturing w/ Markus Seibold](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2024-10-15-matchmaking-supply-and-demand-for-parts-manufacturing-w-markus-seibold) (The Manufacturing Executive)

## Citing this page

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