# EMS@C Panel: The Unseen Barriers of Reshoring and Talent Acquisition in EMS with BMK Group and CMS Electronics

- Show: [EMS@C-LEVEL](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level)
- Published: 2023-12-15
- Length: 18m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-12-15-ems-c-panel-the-unseen-barriers-of-reshoring-and-talent-acquisition-in-ems-with

## Summary

Michael Velmenden of CMS Electronics and Michael Knöferle of BMK Group discuss the stalled nature of reshoring in Europe, noting that while supply chain security drove initial interest, actual volume shifts remain limited. They highlight severe supply chain opacity and the 'bullwhip effect' as major barriers to efficient inventory and cash flow management. The panelists also address the critical talent shortage in the EMS sector, arguing that automation cannot replace the need for highly qualified engineers and operators, requiring a strategic shift in how EMS companies market themselves as innovative employers.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-12-15-ems-c-panel-the-unseen-barriers-of-reshoring-and-talent-acquisition-in-ems-with#t=0) Introduction: Reshoring Trends in Europe
- [1:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-12-15-ems-c-panel-the-unseen-barriers-of-reshoring-and-talent-acquisition-in-ems-with#t=106) Michael Knöferle on Supply Chain Security vs. Reshoring
- [3:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-12-15-ems-c-panel-the-unseen-barriers-of-reshoring-and-talent-acquisition-in-ems-with#t=200) Supply Chain Opacity and the Bullwhip Effect
- [5:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-12-15-ems-c-panel-the-unseen-barriers-of-reshoring-and-talent-acquisition-in-ems-with#t=334) Cash Flow, Lead Times, and Inventory Management
- [10:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-12-15-ems-c-panel-the-unseen-barriers-of-reshoring-and-talent-acquisition-in-ems-with#t=620) The Talent Crisis and Marketing EMS as 'Sexy'
- [14:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-12-15-ems-c-panel-the-unseen-barriers-of-reshoring-and-talent-acquisition-in-ems-with#t=847) Automation vs. Human Expertise in High-Mix Production

## Topics

- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- CMS Electronics (company)
- BMK Group (company)
- Koh Young (company)
- Global Electronics Association (company)
- Productronica 2023 (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Obstacles to Quickly Reshoring American Manufacturing w/ Rylan Pyciak](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-05-13-obstacles-to-quickly-reshoring-american-manufacturing-w-rylan-pyciak) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [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)
- [Why Reshoring Electronics to the US is Harder Than You Think](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2025-01-29-why-reshoring-electronics-to-the-us-is-harder-than-you-think) (OnTrack)
- [Bonus Episode: Resilient Supply Chains for Robotics (ERF 2026)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-06-01-bonus-episode-resilient-supply-chains-for-robotics-erf-2026) (Robot Talk)
- [245: A Grassroots Approach to Shaping the Future of American Industry with Bret Boyd, CEO of Sustainment](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-07-08-245-a-grassroots-approach-to-shaping-the-future-of-american-industry-with-bret-b) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

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