# Why Connecting Machines And Companies Unlocks Real Factory Value with Koh Young's Michael Zahn and Joel Scutchfield

- Show: [EMS@C-LEVEL](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level)
- Published: 2025-12-11
- Length: 13m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-12-11-why-connecting-machines-and-companies-unlocks-real-factory-value-with-koh-youngs

## Summary

Michael Zahn of Koh Young Europe and Joel Scutchfield of Koh Young America discuss market recovery and the shift from raw data to actionable AI insights in electronics manufacturing. They highlight how midsize EMS firms and private manufacturers are investing in closed-loop control systems, collaborating with partners like Fuji and Cybord to break down silos and improve yield. The conversation emphasizes that real factory value comes from connecting machines and companies to drive measurable productivity gains and faster time-to-stable production.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-12-11-why-connecting-machines-and-companies-unlocks-real-factory-value-with-koh-youngs#t=7) Introduction: Philip Stoten, Michael Zahn, and Joel Scutchfield at Productronica 2025
- [0:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-12-11-why-connecting-machines-and-companies-unlocks-real-factory-value-with-koh-youngs#t=38) Michael Zahn on European market recovery, automotive depression, and growth in industrial/defense sectors
- [3:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-12-11-why-connecting-machines-and-companies-unlocks-real-factory-value-with-koh-youngs#t=183) Joel Scutchfield on US/Mexico market dynamics and support for mid-tier EMS companies
- [6:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-12-11-why-connecting-machines-and-companies-unlocks-real-factory-value-with-koh-youngs#t=389) The shift from high-fidelity images to AI-driven actionable insights and ROI
- [8:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-12-11-why-connecting-machines-and-companies-unlocks-real-factory-value-with-koh-youngs#t=537) Collaboration with Fuji and Cybord for closed-loop control and cross-vendor feedback
- [11:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-12-11-why-connecting-machines-and-companies-unlocks-real-factory-value-with-koh-youngs#t=683) Breaking silos and the tipping point for smart factory operational excellence

## Topics

- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Factory operations & automation](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/factory-operations)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Koh Young (company)
- Fuji (company)
- Cybord (company)
- J-Boels (company)
- Flex (company)
- Foxconn (company)
- Pegatron (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [A Digital Backbone for Factories of the Future w/ Ryan Kuhlenbeck](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2023-10-10-a-digital-backbone-for-factories-of-the-future-w-ryan-kuhlenbeck) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Leveraging Data to Reimagine the Product Design Process with Instrumental CEO Anna-Katrina Shedletsky](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2021-08-31-leveraging-data-to-reimagine-the-product-design-process-with-instrumental-ceo-an) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [250: How to Uncover Your "Hidden Factory" and Extract More Value from the Plant Floor featuring Tri Tech Automation](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-08-26-250-how-to-uncover-your-hidden-factory-and-extract-more-value-from-the-plant-flo) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [192: Leading with Productivity to Drive Sustainability Featuring Lauren Dunford, CEO of Guidewheel](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-07-02-192-leading-with-productivity-to-drive-sustainability-featuring-lauren-dunford-c) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Stronger Relationships, Stronger Manufacturing: The Power of Trust w/ Michael Kornuta](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-06-17-stronger-relationships-stronger-manufacturing-the-power-of-trust-w-michael-kornu) (The Manufacturing Executive)

## Citing this page

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