IMI Shifts From Turnaround Mode To Focused Growth - with CEO Lou Hughes

EMS@C-LEVEL · 19 May 2026 · 23m

What this episode covers

Lou Hughes, CEO of IMI, explains how the company shifted from a turnaround mode to focused growth by consolidating its global footprint from nearly 15 sites to six, reducing net debt from $280 million to $110 million, and investing in mechanical capabilities like injection molding and machining in the Philippines and Mexico. Hughes details IMI's strategic bets on high-growth segments, including power module packaging for EVs and data centers, driver monitoring cameras, and megatronics controls, while leveraging a 'strategic supplier initiative' to add value in electromechanical commodities. The conversation highlights IMI's intentional approach to supply chain resilience, noting the shift of power module and camera manufacturing potential to India, and the continued cost-effectiveness of China operations despite geopolitical pressures.

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • EE Times Current · 32m

    CEO Interview: Hassane El-Khoury is Getting Onsemi Focused

    Hassane El-Khoury, CEO of Onsemi, explains the company's strategic transformation from a broad portfolio to a focused strategy on automotive and industrial markets, with adjacency in cloud and 5G. He details how Onsemi will leverage its leadership in power efficiency and packaging technology to compete against peers, while committing to net-zero emissions by 2040. The company is also executing a 'fab-lighter' manufacturing strategy, including acquiring a 300mm wafer fab from GlobalFoundries, to optimize capacity and reduce fixed costs amid global supply chain disruptions.

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 36m

    259: Data Centers, Modularity, and Mission Critical Manufacturing featuring Keith Hutchens of BW Design Group

    Keith Hutchens, Partner at BW Design Group (part of Barry-Wehmiller), discusses the transformative impact of AI-driven data center construction on the manufacturing supply chain, noting that capacity is doubling every 3-4 years and creating severe strain on components like transformers and PLCs. He explains how modularity allows builders to manufacture units in parallel before site selection, a critical strategy for hyperscalers racing for speed to market. Hutchens also details BW Design Group's shift from commercial DDC controls to industrial PLCs for mission-critical redundancy and outlines their 'truly human leadership' philosophy, which includes formal principal engineer tracks and flexible relocation programs to manage large, dispersed site teams.

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 55m

    271: Preparing Manufacturers for the Semiconductor Boom: Insights from SEMICON West and Beyond

    Danielle Collins of HARTING Technology Group and Jeff Miller of Rockwell Automation explain that the semiconductor industry is reshaping itself through the localization of manufacturing and the globalization of R&D, driven by AI demand and national security concerns. Anuj Mahendru of Rockwell Automation details how legacy fabs are overcoming material movement challenges in converted spaces, while new digital fabs prioritize cybersecurity and sustainability. The guests emphasize that successful suppliers must speak the language of operational data and partner closely with risk-averse chipmakers to navigate the industry's complexity.

  • The Manufacturing Executive · 25m

    Systematizing Machine Shops to Strengthen National Security w/ Justin Baucum

    Justin Baucum, who leads expansion for the US at Isembard, explains how the company uses a franchise model to systematize and scale machine shops, addressing the critical need for reshoring and domestic supply chain resilience. He draws parallels between his US Army Special Forces background and manufacturing, emphasizing teamwork, mission-driven execution, and the importance of physical production for national security. Baucum details Isembard's rapid growth, including the launch of its first factory in the Dallas Fort Worth region and a second site 12 times larger, driven by overwhelming demand for capacity rather than just sales.

  • Catalyst · 26m

    A former race car engineer on battery safety and supply chains [partner content]

    Tristan Doherty, Chief Product Officer at LG Energy Solution Vertech, discusses the transition from his career as an IndyCar race engineer to leading US-based energy storage manufacturing. He details LG's $1.4 billion investment in Holland, Michigan, aiming for 16.5 GWh of annual cell production with a 100% non-Chinese supply chain by early next year. Doherty explains how the Moss Landing fire drove a shift toward containerized systems, reducing failure rates by 97%, and describes a strategic 'outside-in' design philosophy that prioritizes grid needs over component availability.

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by EMS@C-LEVEL. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.