Debbie McDade from A.R.T. at Productronica 2025

Productronica 2025 once again proved why it remains the world’s leading trade fair for electronics development and production. With record visitor numbers and a renewed focus on sustainability, standards, and innovation, this year’s Munich-based event brought together the best in global manufacturing expertise. 

Among those representing the UK’s training and standards community was Debbie McDade, Managing Director of A.R.T. (Advanced Rework Technology), who joined WNIE (What’s New in Electronics) TV to discuss A.R.T.’s ongoing involvement in Global Electronics Association activity and its expanding training capabilities.

As one of Europe’s longest-running Global Electronics Association Certification Centres, A.R.T. continues to promote standards-based training and quality assurance across the electronics industry. In her recent Productronica interview, Managing Director Debbie McDade discussed the company’s expanding European collaborations, new UK showcase facility, and leadership in sustainability-focused Global Electronics Association standards.

You can watch the full conversation here:

Leading the Conversation on Global Electronics Association Standards at Productronica 2025

In her discussion with WNIE TV, Debbie reflected on A.R.T.’s extensive work with Global Electronics Association committees throughout Europe and beyond. “Everyone assumes IPC is an American organisation,” she noted, “but many standards originate here in Europe.”

Debbie explained that A.R.T. had recently participated in face-to-face Global Electronics Association standards meetings in Munich, held just weeks before Productronica 2025, where committee members discussed a wide range of emerging technologies. A key topic was Global Electronics Association rebrand to the Global Electronics Association, which aims to emphasise the international nature of its standards and training network.

New technical working groups have also emerged from these European collaborations. Debbie highlighted A.R.T.’s involvement in the Cold Joining and Press Fit Committee, which began in Germany and is now developing new specifications to support advanced manufacturing techniques. “There’s always more to do,” she said. “We’re working on new guidance that reflects how production really happens today… collaborative, sustainable, and global.”

Sustainability, Repair, and Reuse: Core Themes at Productronica 2025

One of the strongest messages from Productronica was the industry’s commitment to sustainability. Debbie used her interview to outline how A.R.T. and the Global Electronics Association are helping shape new standards for rework, repair, and reclamation of electronic assemblies and wiring harnesses.

“For years, we’ve had IPC-7711/7721 covering rework, modification, and repair of printed assemblies,” Debbie said. “But we now recognise that other technologies, such as cable and wire harnessing, need their own dedicated rework standards. We can’t just scrap components when reusing or replating might bring them back into service.”

These new guidelines have gained urgency amid continued supply pressures in the global electronics sector. Debbie pointed out that chip shortages and material delays have forced manufacturers to rethink their approach to component use and reclamation. She said that reclaiming parts isn’t just about cost anymore, but about sustainability, resource management, and environmental responsibility.”

This shift reflects a wider industry trend toward circular manufacturing, an area in which A.R.T. plays a key role through both standards participation and hands-on technical training. It also ties closely to A.R.T.’s emphasis on process control and practical inspection skills.

A.R.T. Europe: Expanding Standards Collaboration Across Borders

A.R.T.’s European footprint was another focus during the Productronica 2025 discussion. Debbie spoke about A.R.T. Europe, the company’s branch in Bergamo, Italy, which was officially launched in 2019.

“That team has grown into an integral part of what we do,” she said. “We may not see each other in Italy as often as we’d like, but we meet frequently at IPC events, especially Apex in Anaheim.”

A.R.T. Europe has strengthened collaboration between UK and continental training efforts, ensuring consistent delivery of Global Electronics Association standards and helping local manufacturers access accredited programmes. This international network enables A.R.T. to support clients across aerospace, defence, Formula 1, and consumer electronics sectors, all of which rely on precise, standards-based production practices.

 

Showcasing Innovation: A.R.T. Expands UK Facilities

During the interview, Debbie spoke about A.R.T.’s latest UK initiative, describing how the new showcase room was developed to bring technology demonstrations and supplier collaboration into the training environment. She explained that A.R.T. works with many equipment suppliers but stays independent, ensuring the team can collaborate without being tied to any specific brand.

She outlined how the showcase room reflects that independence by giving suppliers the chance to bring in their own technologies for trainees and visitors to explore in a realistic, production-style setting. The facility includes working benches, test stations and full digital connectivity to support both in-person and remote sessions.

Debbie noted that the project also supports A.R.T.’s sustainability goals by reducing travel requirements and encouraging local collaboration. The showcase room, she added, represents a practical way to connect learning, innovation and supplier engagement within the company’s expanding UK training centre.

Training and Innovation at the Heart of Productronica 2025

While many conversations at Productronica focused on automation and AI, Debbie emphasised that skills and human expertise remain the foundation of quality electronics manufacturing. “You can automate processes,” she said, “but you still need people who understand how to inspect, repair, and rework boards to IPC standards.”

This philosophy underpins every A.R.T. training programme, from basic soldering and inspection through to master-level Global Electronics Association certifications. By combining practical learning with standards alignment, A.R.T. helps technicians and engineers maintain precision and reliability even in the face of rapid technological change.

Looking Ahead: A.R.T.’s Ongoing Role in the Global Electronics Community

As Productronica 2025 concluded, A.R.T.’s participation reinforced its reputation as a key contributor to the electronics standards landscape. The company’s leadership in Global Electronics Association committees, commitment to sustainability, and investment in both facilities and people demonstrate its ongoing role in shaping best practice across the industry.

With new projects underway in Europe and the UK, A.R.T. continues to lead by example, combining deep technical understanding with the hands-on training manufacturers depend on. For Debbie and her team, collaboration and continuous improvement remain at the heart of their mission.

As she summarised during her interview: “Everything we do at A.R.T. comes back to quality, consistency, and education. The technologies change, but the standards, and the need for skilled people, never do.”

To watch Debbie McDade’s full interview from Productronica 2025, visit WNIE TV.