Every month we like to visit with one of the key team members at Taiyo and see what they're up to. I ask them six key questions (hence the name Dan's Six Pack) designed to give us insight into what they are currently developing. This month I talked to Taiyo's Western Regional Sales Manager Brian Wojtkiewicz.

DAN:  Brian, how are things going for Taiyo on the West coast?

BRIAN:  Hi Dan nice to talk with you again. Things on the West coast continue to be strong in the areas of market share and customer satisfaction, especially considering solder mask globalization requirements. 

DAN:  How was last year for you?

BRIAN:  Without losing any market share we did notice a slight reduction in overall volume on the West coast, from the same period as last year.

DAN:  Were there any new technology demands in the past year?

BRIAN:  Yes, especially on the registration requirements that have been put on the board manufacturer side.  Therefore, we have seen a huge increase in the need for an LDI solder mask to hold these tight requirements. If the customer is Laser Direct imaging inner layers and outer layers they most definitely need to use an LDI solder mask.

Another area that is being asked of us, that a lot more of our customer's customers are asking for, is the identical cosmetic look of the prototype and pre-production printed circuit boards, of those made here in the states VS. those from offshore. This is quite the challenge, especially with the environmental regulations that we abide by.

DAN:  How do you see business going forward?

BRIAN:  Pretty much status quo; I don't see much change in increased volume here in the states, but also don't forsee a significant decrease.

DAN:  What is the competition like in your region?

BRIAN:  Competition has always been fierce, fortunately our customers realize that TAIYO solder mask is more than just the ink inside the bucket. We will continue to battle hard with new products and continued awesome support (no matter the size), and ask what is next around the corner for R&D.  We continue to be Your Ultimate Solution.

DAN:  I know you have been with Taiyo for quite a while, what does working for Taiyo mean to you?

BRIAN:  This has been an awesome job. I started with Taiyo when the Americas market share was in the low teens and we have taken it to the high eighties. We get to work with a world class company (Taiyo Ink) and we all have an understanding that the Customer is #1 and we'll do whatever it takes. We "deliver" new products, great customer service, comprehensive technical support, thorough manufacturing support, and above all a QUALITY product.

If you would like to learn more about Taiyo and its' products and services, contact  Brian 

by e-mail at brianw@taiyo-america.com  or at 775.885.9959, ext. 206.