Three leading companies in electronics manufacturing—Fuji America, Koh Young, and Creative Electron—have teamed up to create THE SMT FUTURE EXPERIENCE, a unique space designed to speed up innovation and shape the future of SMT (Surface Mount Technology) manufacturing. This new collaboration will bring together their technologies as well as expertise in a one-of-a-kind facility, set to open in San Marcos, California.
This isn’t just a lab or a showroom; THE SMT FUTURE EXPERIENCE is a place where the latest ideas in manufacturing are turned into reality. It will feature a live SMT production line, workspaces for teams to collaborate, and educational areas where industry leaders can test, share knowledge, as well as work together on new solutions. It's a hub for innovation, planned to help companies exceed the boundaries of SMT technology.
The new facility will have several key purposes:
- A permanent space to explore as well as showcase the latest advances in SMT (Surface Mount Technology).
- Educational programs focused on training the next generation of manufacturing experts.
- Collaborative workspaces where industry partners can collaborate to create solutions.
- Regular technology summits that help set the direction for the future of electronics manufacturing.
THE SMT FUTURE EXPERIENCE will officially open with a two-day event on February 11-12, 2026, designed for manufacturing leaders:
- Day 1 (February 11) – EMS COO Summit: This event is for Chief Operating Officers, VPs of Operations, and manufacturing or engineering leaders who want to improve their production processes. Experts will share strategies and solutions to overcome operational challenges.
- Day 2 (February 12) – AI in Electronics Manufacturing Summit: This summit will focus on how to successfully Artificial Intelligence (AI) is implemented in manufacturing industry. Instead of just focusing on AI, it will offer practical advice on how to execute in real-world production settings.
Executive Statement
According to Philip Stoten, Event Director, this launch event will set the agenda for operational excellence throughout 2026. They are integrating the industry’s creative minds to tackle the most pressing challenges in manufacturing, from operational optimization to AI integration.