This is The Journey in Smart Factories, where the PCB industry meets Industry 4.0, and where experience turns into insight, and insight turns into smarter factories around the world.
The RecentsThe Beginning of the Journey
Discover the vision behind The Journey in Smart Factories and the mission driving Smart Factory Design. Hosted by Julia Ziewiecka, this introductory episode explores how engineering, sustainability, and global collaboration come together to create the next generation of intelligent manufacturing.
From Europe and Asia to North America, the discussion highlights the people, technologies, and ideas shaping smarter PCB factories under one shared philosophy:
Long-form talks with the people, technologies and ideas shaping smarter PCB factories, from Europe and Asia to North America.
EP 01The Vision Behind Smart Factory Design
In the first full episode, Smart Factory Design founder and CEO Alex shares the story behind the company, from early challenges and industry experience to building a global vision for smarter manufacturing. Discover the principles that shaped Smart Factory Design, the opportunities driving the transformation of the PCB industry, and the long-term vision for intelligent, sustainable, and scalable factories around the world.
GuestAlexander Stepinski FRSA Founder and CEO of Smart Factory Design
EP 05What We Actually Do: The Technology Behind Smart Factory Design
What does Smart Factory Design actually build? Julia Ziewiecka and CEO Alexander Stepinski take listeners inside the technologies powering modern smart factories, from modular automation ecosystems and sensor-driven production to closed-loop utilities and sustainable infrastructure, explaining how engineering decisions translate into measurable operational results. Learn how smart manufacturing combines efficiency, scalability, and sustainability to create factories designed for long-term performance and growth.
GuestAlexander Stepinski FRSA Founder and CEO of Smart Factory Design
EP 08Smarter PCB Factories: From Concept to Control
PCB manufacturing is entering a new era of connectivity, automation, and real-time decision-making. Julia and Alex explore how traditional PCB production evolves into fully integrated smart manufacturing systems powered by data, traceability, and advanced process control, a practical look at how smart factory principles are transforming one of the world's most critical industries.
GuestAlexander Stepinski FRSA Founder and CEO of Smart Factory Design
Stephen Driver
CEO of Jiva Materials, a UK-based sustainability start-up that created Soluboard®, the world's first fully recyclable and biodegradable PCB substrate.
Dennis Pusch
MDI Manager at Schmoll Maschinen, a globally recognized leader in production solutions for the PCB, solar, and LED industries: high-precision drilling, routing, and laser systems.
Sharat Nath
CEO of Liquid Sky, doing pioneering work in industrial sustainability, especially zero-liquid-discharge systems.
Stephan Kunz
CEO of Schmoll Maschinen, a company known for pushing the boundaries of drilling, imaging, automation, and registration.
Paul Lu
Executive Director of Temp Tai PCB Machinery, a company built on advanced technology, meaningful partnerships, and a forward-looking vision.
Johnson Xu
From Xact PCB, a leading global provider of factory-integrated PCB registration solutions and software.
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