December 2012
VIEW FROM THE TOP

Corporate Response
RLC Electronics, Inc.

Q: The importance of sustaining and developing technology has reached a point where states and cities are more actively building relationships with universities and recruiting high-tech companies. Good examples are New York State’s “East Coast Silicon Valley” and several cities in Ohio. However, there continues to be a shortage of engineering graduates, especially those focusing on RF and microwave technology. What would your company do (or is doing) to help promote careers in microwave engineering?

A: RLC Electronics continues to work with students who have gained experience in electrical engineering and shown interest in moving into the RF and microwave field. Through co-operative work experience programs and internships, we are able to provide practical, hands on training and evaluate students for potential careers at RLC. These are excellent channels for growing our own talent.

Q: For those of you serving the military market, what do you expect 2013 will bring in terms of opportunities in this sector?

A: It is always difficult to predict new opportunities in the military sector and this year has been no exception.

There continues to be development of new military programs. We have also seen an increase in re-designs and upgrades to heritage programs. Continuing or upgrading heritage programs are cost effective in comparison to designing and developing new programs since the development costs have already been incurred.

Overall, the military market in 2012 has remained stable. We are looking forward to 2013 and expecting to see increased business, primarily in homeland security.

Q: If your company serves the commercial markets, are you encouraged by any particular emerging application or technology?

A: Commercial markets remain buoyant for RLC Electronics, especially in the test and measurement markets, which we have supported for many years. Telecommunication and data transmission systems remain an area of continuing expansion. RLC supports these markets by providing heritage products and new designs to customer critical specifications.
The test equipment market offers unique opportunities. There is a greater demand for hand-held, mobile equipment for which RLC offers surface mount and miniaturized products, as well as integrated assemblies. The market demands greater bandwidths and higher data transmission rates. RLC is positioned to support these opportunities.

Q: Last year, we asked what impact the global economic crisis was having on the markets you serve and on how you run your business. What is your current perspective?

A: The global economy is still suspect and we think it will be throughout next year. RLC Electronics, however, does not foresee a negative impact on our business and will continue to bring new and improved products to the marketplace, enabling our customers to maintain a technical advantage. As RLC provides unique components and integrated assemblies designed specifically to customers’ exact requirements, we believe we are in a strong position to weather the global economic crisis.

Q: What countries or regions do you believe will provide the greatest growth potential for the wireless industry in 2013?

A: The greatest growth opportunities will exist throughout Asia and certain countries in South America. In the European community, we expect the wireless industry to remain stable in 2013. ♦