John Desmond
VP, key account management, Semicon & High-Tech, Global, Kuehne+Nagel
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in electronic and electrical Engineering John worked as an engineer in the Semicon industry in both the Fab and Sub-fab moving into the EMS sector (electronics manufacturing services) and spent the last 15 years in the logistics sector at various locations throughout Europe. His expertise in high-tech was sought by a market-leading logistics company, to not only establish a specialist offering for this sector but also to bring his expertise to customer solutions.
His deep knowledge in these areas sees him well-placed to build a strategic, aligned, customer-centric service for this complex, fast-growing sector, in his current role.
Lars Eger
Head of key accounts, Semicon & High-Tech, Germany, Kuehne+Nagel
Since beginning his career in logistics in Stuttgart over 30 years ago, Lars has managed the accounts of some of the world’s leading high-tech and automotive logos, driven by his focus on enhancing supply chains, through service excellence and innovation.
Today, he is committed to rising to the challenge to help customers remain competitive, as these sectors evolve at pace, to meet surging demand.
[1:37] John & Lars explore the shift in the industry and Europe becoming more independent. There was a heavy reliance on the Asian market but companies are now investing into production facilities in Europe. ‘Bringing home the chips’.
[3:30] John poses the question on infrastructure and the challenges ahead. Lars uses Germany as a case study, discussing investment into places such as Dresden and Magdeburg and how they are setting up the relevant infrastructure.
[5:50] Together they dexplore where the people are going to come from to fill the need for these specialist roles in the future (STEM jobs) which this investment in the industry is creating.
[10:42] How do you retain staff? Lars & John discuss the specific roles and requirements of these jobs and how they differentiate to modern working.
[13:24] Lars talks about all the jobs that will be created from suppliers on the back of investment into production facilities, creating a big knock-on effect from the demand.
[15:40] John explores the rise of organizations such as Silicon Saxony and High-Tech NL and how they are supporting the industry. Lars talks about Silicon Saxony and how Kuehne + Nagel are working together with them and their members.
[18:22] John discusses why you can’t just retrofit the old fabs and make them newer.
[22:29] Lars discusses that another reason companies are coming back to Europe is to be closer to their suppliers. And John adds that natural disasters are another issue causing problems in the current supply chain.
[24:36] John talks about the US market and new facilities in Ohio & Texas which are facing the same staffing issues.
[26:33] Lars shares the importance of education and how Silicon Saxony are supporting Math programs at Schools & universities.
[28:56] John & Lars discuss what they think the future will look like for sub-fabs.