HERNDON, VA - The National Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (NEMI), an industry-led consortium focused on strengthening the global electronics manufacturing supply chain, has announced that it has changed its name to iNEMI - the International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative.
“As a member-driven organization, we evolve to meet the demands of the changing industry landscape, which means our focus is becoming more global,” says Jim McElroy, executive director and CEO of iNEMI. “As we move to the next phase of globalization, we have chosen a new name that retains some of our hard-earned brand recognition, while signaling our move to a broader geographic scope.”
McElroy notes that the iNEMI Board of Directors has consistently guided the consortium toward a more global perspective. Originally comprised of only U.S.-based companies, the organization opened its membership to North American companies in 1996 (driven by NAFTA). In 2003, the NEMI mission was modified to reflect a focus on the global electronics manufacturing supply chain; and throughout 2004, iNEMI actively recruited international participation in several activities.
“The process of globalization will continue for some time, but we have made significant progress this year on several fronts,” says McElroy. He points to the 2004 iNEMI Roadmap, technology deployment efforts, and organizational changes as examples of the consortium’s expanding focus. The 2004 roadmap marked the first time that iNEMI actively recruited participation from Asian and European organizations to help ensure a global view of the electronics industry.
Several of iNEMI’s collaborative projects regularly engage with key organizations in Asia and Europe to help reduce duplication of efforts and develop global solutions to common industry problems. In addition, iNEMI members present deployment results at international venues. In the case of standards, iNEMI has strong ties with international organizations to ensure global reach. For example, iNEMI frequently works with IPC to develop standards that will be adopted internationally through IPC and IPC’s close relationship with ANSI (American National Standards Institute). iNEMI also works with IEEE and IEC, and with groups such as RosettaNet, to develop international solutions.
Organizational changes also reflect a more global outlook. The iNEMI by-laws were revised to create an even playing field for all member companies, regardless of headquarter location. iNEMI also revised its meeting structure to include activities in Asia and Europe.
McElroy notes that although a majority of the iNEMI members are still North American-based companies, they operate globally and their success is dependent on maintaining strong supply chains around the world.
“iNEMI has a proven methodology based on roadmapping, gap analysis, prioritization, and technology development/deployment,” says McElroy. “We want to build on that base as we continue the journey towards broader global participation and results. We are convinced that this direction is consistent with the needs of our members and the industry.”
