Foad Ghalili, President/CEO, Epoch International Enterprises, Inc.

In 2024, Test Research Inc. (TRI) celebrated its 35th anniversary of innovation and growth. TRI has evolved from its early days as a pioneer in board testing solutions for the SMT industry to becoming a global leader in AOI and is now entering the industry of semiconductors and advanced packaging. In 2024, TRI introduced the Wafer Metrology and Inspection solutions, TR7950Q SII, and High-Precision Back-End SEMI Optical Inspection solutions (TR7700Q SII-S and TR7007Q SII-S).

TRI also opened a new branch in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2024, further strengthening its global presence. Additionally, the company recently completed the second phase of its manufacturing center in Linkou, Taiwan, effectively doubling its production capacity.

Emerging trends, such as the global shift toward localizing chip production and the push for next-generation technologies like 5G, EV, AI, and High-Performance Computing (HPC), continue to shape the industry. The power semiconductor device market saw substantial growth in 2024, driven by the increasing electrification of transportation and industrial systems. In 2025, TRI will release an X-ray solution for the Power Semiconductor market, such as IGBT, in response to market demand.

The electronics manufacturing industry is expected to thrive in 2025, driven by the integration of AI and automation, which are transforming manufacturing into "lights-out" operations. These advancements address the growing need for high-mix, low-volume production, sustainable manufacturing practices, and solutions to labor challenges.

Despite a promising outlook, the industry faces ongoing challenges, including supply chain disruptions and inflation, which pose risks to production and profitability. Potential shifts in government policies following the 2024 "Super Year" of elections in 72 countries could affect trade dynamics. Additionally, tariff concerns in Mexico are influencing multinational purchasing decisions, with some manufacturing potentially returning to the USA. However, labor costs and technology transfer issues remain significant obstacles.

As the industry enters 2025, ongoing innovation and the adoption of emerging technologies will drive growth. The outlook remains cautiously optimistic, with significant opportunities for transformation and expansion.