CEO Talk: Frederic MAURON

This interview was held with Frederic MAURON, a Senior International Sales with Aptasic SA.

Tell me a bit about your background? How did you first get started with Aptasic?

I have a technical background in micro-electronic and completed a business management graduation in 1993.

Tell me about Aptasic?

Aptasic has a long track record as it has started in 1979 as a Swiss governmental institute to secure the quality of electronic components for Swiss industry. Known as CSEE, the company became private in 1992 and finally got into PQH group in 2006. Since then, the company name became Aptasic SA.

When did you start at Aptasic? What were you doing before that?

Starting my carrier in 1993 in micro-electronic assembly and miniaturization in a Swiss company, I worked there for about 20 years, first as supply chain manger and then as business development manager for active implants. Aptasic was a supplier on mine and I joined Aptasic in 2014.

What problem did you see that needed to be fixed? What is your approach to solving that?

As a European actor in the global semi-conductor industry, there are many “niche” segments needing a strong technical knowledge and adapted supply chain for ASIC in low to medium volumes. So we established a network of European partners capable of working with low to medium volume and high flexibility, based on very specific knowledge. Aptasic’s organization and set-up is dedicated to these applications for industrial and medical field.

How was the role/offering of Aptasic changed during the recent years?

We have developed in two ways.

First, we have developed an internal organization where the test SW development is directly oriented and linked to the production test. So we can react in extremely short time.

Secondly, we have created a network of partner with design houses and with OSAT’s, in the back-end process, to respond to various assembly constrains.

Did any of the market consolidation (or acquisition) affected your business and how?

We see the consolidation bringing more opportunities in the niche market. Proximity of service, reactivity and flexibility are important for our clients and prospects as their volume are not in the focus of big players. The demand for specific sensors is increasing, this fragmentation is bringing opportunities for companies as Aptasic specialized in custom ASIC.

Which market segment seems promising to you? And why?

Devices needing fine pitch back-end technology as WLCSP for medical and industrial sensors.

These segments need segments a competitive pricing a short lead-time. We integrate this by integrating test and short supply chain.

What is a typical customer for Aptasic?

Customers are focused on time-to-market, first-time-right, price, etc. Do you see a change in customer behavior in recent years? Where is the focus today and why?

At the end of development phases of an ASIC and the deployment to production, this is the time where you see all issues coming out; the key point for us is to create a very strong communication between designer and test engineers to make sure the complementary competence and knowledge is joined to finalize a good product.

What are the 3 top things you wish your customers would do better (or different)?

Integrate the test strategy and the test concept early in the ASIC development phase.
Partner attitude to create a team with our staff for mutual benefits
Early consulting for project set-up and integration of experience

Are you currently hiring? What type of jobs?

Yes, in the maintenance field as we have many new equipment’s on the production floor and

test engineers in the mixed-signal field.

What is your #1 advice for people who want to work for Aptasic?

We are a crew of open-minded people, hard workers and with a good team spirit.

Where can one find more information?

On website : www.aptasic.ch

What is the best moment in your day?

Waking up early with many project ahead for the day

How do you keep yourself energized and engaged during the day?

The contact with the people during the whole day is part of the mindset. Find solutions, help people.

What is your preferred lunch discussion topic?