Cervecerias Unidas: Q2 Earnings Snapshot
The Santiago, Chile-based company said it had a loss of 6 cents per share.
The wine, spirits and soft drink company posted revenue of $612.2 million in the period.
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Time Business News
an hour ago
- Time Business News
How Electronics Contract Manufacturer Partnerships Power Mission-Critical Applications: An Inside Look at Contract Manufacturing
In today's rapidly evolving technology landscape, over 70% of electronics companies rely on specialized partners to bring their products to market efficiently and cost-effectively. Electronics contract manufacturing has become the backbone of modern innovation, enabling everything from life-saving medical devices to mission-critical aerospace systems. Whether you're an engineering professional evaluating manufacturing options or a decision-maker exploring cost optimization strategies, understanding the intricacies of contract manufacturing can significantly impact your project's success. This comprehensive guide explores how electronics contract manufacturer partnerships work, what makes them essential for today's competitive markets, and how to leverage these relationships for maximum project success. The Basics: What is Electronics Contract Manufacturing? Electronics contract manufacturing represents a strategic partnership where specialized facilities handle the production, assembly, and testing of electronic products on behalf of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Think of it as having access to a fully equipped electronics factory without the massive capital investment—complete with engineering expertise, quality systems, and production capabilities. At its core, an electronics contract manufacturer serves as an extension of your engineering team. These partners bring together advanced manufacturing equipment, skilled technicians, and proven processes to transform your designs into finished products. The relationship goes far beyond simple assembly work, encompassing everything from initial design support to final product delivery. Contract manufacturing services typically include custom cable assemblies, wire harness manufacturing, box build assemblies, and precision connector solutions. This comprehensive approach allows companies to focus on their core competencies—innovation and market development—while leveraging specialized manufacturing expertise. The Manufacturing Process Behind Contract Electronics Production Design and Engineering Collaboration The contract manufacturing process begins long before production starts. Leading electronics contract manufacturer partners provide engineering support during the design phase, helping optimize products for manufacturability while maintaining performance specifications. This collaborative approach identifies potential issues early, reducing costly redesigns and accelerating time-to-market. Engineering teams work closely with clients to review designs, recommend materials, and suggest manufacturing-friendly modifications. This partnership approach ensures that custom cable assemblies and other components meet both technical requirements and production realities. Dual-Facility Manufacturing Strategy Modern contract manufacturing often employs a dual-facility approach, combining domestic and offshore capabilities to optimize cost and delivery. US-based facilities handle prototyping, engineering changes, and time-sensitive production, while offshore operations manage high-volume manufacturing runs. This strategy provides several advantages: rapid prototyping capabilities, flexibility for engineering changes, cost optimization for large volumes, and reduced supply chain risks. The key lies in seamlessly integrating both facilities to maintain quality standards and communication throughout the production process. Advanced Assembly Processes Contract manufacturing encompasses various assembly approaches, each suited to different product requirements. Wire harness manufacturing involves precision routing, connector attachment, and comprehensive testing to ensure signal integrity. Box build assemblies integrate multiple components into complete systems, requiring careful planning and quality control at each stage. For specialized applications, turnkey manufacturing services provide complete solutions from component sourcing through final testing. This comprehensive approach streamlines vendor management while ensuring consistent quality across all assembly processes. Custom Solutions and Engineering Excellence Tailored Assembly Approaches Every electronic application presents unique challenges requiring customized solutions. Medical device applications demand biocompatible materials and FDA compliance, while aerospace systems require AS9100D certification and extreme reliability standards. Industrial applications focus on durability and harsh environment performance. Successful electronics contract manufacturer partnerships adapt their processes to meet these diverse requirements. Custom cable assembly solutions might incorporate specialized materials for high-temperature applications, while precision electronics manufacturing ensures consistent performance across thousands of units. Material Selection and Quality Standards Material selection significantly impacts product performance, especially in demanding applications. Contract manufacturers maintain extensive material libraries, including various conductor types, insulation materials, and connector options. This expertise helps optimize designs for specific environmental conditions and performance requirements. Quality standards vary by industry, but leading contract manufacturers maintain multiple certifications to serve diverse markets. ISO 9001 provides foundational quality management, while AS9100D addresses aerospace-specific requirements. ITAR compliance enables defense application support, ensuring comprehensive capability across critical industries. Quality Assurance and Industry Standards Certification and Compliance Framework Quality assurance in electronics contract manufacturing extends far beyond basic testing. Comprehensive quality systems encompass design controls, process validation, and continuous improvement protocols. These systems ensure consistent results whether producing single prototypes or thousands of production units. Industry certifications provide third-party validation of quality capabilities. ISO 9001 establishes fundamental quality management principles, while industry-specific standards like AS9100D address additional requirements for aerospace applications. Medical device manufacturing requires FDA compliance and biocompatibility testing protocols. Testing Protocols and Validation Rigorous testing protocols validate both individual components and complete assemblies. Cable assembly testing includes continuity verification, insulation resistance measurement, and environmental stress screening. Box build testing encompasses functional verification, burn-in protocols, and final system integration validation. Advanced testing capabilities often include automated test equipment for high-volume production, environmental testing chambers for temperature and humidity stress, vibration testing for mechanical durability, and electromagnetic compatibility verification for regulatory compliance. Industry Applications and Market Impact Aerospace and Defense Applications Aerospace cable assembly solutions demand exceptional reliability under extreme conditions. Temperature ranges from -55°C to +200°C, vibration resistance, and electromagnetic interference shielding represent standard requirements. Mission-critical applications require additional validation through accelerated life testing and failure mode analysis. Defense applications add security considerations through ITAR compliance and domestic manufacturing requirements. These projects often involve low-volume, high-complexity assemblies requiring extensive documentation and traceability protocols. Medical Device Manufacturing Medical device cable assemblies must meet stringent biocompatibility and sterilization requirements. Materials selection considers long-term implantation safety, while manufacturing processes ensure sterile packaging and handling. FDA compliance requires comprehensive design controls and change management protocols. Contract manufacturing for medical applications often involves specialized materials like biocompatible polymers, precious metal plating for corrosion resistance, and unique connector configurations for specific medical procedures. Industrial and Energy Applications Industrial applications emphasize durability and environmental resistance. Wire harness and cable assembly solutions for energy applications must withstand temperature extremes, chemical exposure, and mechanical stress. Renewable energy applications add requirements for UV resistance and long-term outdoor exposure. High-voltage applications require specialized insulation materials and safety protocols. Contract manufacturers serving these markets maintain expertise in high-voltage design principles and testing procedures. Partnership Approach and Future Trends Strategic Manufacturing Partnerships Successful contract manufacturing relationships extend beyond simple vendor arrangements to become strategic partnerships. These relationships involve shared engineering resources, joint problem-solving initiatives, and collaborative product development efforts. Long-term partnerships enable continuous improvement through process optimization, cost reduction initiatives, and technology advancement collaboration. Regular business reviews assess performance metrics, identify improvement opportunities, and align future capacity planning with customer growth projections. Emerging Technologies and Automation The future of electronics contract manufacturing involves increasing automation and advanced technologies. Automated wire processing equipment improves consistency and reduces labor costs, while robotic assembly systems handle complex box build requirements with precision and repeatability. Industry 4.0 technologies provide real-time production monitoring, predictive maintenance capabilities, and enhanced quality tracking. These advances enable greater efficiency, improved quality control, and reduced production costs across all manufacturing processes. Market Evolution and Customer Collaboration Market trends toward miniaturization, increased functionality, and faster development cycles drive evolution in contract manufacturing capabilities. Customers increasingly value partners who provide comprehensive engineering support, rapid prototyping capabilities, and flexible production scaling. Geographic diversification continues expanding as companies seek supply chain resilience and cost optimization. Leading contract manufacturers develop global capabilities while maintaining local engineering support and customer service excellence. Conclusion Electronics contract manufacturing has evolved from simple assembly services to comprehensive partnerships that enable innovation and market success. Understanding the manufacturing process, quality requirements, and partnership benefits helps companies make informed decisions about their production strategies. The most successful projects combine technical expertise with strategic partnership approaches, leveraging specialized capabilities to achieve optimal results. As technology continues advancing and markets become increasingly competitive, these manufacturing partnerships will play even more critical roles in bringing innovative products to market efficiently and cost-effectively. For companies evaluating manufacturing options, the key lies in finding partners who understand your specific requirements, maintain appropriate certifications, and demonstrate commitment to long-term collaboration. The right electronics contract manufacturer becomes an extension of your team, contributing engineering expertise and manufacturing excellence to drive project success. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
San Francisco Chronicle
3 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Hundreds cheer Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego as Democrats take offensive against Trump's tax bill
DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) — Hundreds of people cheered Sen. Ruben Gallego at a town hall meeting in eastern Iowa Saturday as the first-term Arizona Democrat assailed the massive, Republican-backed tax bill signed by President Donald Trump as likely to make 'America poorer and sicker.' Gallego's upbeat event struck the opposite tone from Rep. Mike Flood's town hall meeting earlier in the week, when an even bigger crowd jeered the Nebraska Republican for most of a 90-minute event in his state to promote the bill. Democrats, searching for months after last year's election defeat for footing in opposing the aggressive tone struck by Trump in his second term in the White House, have gone on the offensive this month, still united in their frustration with Trump but suddenly energized in full-throated opposition to his signature legislation. 'I think this bill is helping Democrats see clearly what's at stake with the future of protections for so many regular Americans,' said Pete Wernimont of Waterloo, who drove 140 miles (225 kilometers) to see Gallego. 'I just hope they are there when it really matters a year from now.' While some Republicans in safe Republican districts are braving crowds to sell Trump's law, most in Congress are heeding GOP leaders' suggestion to keep lower public profiles, especially noteworthy during the August recess following closely on Trump's signing of the tax cut and spending reduction bill last month. Democratic activists are rallying to point out what they see as the measure's political liabilities for Republicans trying to hold their narrow majorities in Congress in next year's midterm elections. 'This is the galvanizing moment that's happening because Democrats now understand, we're the people that fight for the middle class and the working class of America,' Gallego told reporters before the event Saturday. 'This is a clarifying moment for us.' For two hours, the audience of some 300 people applauded and at times stood cheering for the Arizona Democrat, one of several party figures who have been attacking the bill in congressional districts represented by Republicans. He was in Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks' 1st Congressional District, among the most competitive in the nation in the past three congressional elections. For a party frustrated with an array of Trump administration initiatives, the measure has had its own energizing effect. "I came here because I work in health care and this bill will hurt health care,' said Alexandra Salter, a physicians assistant from Davenport. 'I think we are getting more vocal about it, because we need to speak up.' The meeting contrasted sharply with Flood's meeting in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Monday, when an even larger crowd of 700 voiced vigorous opposition to the bill, locking in especially on its changes to Medicaid, the federally funded health care program for low-income American. The bill, which passed with no Democratic votes in the House or Senate, makes substantial cuts to the health care program, notably by imposing work requirements for many of those receiving aid. The same frustration that drew Wernimont to Davenport Saturday convinced Ann Ashburn of Aurora, Nebraska, to drive the 70 miles (113 kilometers) to Lincoln to face Flood on Monday. Ashburn learned about Flood's appearance through an Omaha-area Democratic group called Blue Dot and reached out to friends who joined her. She dismissed any suggestion that such opposition had been orchestrated. 'I think the momentum could have been much greater had we been better organized,' the 72-year-old retired executive said. For now, Republicans have their work cut out for them if they hope to use the measure as a reason for voters to return them to the majority in the 2026 elections. About two-thirds of U.S. adults expect the new law will help the rich, according to the poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Most — about 6 in 10 — also think it will do more to hurt than help low-income people, according to the survey taken last. Gallego used his trip to Iowa, which included a requisite stop at the Iowa State Fair, to burnish his own profile in a state that, until 2020, traditionally had hosted the first event in the Democrats' presidential nominating process. Iowa Democrats hope to return to the front of the parade when the 2028 primaries and caucuses begin. Other figures already popular nationally with Democrats such as New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have been making stops in Republican districts decrying the legislation. Ocasio-Cortez last month headlined an event in New York's 21st District, represented by Republican Elise Stefanik, noting among other items its Medicaid provisions. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is scheduled to hold rallies Sunday in Republican-held House districts in North Carolina. He too planned to focus on Medicaid cuts, and note their impact on rural hospitals in the state where former Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat now running for U.S. Senate, worked with the GOP-controlled legislature to expand Medicaid coverage in 2023.
New York Post
4 hours ago
- New York Post
Tipping in Las Vegas drops drastically — tourists say service doesn't match higher costs
Las Vegas servers say they're feeling the heat as high prices and declining tourism hammer their tip earnings across the Strip. Tipping in Sin City is reportedly down by as much as 50% among servers, as some of them blame the economy and policy while others point to high prices, a tipping backlash and poor service. Advertisement On Reddit's r/VegasLocals forum, one cocktail waitress wrote, 'I used to average about 80 cents a drink. Now I'm averaging about 10 cents.' 'We are working triple what we used to and making a quarter of what we did,' another person added on the forum. Jacob Soto, 22, a supervisor at Pinkbox Doughnuts in downtown Las Vegas, told The Wall Street Journal that he used to make up to $200 a week in credit card tips, but now only earns between $100 and $150. While the city saw an 11.3% drop in overall visitation in June compared to the same time last year, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), international travel to Vegas is down approximately 10% year over year. Advertisement Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer of the Culinary Workers Union, which represents 60,000 Vegas workers, said federal immigration and economic policies are keeping international travelers away. Servers in Las Vegas, Nevada, say they are not earning as much in tips due to rising prices and declining tourism to Sin City. MargJohnsonVA – 'The unions and the industry and the government need to get together and repair the damage and welcome tourism back,' he told Fox News Digital. Pappageorge called the tipped income tax exemption proposed in President Donald Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' a 'welcome relief.' Advertisement He pointed out, however, that if workers aren't 'making the tips, the credit doesn't help.' He said companies have already frozen hiring and made targeted staffing cuts, with part-time workers – who make up 25% of the union's membership – being the first to lose hours. 'If it continues, it could bleed into the full-timers,' he added. Some industry observers assert the problem is more local. Advertisement 'Many attribute this not only to a general dip in international travel demand to the U.S., but also to aggressive price-gouging by hospitality venues,' Rob DelliBovi, a consultant and founder of the Miami-based RDB Hospitality Group, told Fox News Digital. 'Guests are pushing back on $18 bottles of water in the minibar and $37 martinis.' Many people in the r/VegasLocals thread agree. Said one Redditor, 'Twenty-five-dollar drinks … $30 pancakes, $35 burgers … and on top of it you have to tip?' Tipping has gone down by as much as 50% as servers claim the economy and poor service are to blame for the dramatic dropoff. StockPhotoAstur – Added another person, 'Nobody wants to give you 20% on top of the already exorbitantly overpriced s—.' A beer recently cost nearly $15 at a casino, yet another person said. 'What that translates to is me drinking less beer and tipping less,' the person said. Advertisement 'I understand that casinos have costs, but this is absurd.' 'I'm tired of tipping for everything, as quality of service has consistently gone down,' another person wrote. One Vegas waitress, who requested anonymity out of fear of losing her job, also said she thinks the quality of service has declined. Advertisement 'For the price, it should be impeccable,' she told Fox News Digital. She said aggressive upselling tactics, repetitive restaurant concepts and a lack of genuine hospitality are turning off tourists and locals alike. As a result, she said she's also seen tip revenue decrease by half compared to last summer. The waitress said businesses on the Strip need to return to the basics of hospitality and focus on local clientele rather than only international customers. Advertisement 'The locals don't want to pay double for food that's not any better and for servers to be rude,' she said. Despite the downturn, Vegas has not lost its hustle yet, DelliBovi said. 'Sales teams in Las Vegas are already strategizing on how to reinvigorate the market and drive business back up for the fall,' he said. Advertisement Even as reports indicate Las Vegas tourism is down overall, Circa Resort & Casino CEO Derek Stevens recently told Fox News Digital the assessment may be 'premature.' 'In specific pockets, like where we at Circa Las Vegas are located in downtown — I think people feel there's maybe a little better value. Things were really booming,' Stevens said. He added, 'If you really start unpeeling some layers of the onion in Las Vegas, I think you're going to find companies that have very specific areas that are a little less subject to the economy and that are doing OK.'
