Interview with Jeff Schartiger, Operations Manager at RBB
RBB, a prominent printed circuit board (PCB) assembly and industrial control panel assembly company, has built a solid reputation for delivering high-quality and reliable solutions to customers across various industries. With decades of experience in the field, RBB has evolved into a trusted partner for organizations looking for efficient and innovative electronics manufacturing services (EMS). The company’s operations are centered on delivering advanced PCB assembly services, meeting the needs of industries such as automotive, industrial, telecommunications, consumer electronics, medical devices, and more. We recently spoke with Operations Manager Jeff Schartiger to find out how the company is faring in 2025 and how it will continue succeeding into the future.
Can you briefly describe your role as Operations Manager at RBB and how it connects with the company’s mission?
In my role, I am responsible for overseeing the day-to-day production and operational activities to ensure safety, quality, efficiency, and on-time delivery. This involves managing resources and coordinating with engineering, quality, supply chain, sales, and finance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. I am also responsible for ensuring that manufacturing processes meet customer requirements, comply with industry standards (such as ISO or IPC), and support the company’s financial and strategic goals. I think this role is vital to fulfilling RBB’s mission of “Moving heaven and earth to get our customers what they need, when they need it.” The various responsibilities of the role serve as the engine that keeps promises to the customer and turns demand into dependable delivery.
How has RBB evolved operationally over the past few years under your leadership?
We have seen several changes over the past few years. RBB has always had great processes; however, I wanted to see if we could gain some efficiency. We invested in a conveyor system for the SMT lines and upgraded our through-hole equipment. I’ve been told that we have one of the newest, most up-to-date through-hole lines in Northeast Ohio! We also looked at our scheduling and how various orders flow through production. We implemented some new software that optimized our production planning and fostered lean production activities throughout every area. We purchased some additional equipment such as hot bar solder, UV curing, etc. that enables us to expand our capabilities and better serve our customers’ needs. We are in the process now of revamping our quoting and engineering processes to gain efficiency in those areas.
What types of technologies or equipment does RBB rely on to support its specialized manufacturing services?
As a contract manufacturer, change is always constant. We rely on several pieces of equipment that were developed specifically for that purpose. With that constant change, there are inevitably new-to-us technologies that we embrace which in turn increases our capabilities to serve additional clients.
How does RBB ensure its technology stays current in an ever-evolving electronics manufacturing landscape?
We enjoy attending various trade shows throughout the country as well as being an advocate for the EMS Industry. We are constantly connecting and networking with our peers in the industry to share ideas and challenges. I have found that the EMS Industry is a community full of great people who are very open to sharing their successes and struggles in order to help each other out.
How does your team ensure consistent lead times and flexibility, especially with complex or custom orders?
We have a great team of technicians who swarm to the need, no matter the task, to ensure that we are moving heaven and earth for our customers. We also are a big proponent of continuous improvement. Every team member has a voice here and we welcome ideas on ways we can improve in every aspect of our business. This openness and willingness to change has always helped us to be flexible and put our customers first.
How does RBB collaborate with its clients throughout the production lifecycle from prototype to delivery?
Each of our clients has a dedicated support team consisting of a customer liaison, a purchaser, and an engineer that are ready, able, and willing to move heaven and earth to ensure that they get what they need when they need it. Even after the project is completed, we reach out frequently to remind them that we are here when they need it.
What areas of growth is RBB currently targeting, whether in services, markets, or capabilities?
Along with medical, we are really looking to target aerospace and defense. We already have the capability to serve these industries well, however, we would like to expand in the market.
How is RBB positioning itself to remain competitive in today’s dynamic electronics manufacturing market?
There is heavy competition not only in the United States but especially overseas. We position ourselves by living our core values of:
• Always Better: We are never satisfied and are thirsty for knowledge
• Move Heaven and Earth: We climb over, around and through obstacles to serve our clients
• Deliver the Win: We take our commitments seriously and hold ourselves accountable to deliver
• Good Mojo: We have a positive, can-do spirit and it shows throughout our organization
Clients experience our core values with every interaction, and we believe that it sets us apart and enables us to remain competitive in the EMS industry.
Are there any strategic partnerships or supply chain innovations that have significantly benefited RBB’s operations?
Early on and throughout RBB’s history we discovered the benefits of strategic partnerships. We have several currently with various clients and suppliers alike. We continue to build trusted relationships daily that enable us to share the benefits of partnerships. Every relationship is significant because our partners know they can count on us and vice versa.
What are the biggest challenges you anticipate in the next 1-2 years, and how is RBB preparing to meet them?
Over the next couple of years, I believe we are going to continue to see some challenges in the global supply chain regarding tariffs and price fluctuations. There is a great amount of uncertainty, and things are constantly changing. We prepare by keeping up to date with multiple industry associations as well as listening to our clients and suppliers. We are not alone in this, and we feel that the best way to address these challenges is to work together to overcome them.
Finally, what excites you most about the future of operations at RBB?
What excites me the most is where we go from here and what we will learn along the way. In my time here I have seen our team accomplish amazing feats, changes in processes, new capabilities and equipment, and new technologies. All to position ourselves in the future to grow and succeed. I feel that growth is inevitable at RBB, and I am excited to be a part of it.