On September 27, 2023, we launched our Prachinburi STARTEAM (PST) factory in Thailand, the first and sole European PCB factory in the country, embracing the ‘China+1’ strategy to diversify our supply chain and pave the way for future expansions. As a European-based, family-owned company, we bring a unique perspective and commitment to the manufacturing landscape. In this article, we aim to recap PST’s progress, offering you a glimpse into our factory’s operations in the thriving Southeast Asian region and revealing the latest insights and planned updates for the future.
Factory Capabilities
Located east of Bangkok, PST specialises in advanced PCB projects, including up to 16 layers, under the guidance of our Thai, Hong Kong and European management team.
Our factory offers a variety of surface finishing technologies, including HASL-LF, OSP, ENIG, and Immersion Sn alongside capabilities for IMS Boards. For our production area, we have plans to accommodate growing customer demands by expanding our target capacity to 25,000 m2/month. For 2025, our focus is on improving efficiency, output, and shortening our lead time to better serve our growing customer base. Our aim is to keep PST competitive and efficient, maintaining our position in Thailand’s vibrant manufacturing sector.
Integrating MES and AI for Better Planning and Scheduling
In 2024, we partnered with PAILOT GmbH , a German company that specialises in AI-driven planning and scheduling software. This collaboration led to the successful implementation of their software and Manufacturing Execution System (MES) at our Jiangyou STARTEAM (JST) factory in China. PAILOT’s technology offers a comprehensive integration with our production processes, providing capabilities for real-time adjustments and continuous improvement in manufacturing efficiency. This integration has improved transparency, flexibility, and operation management, increased productivity, and enhanced responsiveness within our production lines. Following JST’s success, we plan to implement PAILOT’s technology at PST in 2025, aiming to replicate these efficiency gains.
A Local Approach for Global Excellence
Unique in the market, we are the only European PCB manufacturer in Thailand, bringing European engineering quality into the local manufacturing scene. In doing so, we tap into the thriving Thai electronics sector, which has solidified Thailand’s position as a key PCB manufacturing hub in the ASEAN region.
By employing a workforce that is 95% Thai, we not only invest deeply in the local community but also actively contribute to society in a manner that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Decent Work and Economic Growth, No Poverty, and Gender Equality.
PST’s Environmental and Quality Certifications
At PST, our commitment to maintaining high standards in manufacturing includes a strong focus on sustainability and responsible practices. We hold the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, showcasing our dedication to quality management and environmental care. Additionally, we are officially certified by BSI with the IATF 16949 (Quality Management System) in early February 2025, a recognised and essential standard worldwide for the automotive sector, representing a significant portion of our customer base. We plan to achieve ISO 45001, ISO 13485, and ISO 27001 certifications in 2025 to enhance our standards in safety, medical manufacturing, and cybersecurity respectively.
By prioritising renewable energy and local sourcing, our goal is to increase the usage of local materials. Our environmental sustainability efforts have enabled us to recycle 50% of our wastewater, reusing it both in the production line processes and for flushing water usage.
We are also dedicated to increasing our use of recycled packing materials from 10% to 30% to further reduce our carbon footprint, aligning with our environmental goals. These initiatives directly support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on Clean Water and Sanitation, and Sustainable Cities and Communities, showcasing our commitment to not just local but global environmental and sustainability standards.
Visit Our Factory
Looking ahead, PST remains committed to advancing manufacturing and sustainable practices. We focus on quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction while combining a local approach with global excellence.
Schedule your factory tour at sales@starteam.global, or, for those unable to visit Thailand, experience our Virtual Reality (VR) tour starting March 2025. We can’t wait to connect—virtually or in person. Stay tuned for more updates!
