With over 35 years of experience, STARTEAM GLOBAL originated in Germany and has grown into a global PCB manufacturer with key offices across Asia, Europe, and North America. Our manufacturing journey began at JST (Jiangyou STARTEAM), our factory in Jiangyou, Sichuan Province, China. Since then, we’ve expanded to additional sites in Italy and Thailand, strengthening our global reach and capabilities.
Through the eyes of our Chief Manufacturing Officer, HB Yang, who has been with STARTEAM GLOBAL for over a decade, we explore what makes JST special today—and where it’s headed next.
1. What are some of the advantages of having a PCB factory in Sichuan compared to other regions in China?
There are several strategic advantages to operating a PCB factory in Sichuan:
A Thriving Electronics Ecosystem: Sichuan is home to China’s first electronic information industry to surpass one trillion yuan. From integrated circuits to smart terminals, it offers a complete and collaborative industrial chain. With strong local government support driving regional development, we operate with greater speed, reliability, and efficiency.
Localised, Resilient Supply Chains: We’re surrounded by a complete PCB supply chain—from copper-clad laminates to metals and critical chemicals—all located within a 400 km radius of our factory. This proximity strengthens our internal logistics and helps us maintain tighter control over lead times and material availability.
- Skilled Talent Meets Operational Efficiency: Sichuan also provides a deep pool of skilled talent, with over 10,000 electronics engineering graduates annually from local universities. Coupled with significantly lower operating costs than China’s eastern regions and top-ranking hydropower resources, we are well-positioned to meet global ESG commitments.
- Stronger Links to Europe: Being close to the China-Europe freight train departure station in Qingbaijiang, Sichuan, offers faster delivery to European customers—a vital logistics edge.
2. What drove the decision to have a JST extension, and how does this fit into JST’s long-term strategy?
The extension was driven by both customer demand and technological innovation. We received various customer-nominated letters across automotive and diverse sectors requiring increased capacity at JST. At the same time, our factory is advancing rapidly with technologies like AGV transport systems, automated storage/retrieval, energy recycling, auto-dosing, and AI solutions.
But expansion isn’t just about volume—it’s about transforming JST into a smart factory with higher efficiency, consistent quality, and lower operational costs. This aligns perfectly with our long-term vision: sharing progress with customers through technology and innovation.
3. What’s one recent innovation that has made a significant impact on the factory’s performance or output?
We developed our own Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and integrated an AI-driven fine-planning software by our AI-partner, PAILOT GmbH , which runs directly on our machines. This combination optimises workflows, improves traceability, and enables smarter, real-time decisions—pushing our smart manufacturing goals forward.
4. What makes the team at JST special and how do they contribute to its success?
Our strength lies in our culture—collaboration, innovation, and inclusion. Many of our team members have been with us for over two decades and it’s their dedication that shapes who we are. We strive to create an environment where every employee feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.
We also prioritise training, coaching, and knowledge-sharing across our global teams—from our locations in Hong Kong and Germany to our teams at JST—helping transform mindsets and align teams with STARTEAM’s culture of growth and excellence.
5. As the factory grows, how do you balance increasing production with your sustainability goals?
Sustainability fuels our growth. By investing in green and smart manufacturing, JST boosts efficiency and reduces environmental impact—enabling faster, responsible expansion without compromising production.
In 2024, we achieved the EcoVadis Silver Medal, ranking in the top 15% globally—assuring customers of our commitment to quality and environmental responsibility. Additionally, Sichuan’s abundant renewable energy supports our ongoing dedication to eco-friendly operations.
6. Where do you see JST in the next 3-5 years, and what role will it play in the global electronics and PCB industry?
We’re focusing on technological upgrades and expanding our capacity by:
- Moving towards high-value PCBs—including high multilayer, HDI (high-density interconnect), and high-speed/high-frequency boards—with a focus on copper inlay, heavy copper, busbars, and Insulated Metal Substrates (IMS).
- Utilising more AI technology, automation, and MES for quality control—to build smarter production lines, reduce labour costs, and increase yield rates.
- Strengthening our sustainable manufacturing capabilities.
With these advancements, we aim to become a key regional manufacturer in the global PCB supply chain—especially in core sectors like automotive, industrial, telecom, energy, and medical. More than that, we believe JST can play a role in reshaping the global electronics landscape through innovation and resilience.
If you’re curious about our JST factory and capabilities, visit our factory page for more details!
