On September 27, 2023, a new milestone was reached as the Prachinburi STARTEAM (PST) factory in Thailand officially opened its doors. As the first and only European PCB factory in the country, PST represents a strategic move for its parent company, embracing the ‘China+1' strategy to diversify its supply chain. The factory's opening marks a significant step in the company's expansion, and plans for the future are already underway as they look to further enhance their operations in Southeast Asia.

Factory Capabilities and Expansion Plans

Located just east of Bangkok, PST specializes in advanced printed circuit board (PCB) production, offering up to 16 layers of PCB technology. With a mix of Thai, Hong Kong, and European leadership, the factory brings European engineering quality to Thailand's thriving electronics sector.

PST has already laid out its plans for 2025, with a clear focus on boosting efficiency and expanding output. The target capacity will increase to 25,000 square meters per month, a necessary move to meet growing demand. As part of this expansion, the factory will improve production speed and shorten lead times to better serve its expanding customer base in the region.

Integration of AI and MES for Enhanced Operations

In 2024, PST partnered with PAILOT GmbH, a German company specializing in AI-driven planning and scheduling software. This collaboration led to the successful integration of their Manufacturing Execution System (MES) at the company's Jiangyou STARTEAM (JST) factory in China, resulting in improved transparency, increased productivity, and more flexible production processes.

Building on this success, PST plans to implement the same AI-powered MES at the Prachinburi facility in 2025. The goal is to replicate these efficiency gains, helping the factory stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

A Local Approach with Global Reach

PST stands out not only for its European quality standards but also for its local integration. As the only European PCB manufacturer in Thailand, the company contributes significantly to the local economy by employing a 95% Thai workforce. This commitment to the community supports Thailand's position as a key player in the ASEAN region's electronics and PCB manufacturing landscape.

PST is also committed to aligning its operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on Decent Work and Economic Growth, No Poverty, and Gender Equality. Their local approach benefits both the community and the environment, underscoring their dedication to responsible and sustainable manufacturing practices.

Environmental and Quality Standards

In addition to quality and efficiency, PST places a strong emphasis on sustainability. The factory holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, ensuring that both quality management and environmental practices are top-notch. As part of its continued focus on automotive manufacturing, PST will also receive the IATF 16949 certification in early 2025. This certification is crucial for maintaining quality standards in the automotive sector, which forms a significant part of PST's customer base.

To promote sustainability, PST has made efforts to recycle 50% of its wastewater, with plans to further reduce its environmental impact. The company is also increasing the use of recycled packaging materials, aiming to boost this figure from 10% to 30% by 2025.

Looking Ahead to 2025

PST's commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability remains steadfast as they look to the future. With plans to further expand in 2025, the factory will continue to focus on enhancing production capabilities while remaining committed to environmental responsibility.

Interested parties can schedule a factory tour by contacting sales@starteam.global. For those unable to visit in person, a Virtual Reality (VR) tour will be available starting in March 2025.

PST's forward-thinking approach positions it as a key player in Thailand's PCB manufacturing industry, with its eyes set on meeting the demands of a global marketplace while maintaining a local, sustainable presence.