-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueThe Hole Truth: Via Integrity in an HDI World
From the drilled hole to registration across multiple sequential lamination cycles, to the quality of your copper plating, via reliability in an HDI world is becoming an ever-greater challenge. This month we look at “The Hole Truth,” from creating the “perfect” via to how you can assure via quality and reliability, the first time, every time.
In Pursuit of Perfection: Defect Reduction
For bare PCB board fabrication, defect reduction is a critical aspect of a company's bottom line profitability. In this issue, we examine how imaging, etching, and plating processes can provide information and insight into reducing defects and increasing yields.
Voices of the Industry
We take the pulse of the PCB industry by sharing insights from leading fabricators and suppliers in this month's issue. We've gathered their thoughts on the new U.S. administration, spending, the war in Ukraine, and their most pressing needs. It’s an eye-opening and enlightening look behind the curtain.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
Site Consolidation at Würth Elektronik
October 9, 2024 | Wurth ElektronikEstimated reading time: 2 minutes

Würth Elektronik Circuit Board Technology, printed circuit board manufacturer headquartered in Niedernhall, Baden-Württemberg, announced at the company meeting the planned closure of its PCB production in Schopfheim. Future orders will be handled at other Würth Elektronik locations in Germany. The primary reason is the current severe crisis in the European PCB industry, marked by a dramatic drop in incoming orders. Over 300 employees in Schopfheim are affected.
The economic crisis has reached historic proportions, particularly in the industrial electronics sector, which is under significant cost pressure. For many years, the number of PCB manufacturers in Europe has been sharply declining. Production volume in Europe has fallen below 2% of global production. Orders are increasingly shifting to China and other low-wage countries. The situation is exacerbated by massive increases in energy and personnel costs, as well as the uncertain geopolitical and economic situation worldwide. Many customers are currently unable to pay the higher prices for the delivery reliability that German plants offer compared to Asian productions. The demand from other industries that rely heavily on regional value creation is too low to permanently utilize the capacities of all Würth Elektronik Circuit Board Technology’s PCB productions. These industries include, for example, medical technology and aerospace.
Würth Elektronik is one of the largest PCB manufacturers in Europe. “Unfortunately, we currently see no alternative to ceasing production in Schopfheim,” says Daniel Klein, Managing Director of Würth Elektronik Circuit Board Technology. “This measure is necessary to minimize losses and ensure the company’s long-term competitiveness. The cost pressure is highest at our series and standard PCB plant in Schopfheim.”
What’s next?
The closure of production in Schopfheim affects over 300 jobs. “The management and employee representatives began discussions on October 4, 2024, about a reconciliation of interests and a social plan,” says Würth Elektronik Managing Director Andreas Gimmer, “to cushion the necessary decision with socially acceptable solutions and to support the colleagues. Further meetings have been scheduled. There are no concrete results yet.”
At the production sites in Niedernhall and Rot am See, the focus will be on industries and applications whose more complex and individual PCBs are strategically manufactured in Europe. Comprehensive services around the PCB will be maintained to accompany customers from the product idea to the finished product.
The consolidation of production sites enables stable capacity utilization of the other plants in Germany and aligns Würth Elektronik Circuit Board Technology for a financially healthy future. “With our remaining 700 employees, Würth Elektronik remains the technology expert for the future,” says Würth Elektronik Circuit Board Technology Managing Director Thomas Beck.
Suggested Items
Würth Elektronik and HKSTP Sign New Engineering Service Program
06/05/2025 | Wurth ElektronikWürth Elektronik and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) have signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement to promote development and production in Hong Kong. Around 100 start-ups and Small and Midsized Enterprizes (SMEs) in the field of microelectronics, as well as Hong Kong's entire production ecosystem, will benefit from local development support, knowledge transfer, and partner network of the well-known component manufacturer.
Würth Elektronik Presents its Setebos-I FeatherWing
04/02/2025 | Wurth ElektronikWürth Elektronik expands its range of FeatherWings with the Setebos-I radio module. Developers using the practical plug-in boards for fast prototyping benefit from the combined functionality of the manufacturer’s two tried and tested radio modules.
Würth Elektronik Presents its ICLED Color Calculator
03/20/2025 | Wurth ElektronikWürth Elektronik presents ICLED Color Calculator – a new service on its REDEXPERT online platform. This unique, free tool allows developers to quickly and accurately determine the exact PWM values needed to achieve specific ICLED color values, without requiring additional measurements.
Würth Elektronik Now an Infineon ‘Preferred Partner’
03/13/2025 | Wurth Elektronik eiSosWürth Elektronik, one of the leading manufacturers of electronic and electromechanical components, is broadening its collaboration with semiconductor manufacturers.
Würth Elektronik: Wi-Fi Module for IoT Security
03/11/2025 | Würth ElektronikWürth Elektronik introduces its new Cordelia-I Wi-Fi module, specifically designed for secure IoT and ‘edge computing’ applications. This versatile module is ideal for applications in Industry 4.0, Smart City / Smart Home, eMobility, smart agricultural, and medical devices, to name a few.