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December 5, 2024 | STARTEAM GLOBALEstimated reading time: 3 minutes
Jiangyou STARTEAM (JST) in Sichuan, China has been our first strider as a PCB manufacturer and instrumental in shaping our company and the PCB industry as a whole. Following JST, we have opened two more factories in Thailand and Italy, in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
As we navigate through the digital era, our JST factory has consistently provided essential components that are part of your everyday electronics.
Stay Tuned for Our Expansion
We are thrilled to share news of our upcoming 3-step expansion at JST, with each step adding 50,000m² per month which began on May 27, 2024. This carefully planned extension is designed to significantly increase our production capacity and expand our talented team. Currently, our production space covers 30,000m². Through this expansion, we are setting our sights on incrementally increasing our capacity from 70,000m²/month to a remarkable 130,000m²/month.
After overcoming challenges for 180 days and nights, JST has reached a new milestone, we have just celebrated our topping out ceremony on November 28, 2024. This event is not just a significant milestone; it signifies the beginning of a new chapter in our company's development. Our focus is now on the factory’s internal structure construction, with completion targeted for Q4 2025. We are also on track to have our new production line operational by the end Q3 2025.
This extension will not only enhance our manufacturing capabilities but also drive us towards a more sustainable, innovative, and automated future.
Combining Advanced Technology with Proven Expertise
Leveraging the power of AI, our partnership with the German company PAILOT—a specialist in AI for planning and scheduling software—was established last year. It has since been implemented into our drilling and routing machines and Manufacturing Execution System (MES). This extensive integration into our production systems enhances real-time adaptability and fosters ongoing enhancements in manufacturing efficiency. It boosts transparency, flexibility, operational management, productivity, and responsiveness across our production lines.
With advancements in technology, we are set to offer high-grade automation, enhanced technology solutions, and a strong emphasis on traceability. We are also introducing more sophisticated PCB technologies, including IMS aluminum, IMS copper, and heavy copper boards up to 5 OZ, catering to the evolving needs of our customers. Our portfolio spans from basic single-layer boards to complex, multi-layer configurations, all crafted with precision while upholding the highest quality standards.
Growing Greener
As we expand, we are even more focused on taking care of our planet. We are tapping into solar energy, stepping up our recycling, and looking for more ways to cut down on waste, in cooperation with the Sichuan government in China. Our upgraded equipment and smarter systems will help us do better work with less impact on the environment.
In 2023-2024, JST earned two important certifications focused on environmental sustainability: ISO 50001 for managing our energy use efficiently, and ISO 14064 for accurately measuring and verifying our greenhouse gas emissions. With our renewable energy certificates, we are set to achieve our scope 2 emission reduction target this year. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on Responsible Consumption and Production, we are exploring the exact figures and data concerning the use of recycled copper in our PCB production.
What the Future Holds
As we unfold this chapter of growth, our focus extends beyond scaling our operations. We are resolute in our mission to innovate and uphold our ecological responsibilities while providing top-tier products and services. Our Chief Manufacturing Officer, HB Yang, reflects our collective ambition, stating, "Together with our partners, I am proud of our developments and remain committed to further enhancing our performance."
Emphasising the pivotal role of advanced technology in our journey, our Chief Digitalization Officer, Rico Knapper, who is also the CEO of PAILOT, shared “It fills me with pride that PAILOT can be part of this incredible development. It is a sign that advanced AI technology can contribute to the success of the production of the future across continents.”
As we embark on this endeavor, we embrace both challenges and opportunities with open arms. Follow our journey as we share our progress and gather new insights into the evolving landscape of PCB manufacturing.
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