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What happens when the rule book is no longer useful, or worse, was never written in the first place? In today’s fast-moving electronics landscape, we’re increasingly asked to design and build what has no precedent, no proven path, and no tidy checklist to follow. This is where “Design for Invention” begins.
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STARTEAM GLOBAL Acquires Italian PCB Factory, Expanding European Footprint
July 2, 2024 | STARTEAM GLOBALEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
STARTEAM GLOBAL, a premier manufacturer of Printed Circuit Board (PCB) technology and services, is excited to announce a significant strategic expansion with the acquisition of C.T.B Circuiti Stampati S.N.C. (C.T.B), a PCB manufacturing factory. Located in the scenic town of Flero (Brescia province) in northern Italy, the factory has been rebranded as Flero STARTEAM (FST) effective from June 5, 2024.
Introducing Flero STARTEAM (FST)
The acquisition strategically amplifies STARTEAM’s manufacturing policy and strengthens its market presence in Europe. Elevating the company's comprehensive service offerings, FST will concentrate on spearheading innovation through:
- Prototyping
- Sample Production
- Specialised High Mix Low Volume (HMLV) Manufacturing
- Quick Turn
- Customised Requirements
This expansion is a milestone for STARTEAM, reinforcing the company's presence in the heart of Europe and highlighting its dedication to serving its European customers in the most local and flexible way.
A Hub for Innovation & Service Excellence
FST is anticipated to transform into more than just a manufacturing facility; it will become a vibrant hub for collaboration and innovation. Equipped with the latest technology, the facility will host interactive customer workshops designed to merge STARTEAM’s technical expertise with the specific requirements of its customers, ensuring a smooth transition from prototype to full-scale production.
Milan's Neighbour: A Strategic Edge
Strategically situated approximately 90km east from Milan, the facility serves a convenient meeting point for business partners and customers. Operated by a team of dedicated experts, the plant is set to increase its capacity incrementally, aligning with customer demands. FST’s technology will initially focus on manufacturing 1–2 layer PCBs, including PTFE base material (Teflon) for high-frequency applications, with plans to expand capabilities up to 6 layers from Q4 2024 – Q1 2025.
Expert Leadership to Steer
FST is championed by a team of seasoned leaders, poised to steer the company toward future success. Uwe Schneider, a STARTEAM veteran and formerly Automotive Technical Director at the Jiangyou STARTEAM (JST) factory in China, has been appointed as General Manager at FST. Alongside him, Roberta Tonini, the former owner of C.T.B, will also take on the General Manager role.
Contributing to the strategic orchestration, Michael König, STARTEAM’s Chief Financial Officer, plays a pivotal role in the legal acquisition of the PCB factory.
With this leadership structure, FST is well-equipped to navigate ahead in the PCB industry.
FST’s Ambitious PCB Production Goals
The launch of the FST facility is indicative of STARTEAM GLOBAL's pursuit of operational excellence and service enhancement. This venture not only expands the company’s geographical footprint but also fortifies its operational capabilities, setting a new benchmark in meeting and exceeding the expectations of its global clientele.
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Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
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04/17/2026 | Globe NewswireSpirit Electronics, a vertically integrated electronics design and manufacturing solutions provider serving the military and aerospace markets, announced that it has been designated as an authorized distributor for the Americas for Microchip Technology, a broadline supplier of semiconductors committed to making innovative design easier through total system solutions.
Standard of Excellence: Engineering Is the New Sales—How Technical Collaboration Wins Business
04/15/2026 | Anaya Vardya -- Column: Standard of ExcellenceWhen it comes to complex, high-performance electronics, the line between sales and engineering has all but disappeared. Customers want more than a quote. They’re not simply buying boards; they’re buying understanding, so engineering is now the front line of customer trust, problem-solving, and long-term success. There was a time when sales meant persuasion, and engineering meant production. Today, the two are inseparable.
New EIPC President: Building Strength Through Unity in Europe’s Electronics Industry
04/14/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Industry veteran Rico Schluter, newly appointed president of EIPC, discusses his decades-long journey through the European PCB industry and his vision for its future. From building advanced manufacturing operations to leading large-scale facility development in Lithuania, Rico shares insights into automation, workforce evolution, and the challenges of scaling production. He emphasizes the urgent need for stronger collaboration across European industry organizations to effectively influence policy in Brussels, particularly around supply chain resilience, trade regulations, and energy-related incentives.
IBM's David Lokken-Toyli: Quantum’s Call to ‘Leap’
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ASC Sunstone Circuits Implements Smart Parts Technology at Mulino Facility to Enhance PCB Manufacturing Efficiency
04/09/2026 | ASC Sunstone CircuitsASC Sunstone Circuits, a division of American Standard Circuits, has implemented Smart PartsTM Classics technology at its Mulino, Oregon, manufacturing facility, advancing its commitment to efficient, high-quality PCB fabrication.