-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueVoices 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.
The Essential Guide to Surface Finishes
We go back to basics this month with a recount of a little history, and look forward to addressing the many challenges that high density, high frequency, adhesion, SI, and corrosion concerns for harsh environments bring to the fore. We compare and contrast surface finishes by type and application, take a hard look at the many iterations of gold plating, and address palladium as a surface finish.
It's Show Time!
In this month’s issue of PCB007 Magazine we reimagine the possibilities featuring stories all about IPC APEX EXPO 2025—covering what to look forward to, and what you don’t want to miss.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
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.
Suggested Items
onsemi Withdraws Proposal to Acquire Allegro MicroSystems
04/15/2025 | BUSINESS WIREonsemi announced that it has terminated its efforts to acquire Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. and withdrawn its all-cash proposal to acquire Allegro for $35.10 per share.
Rocket Lab Onramped to Multi-Billion Dollar U.S. and U.K. Defense Contracts
04/15/2025 | BUSINESS WIRERocket Lab USA, Inc., a global leader in launch services and space systems, announced it has been selected to provide hypersonic test launch capability with its HASTE launch vehicle, engineering expertise, and other services through its participation in two multi-billion dollar government development programs for the United States and the United Kingdom.
Cicor, Mercury Enter Into a Strategic Supply Partnership
04/15/2025 | CicorCicor Group has entered into a strategic supply agreement with Mercury Mission Systems International S.A. (Mercury), a leading technology company active in the global aerospace and defence industry, under which Cicor will acquire a manufacturing operation in Plan-Les-Ouates (Switzerland).
Worldwide Smartphone Market Grew 1.5% in Q1 2025, Amid On-going US-China Trade Tension
04/15/2025 | IDCAccording to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker , global smartphone shipments increased 1.5% year-over-year (YoY) to 304.9 million units in the first quarter of 2025 (1Q25).
Murata to Establish New Corporate Venture Capital Arm in the US
04/15/2025 | MurataMurata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., will establish WONDERSTONE Ventures, a new corporate venture capital (CVC) arm aimed at exploring new business opportunities and sustainable growth, in April 2025 in the US.