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At Incap, sharing knowledge across locations plays an important role in developing expertise and supporting continuous improvement throughout the Group. As part of this commitment, our colleague Ciprian Țârlea, Head of IE Electronics at Incap Romania, recently spent one month at Incap US as part of an international knowledge transfer programme focused on manufacturing, sourcing, and operational best practices.
The programme brought teams closer together and offered an opportunity to gain new perspectives and deepen understanding of local processes. For Ciprian, the experience provided valuable insights into how different teams work together to support production and customer requirements.
Hands-on experience
During his stay, he worked closely with colleagues from the Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, and Sourcing teams, gaining first-hand experience of their daily work. One aspect that stood out was the strong culture of communication across departments.
“One of the most valuable lessons was the importance of close communication and practical collaboration between teams. I really appreciated the openness of my colleagues and their willingness to share their knowledge and experience,” Ciprian explains.
Technology and best practices
The visit also provided an opportunity to explore technologies and production methods used at the facility. Among the highlights were an interactive production work planning system designed with exceptional attention to detail, as well as specialised equipment including PCB label printing technology, automated radial and axial THT component placement systems, and selective soldering equipment.
People and culture
Beyond the technical aspects, the experience highlighted how teams across locations work together in practice. While each facility has its own strengths, sharing expertise helps strengthen capabilities throughout the organisation.
The experience will also support future collaboration between sites, as Ciprian plans to share his insights with colleagues in Romania and continue working with the US team on manufacturing and sourcing-related activities.
What left the strongest impression, however, was the people.
“I was impressed by how willing everyone was to help, from the receptionist to the janitor. Every employee not only knew what they had to do, but also knew how to explain it.”
Life outside work
Outside of work, the assignment also offered a chance to experience everyday life in the United States. Rather than visiting as a tourist, Ciprian spent four weeks immersed in the routines of a small American community.
One memorable moment was attending a baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs. Thanks to his colleagues, he was also introduced to the popular tailgating tradition, where fans gather several hours before the game to socialise, play games, and enjoy food together before heading into the stadium.
“The atmosphere before and during the game was unforgettable. I was lucky that my colleagues organised the whole experience for me,” he recalls.
A valuable experience
Looking back, Ciprian considers the programme both professionally and personally rewarding.
“The month passed incredibly quickly. I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity, not only to learn, but also to experience American culture and build new friendships. I would like to thank my colleagues in the US once again for their support, hospitality, and the great time we spent together.”
Experiences like these show how knowledge transfer programmes strengthen connections across Incap locations and support a truly collaborative organisation.
