IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1542698
JANUARY 2026 I I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE 105 receive strong technical support directly from them. That helps us train our team faster. Doing an expansion project like this is a tremendous challenge. What did you learn in the process? The main challenge was that there was no clear template to follow. We had to figure out many things ourselves and ensure all systems worked together from day one. We also had to coordinate many moving parts simultaneously: the building, equipment, and utilities, and building a new team. Getting that aligned wasn't easy. What we learned is straightforward: Good part- ners, strong project management, and a clear plan make anything possible. We've confirmed that Europe still has the capability to build advanced manufacturing when there's a clear goal and commitment behind it. This new greenfield PCB site is one of the new facilities being built to support TLT Manufacturing's end-to-end manufacturing solution. What does this mean to Lithuania? For us, this is more than just a factory; it's a long- term commitment to the region and to rebuild- ing advanced manufacturing in Europe. When you invest at this scale, you're not just creating jobs; you're creating skills, confidence, and opportuni- ties for the entire community. Lithuania has strong engineering talent, but until now, it has had no modern PCB industry. By building this facility, we're giving young specialists a chance to grow in high-tech manufacturing without leaving the country. We're also working with universities to develop a talent pipeline. From a broader perspective, we want to demon- strate that Europe can bring critical technologies back home. Starting in one location creates momen- tum for the whole ecosystem. That's why this project matters for us, for the community, and for Europe's long-term resilience. Vytautas, any final thoughts you would like to share about the facility or the importance of rebuilding a strong electronics manufacturing infrastructure in Europe? Europe cannot talk about resilience if it imports almost all its PCBs. Every electronic device—from defense systems to industrial machines—starts with a PCB. If we lose this capability, we lose con- trol of our future technologies. Our new facility is one step in rebuilding that foun- dation. It demonstrates that Europe can still build modern, clean, fully automated manufacturing when we commit to it. We hope it encourages others—OEMs, EMS companies, policymakers—to join this movement. Bringing electronics manufacturing back to Europe isn't just a business goal; it's a strategic necessity. PCB007