A decade ago, the electronics and semiconductor industry in Europe was considered by many to be in danger of extinction.
Now she is experiencing more than her second spring. This circumstance is based on a number of stable pillars, which also have a very positive impact on the future development of the industry. On the one hand, it is of course electromobility and the automotive sector in general that represent the decisive prerequisites for this change. Increasingly better-equipped basic vehicles, extensively installed sensors or autonomous driving would not be possible without appropriate innovations in modern electronic components. This trend also includes, for example, the increasingly innovative smartphones that are purchased every year, the Internet of Things (IoT) and advancing digitalization.

One problem that arises from this is the often associated increasing complexity of the value chains. In addition, these are currently often at their limit in terms of capacity, are distributed globally and thus increase the demands on planning and control. Challenging new start-up projects are no longer the exception, but have become and are becoming the rule due to these requirements. These changes naturally affect the entire industry, but especially companies in the electronics sector. The growth dynamic is only being slowed down by the increasingly noticeable international shortage of skilled workers.

The standard process in the electronics industry now includes the relocation of machines and systems.
This is not only known to industry insiders, this process is also becoming more and more common outside the industry and is seen as an integral part of the production and development process. Therefore, machines, systems or even entire plants travel to various destinations in Europe and Asia. Some of these also include locations that were previously considered exotic and were not considered as an option. One of the most important tasks in this matter is definitely anticipating the massive cost and competitive pressure. However, it is no longer enough at BEST COST locations to produce exclusively with systems that have a high manual work content. Highly automated machines and systems must also be included in the relocation considerations in order to ensure a competitive production process at a world-class level.

The IQX Group is very familiar with these challenges facing the electronics and semiconductor industry and can support companies as project managers or on an interim basis in a variety of functions.