During Moldova Business Week 2024, in Edineț, EBS Electric Group, after a long period of testing and collaboration with various partners in the Republic of Moldova, announced the opening of a new production unit in the Republic of Moldova, a crucial decision for leveraging the development potential of the local Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) industry.
EBS Group is an electronic manufacturing services provider with over 27 years of experience, with offices in Romania and Austria. The company produces and assembles electronic components for industrial and residential applications, offering assembly solutions in SMD (Surface-Mount Device) and THT (Through-Hole Technology) technologies. SMD involves directly mounting components on the surface of printed circuit boards, commonly used in mass production for compact devices, while THT involves mounting components through the perforation of the board, providing a stronger mechanical connection. EBS specializes in prototype production, schematic design, and software development for microcontrollers.
The main reason EBS Electric Group chose the Republic of Moldova is the success of a collaboration with a local team of engineers who have proven to be extremely competent and professional. This prompted the company representatives to view the Republic of Moldova as a strategic destination for expanding certain production activities currently carried out in Romania. In this context, investment in Moldova has become a priority, considering the potential for long-term growth and development.
The first phase of EBS Electric’s investment in Moldova involves opening an SMD (Surface Mount Device) assembly line for printed circuit boards (PCBs) used in low-current applications. The initial capacity of this line will be 14,000 components per hour, with plans to expand production to four SMD lines with a capacity of 100,000 components per hour in the coming years. Additionally, EBS intends to introduce an automated assembly line for THT (Through-Hole Technology) components, further strengthening Moldova's technological infrastructure.
In the long term, EBS Electric Group aims to establish a compact structure for the design and production of electronic modules for both residential and industrial environments. The company's ambitions extend beyond the market of the Republic of Moldova, targeting the export of products to European markets. EBS aims to become a well-known European brand and contribute to the development of the local electronics industry by introducing innovative technologies and increasing competitiveness.
Additionally, collaboration with local suppliers and the transfer of know-how from the group’s other factories will support the development of local capabilities and stimulate economic growth. Initial estimates indicate that the total planned investment for the next four years amounts to approximately 5 million euros, with around 500,000 euros allocated for this expansion in 2025. Moreover, the investment will create 100 jobs for qualified engineers, thus contributing to the development of the local workforce.
Although the Republic of Moldova offers considerable opportunities for business expansion, EBS Electric acknowledges the challenges it may encounter, such as underdeveloped infrastructure and the need to elevate the workforce's skills to meet European standards, even though the talent of the local team was precisely what led them to establish operations in Moldova. Nevertheless, these challenges are seen as opportunities.
EBS Electric Group views the Republic of Moldova as a strategic destination for expanding its operations, bringing innovation and excellence to the electronics industry by offering competitive, world-class solutions.