ESCATEC, an integrated electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider, is marking its 40th anniversary, celebrating a significant milestone as the family - owned Group looks toward future growth.
Founded in 1984 on Penang Island, Malaysia, by Swiss engineer Christophe Albin, originally under the name LODA Electronics, ESCATEC has grown into an innovative mid-sized leader in the global EMS industry. The company remains family-owned, with the second generation, Charles-Alexandre Albin, taking over as CEO in November 2023.
In its 40-year journey, the company has evolved from humble beginnings into a global powerhouse, achieving remarkable growth, innovation, and success across diverse markets and geographical locations.
By 1987, the company relocated to its own facility in the Free Industrial Zone 3, Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia, where it operated until 2018.
In the early 1990s, Mr. Christophe Albin initiated a joint venture between LODA Electronics, now ESCATEC Electronics (EEM), Meditec Electronics and Levitec Engineering in Singapore, as well as Levitec Electronics in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, now ESCATEC Mechatronics (EMM), a small EMS group based in Singapore and all group companies adopted the ESCATEC name.
Soon thereafter operations in Singapore were moved to ESCATEC’s production site in Johor Bahru and the group Headquarters the site in Bayan Lepas.
Another key milestone occurred in 1990 with the establishment of the P3 plastic injection moulding plant in Bayan Lepas.
In 2003, ESCATEC expanded into Europe by acquiring a facility in Heerbrugg, Switzerland, establishing ESCATEC Switzerland (ECH). By 2008, ECH had completed work on a cutting-edge cleanroom for micro-opto-electro-mechanical-systems (MOEMS), offering clients advanced microelectronics manufacturing services.
In 2009, ESCATEC launched ESCATEC Medical in Penang and in 2014, a food grade facility was established in Johor Bahru.
In 2018, EEM acquired and moved into a 20’000 m2 facility in Penang and which now serves as its new corporate headquarters.
Fast forward to 2021, ESCATEC acquired JJS Manufacturing, adding large format mechatronics and electrical control panel capabilities to their existing portfolio along with three new production facilities. ESCATEC Mechatronics Ltd (Based in the UK, EUK) and ESCATEC Mechatronics s.r.o (Based in the Czech Republic, ECZ were born from this expansion.
In June 2023, responding to customer demand for increased European presence, ESCATEC established a new factory in Bulgaria (EBG), becoming the Group’s 9th global production facility.
ESCATEC's success is rooted in its founder's values of ethical business practices, long-term partnerships, and a commitment to customer satisfaction; principles embedded in the company’s culture and leadership.
“Our success has always been about maintaining direct personalised relationships with our customers. It’s not just business; it’s about real human connections built on trust,” says CEO Charles-Alexandre Albin, recalling his early days learning the trade at the Penang factory.
ESCATEC is well-positioned for further growth, boasting a strong financial base, zero external debt, long-term customers, and a range of vertically integrated design and manufacturing services which support customers throughout the entire product lifecycle. Major OEM brands from Europe and North America make up most of its customer base.
Looking ahead, ESCATEC sees nearshoring and environmental protection as key to attracting new business. Emerging technologies in various sectors offer promising growth channels and these trends are already shaping the Group’s strategies, including where and when it is likely to establish new production sites.
“The next logical step is to expand into North America, possibly Mexico or the United States, to better serve our customers and tap into new markets,” noted Charles-Alexandre Albin.
Innovation and technology will continue to remain central, with the ESCATEC Technology Council (composed of engineering leaders from all business units) continuing to explore new technologies, including AI and digital tools, to enhance preventative maintenance and diagnostics.
Environmental sustainability will be another key focus for ESCATEC as it moves into its fifth decade. The Group has already made significant investments in this regard, with nearly 100% renewable energy usage in its facilities in Switzerland, the UK, and the Czech Republic. In Malaysia, solar panels were installed this year across its sites, moving the Group closer to energy self-sufficiency.
“We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint and ensuring transparency for our customers and stakeholders,” Charles-Alexandre Albin emphasised.
The company’s social committees have been actively planning a series of events to celebrate its 40th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, gala dinners are being organised at all locations, offering employees the opportunity to reflect on the company's achievements and look ahead to the future.
Additionally, a variety of sporting events are being arranged to promote team spirit and camaraderie. These celebrations are a tribute to the dedication and hard work of the staff, who have played a crucial role in the company’s success over the past four decades.
With 40 years of solid achievements, ESCATEC remains committed to customer satisfaction and adapting to market changes, ensuring its place as a trusted manufacturing partner for the future.
Further enquiries or request for interviews / photos / comments can be directed to Mr. Rajeshpal Singh, Corporate Marketing & Communications Manager, at rajeshpal.singh@escatec.com, Tel: +604 6113 456.