Family-owned with the second generation
Escatec celebrating 40 years
Escatec, a swiss/malaysian 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.
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.
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 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.
The company currently operates four production facilities in Malaysia, two in the Czech Republic, and one each in the UK, Switzerland, and Bulgaria. It also has a standalone Design & Development ‘Innovation Hub’ in Switzerland and strategic partnerships in Croatia and the US.
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 Albin.
Innovation and technology will continue to remain central, with the EscatecTechnology 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,” Albin emphasised.
