PCB manufacturing in Türkiye

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration Turkey’s young, sizeable population, dynamic entrepreneurial class, and advantageous geographic position as a bridge between Europe and Asia have made the country an important manufacturing and distribution hub. Turkey positions itself in the global value chain by leveraging its logistical advantage, offering lower labour costs and flexible production capabilities. Manufacturing’s share of GDP has increased to 18,83% in the last decade and Turkey aims to boost it to 21% by 2023 through its 2023 Industry and Technology Strategy.

Advanced manufacturing technologies are increasingly used in the country, with international companies leading the way. Early adopters of advanced manufacturing in Turkey include the automotive and aviation industries, both dominated by major international companies with many local suppliers who must meet the latest standards and technological requirements. In addition, the consumer goods, electronics, chemicals, machinery, steel, construction, textiles, energy, and mining industries are focused on adopting advanced manufacturing technologies to remain competitive.

Through more advanced manufacturing technologies, Turkey can move further up the global value chain, ensure its future global competitiveness, and provide a boost to a faltering economy. Currently, 36% of Turkey’s manufacturing exports consist of medium-tech products and 3% high-tech products. The country aims to increase the former to 44% and the latter to nearly 6% by 2023.

In 2019, the Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology announced Turkey’s 2023 Industry and Technology Strategy detailing incentives for R&D and digital transformation of industrial enterprises. Turkey plans to invest heavily in over 300 product groups in the machinery, semiconductor, aerospace, defense, transportation technology, software, electronics, chemistry, and pharmaceutical industries. Incentives will be provided for the development of new technologies involving artificial intelligence, 5G, big data and data analytics, IoT, blockchain, robotics and autonomy, nanotechnology, cybersecurity, additive manufacturing, quantum computing and energy technologies.

The electronics sector

The Turkish electronics industry began to develop rapidly in the second half of the 80’s. The introduction of colour TV broadcasting and the acceleration in telecommunication investments boosted development. Furthermore, the revolution in telecommunication technologies which took place during those years, increased the growth of the sector. Most of the Turkish companies started operations through foreign license agreements. The licensors originated from the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, the USA, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Denmark and Italy. Today the sector is a mature industry and has reached a significant level in technical knowledge.

There are approximately 2033 manufacturing companies in the field of electronics, shows data from the country’s Ministry of Trade. The Turkish electronics industry manufacturers/exporters follow European and international standards and norms. The obligation to affix the CE Mark to products began in the local market in 2002. At the same time, Turkish manufacturers have been closely following the developments in international quality and environmental standards.

The Turkish electronics industry, founded on high added value, innovation, creativity, and extensive research, develops products not only for the local market but also for overseas. The exports of the sector have demonstrated a constant increase since 1990. This is mainly due to intensive R&D efforts and production aligned with the needs of the export markets. Electronics industry products having the most recent technology are supplied to the Turkish market simultaneously with Europe. Turkish electronics industry exports are primarily directed to European markets. In 2017, the Turkish electronics industry realized exports to roughly 200 countries. The total value of electronics exports sector increased by 3,9% compared to the previous year and reached USD 10,2 billion in 2017. As in production, consumer electronics and telecommunication equipment were the main items in exports.

An analysis by Turkey’s Ministry of Trade indicates that the European Union is the most important market for the Turkish electronics sector. England is the top exporting country of the sector with a 13,0% rate, followed by Germany (10,8%) and France (6,9%). Apart from the European Union countries, peripheral countries (such as Iraq, Turkmenistan) and the USA are the other important exporting countries for the sector.

In 2017, the total import of the electronics sector increased by 3,1% compared to the previous year and reached USD 26,5 billion. The import value of the components, integrated circuits and other machines had the biggest ratio in 2017 total import with 20,5% ratio and USD 5,4 billion. Telecommunication equipment (16,8% ratio) and electrical machines and energy group (13,7% ratio) were the other important imported goods in electronics sector. China (32,7%) had the highest ratio in total imports. Although the export countries are concentrated in the European Union, the import countries are diversified.

PCB manufacturing companies

The printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing process requires a complex procedure to ensure the performance of the finished product. Though circuit boards can be single-sided, double-sided or multi-layered, the fabrication processes used only differ after the first layer’s production. Due to differences in the structure of the PCBs, some may require 20 or more steps during manufacturing.
The number of steps required for producing printed circuit boards correlates to their complexity. Skipping any step or cutting back on the procedure could negatively impact the performance of the circuit board. However, when successfully completed, the PCBs should perform their tasks properly as key electronic components.
In the following section we will present a short description of the main companies producing a wide range of PCBs in Turkey.

Asik Elektronik

Asik Elektronik Import Export and Trade was founded in 1995. The company started its operations in order to satisfy the demand for plated through-hole PCBs on the Turkish market. With the advancements in technology, the company offers single-sided, double-sided, multi-layer, gold coated, flexible and aluminium PCBs.
In 1996 in accordance with the needs on the Turkish market and the developing world trends, Asik Elektronik started import and export operations of flexible membrane switches. The company also carries out research and development activities. It performs, by automatic machines, the assembly of every kind of electronic circuit that is made up of SMD and THT components according to customers’ needs and requests. In addition to its services for customers in the PCB field, Asik Elektronik also supplies stencils that are required for the assembly of PCBs on request.

Baski Devre

Baski Devre was founded in 1977. The company constantly invests in technology, increasing its capacity. Its production capacity reaches up to 180 000 square metres for single sided PCBs and 80 000 square metres for double sided PCBs. Baski Devre has developed strong business relationships with its partners in the Far East which further expand the company’s capacity for double-sided, up to 32 layers multi-layer, flexible, heavy copper, hybrid and long LED PCBs. Baski Devre recently finalized its efforts in the field of lead free solder and green materials and is ready to meet customers’ demands in that aspect.
The firm has almost one thousand customers all around Turkey, as well as in Europe, the Middle East and even in South Africa. Baski Devre exports to more than 100 companies in 14 countries. The company regularly takes part in major exhibitions in Europe and Turkey.

Delron Electronic Industry and Trade

Delron Electronic was established in 1994 and manufactures high quality single-sided, double-sided, multi-layer, flexible and rigid flexible PCBs in its 12 000 m2 premises, located in the industrial zone of Manisa. The company offers a fully integrated service to its customers including design, SMT, axial and radial through-hole assembly technologies, up to full product building. The PCB and assembly production facilities are certified with BVQI’s ISO 9001:2000 total quality system. The company is a member of IPC and products are UL approved.

Delron has become an approved manufacturer for the Turkish defence industry and its products conform to MIL SPEC 810 norms. The company is an approved manufacturer for Siemens, Alcatel and the only approved PCB manufacturer in Turkey for Tusas Aerospace Industries.

Net Elektronik Design

Net Elektronik Design has been serving the sector with computer aided design (CAD/CAM) printed circuit design, hardware and software applications, PCB production and PCB assembly and installation services in Turkey’s electronics field since 1999. Net Elektronik Design aims at 100% customer satisfaction and claims to be the only company that provides simultaneously PCB design, PCB production and PCB settling services in the sector. With its projects on renewable energy, it has adopted to work without compromising the correct, principled production and reliability ethics in all service areas.

Odak PCB

Odak PCB was established in 1983 as a small shop to produce simple PCB prototypes. The dedicated work and visionary approach of its founders have shaped the way of doing business, prioritizing continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. Today, with 180 members of the Odak PCB family, the company is one of the biggest PCB manufacturers in Europe.
Odak PCB manufactures LED, single-sided, double-sided, multi-layer, flexible, and rigid-flex PCBs, that are widely used in industries such as LED lighting, automotive, household appliances, medical and military and defense. Samples and prototypes are produced on the same production line to make sure all PCB specifications fully match. Samples and low volume batches can be produced with 24, 48, 72-hour or 5-day options depending on urgency. Medium and high volume batches can be produced in 5 to 10 days with Odak PCB’s expedited production capabilities.

OME Elektronik

Founded in 1995 OME Elektronik provides electronic card design and production services. Since its establishment, it has not aimed to produce and market any own-brand product, but has produced only with the aim of serving as a sub-industry.
The company strives to constantly improve itself in production techniques, design and procurement services and has the most advanced equipment. OME Elektronik is able to design, to produce PCBs and electronic cards for all kinds of needs, serving over 400 customers from different sectors. The firm has nearly 200 employees in its Istanbul based production facility spread over 6000 mІ.

OME Elektronik has commissioned RoHS-compliant production lines since 2005 and since then it has been producing in full compliance with the Directive. The company established the Quality Management System by obtaining the ISO 9001 certificate the same year. As of 2018, by establishing ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and ISO 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, it has switched to the Integrated Management System and further expanded the quality scope of its services.

Production, warehouse, shipment, etc. ESD and MSD requirements are met at every stage. Production is carried out in accordance with IPC Standards and requirements, especially IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 standards, and OME Elektronik’s entire facility works in accordance with its production tracking system that ensures traceability.

Printronics PCB

Printronics PCB was established in 2007 and produces single-sided, double-sided, aluminium, multi-layer, flexible and hybrid PCBs. Within a few years after its establishment, Printronics PCB increased its market share in the PCB sector and has now become one of the largest companies in the field. In order to increase service quality and meet customer expectations and needs at a higher level the company regularly invests in its Istanbul based plant.