Slovenia`s EMS sector

Slovenia has established itself as a high-tech hub. Electronics is currently among the fastest growing manufacturing sectors in the country, which results in significant export growth over recent years. It generates nearly EUR 5 billion in annual turnover and employs over 30 000 people. Although the electronics sub-sector alone generates around EUR 850 million in revenue, it maintains a nearly 40% value added rate. Such efficiency level is competitive to leading industrial nations such as Germany and Switzerland.

The country has successfully transformed from a popular assembly destination to an important strategic partner for the design and production of complex electronic systems for the European industry. A large number of enterprises, mainly SME, specializing in the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) and original design manufacturing (ODM) sectors, are active in the country. The sector is characterized by highly developed niche companies that focus on critical areas such as automotive, industrial automation, robotics, energy and medical technology. Over 70% of production is export-oriented, and among the main markets are Austria, Germany, the USA and Switzerland.

Local growth factors, opportunities and challenges

The main production capacities in the country are focused on household appliances, electric motors, transformers, and power grid equipment. Slovenian companies hold leading positions in the production of printed circuit boards, optoelectronic and laser devices, as well as measurement equipment. Unlike large-scale plants in Asia, local suppliers rely on the High-Mix, Low-Volume model, which requires a high degree of flexibility and precise reconfiguration of production facilities for specific, high-tech products.

The growth of the sector is driven by strong traditions in scientific research and rigorous quality control. Modern suppliers in the country no longer offer simple component soldering, but provide comprehensive EMS and ODM services. This includes the joint design of electronic circuits, firmware development, and full product life cycle management. Companies are successfully expanding by specializing in sectors where quality is more critical than price, such as medical devices, aerospace, and automotive safety.

The Slovenian EMS sector relies on synergy between industry and academia. Leading universities in Ljubljana and Maribor ensure a steady supply of engineering professionals in the fields of microelectronics and robotics. An important driver of competitiveness is the Automotive Cluster of Slovenia (ACS), which integrates electronics manufacturers into global supply chains. Companies widely implement the IPC-A-610 (Class 2 and 3) standard, which guarantees the reliability of soldered assemblies in extreme conditions – from spacecraft to industrial sensors. In addition, the sector focuses on hardware-level cybersecurity, developing secure IoT platforms that prevent unauthorized access to the critical infrastructure of smart cities.

The Business Development Agency SPIRIT Slovenia and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS), where the Electronics and Electrical Engineering Association represents the interests of local EMS providers, actively support the sector.

The Slovenian industry is at the center of the green and digital transition, providing critical infrastructure for e-mobility, smart grids, and smart cities. The main challenges facing the business remain rising energy costs and the constant need for investment in Industry 4.0 innovations.
In the next section, we will present some of the leading companies in the EMS sector in Slovenia, listed in alphabetical order.

ATech electronics

Established as a Slovenian-Swiss joint-venture in 1990, ATech electronics is a prominent local provider of EMS services. It specializes in cutting-edge electronics design and has an experienced R&D team of engineers. The company, based in southwestern Slovenia, develops smart electronics solutions – from intelligent motor controls to the IoT, and serves a broad spectrum of customer industries. It focuses on cost-effective production and a short time-to-market strategy. ATech electronics offers services from prototype design and software and through to safety and EMC standards conformity testing. That includes digital, analogue and mixed signal design, high-voltage, high-current and RF design, PCB design, DFM (Design for Manufacturing), automatic assembling and testing of products.

Elrad

Through continuous improvements of its production processes and rapid expansion of its engineering and development capabilities, the Elrad Group has successfully expanded its business to three continents – Europe, Asia and America. Having at its disposal five global locations and over 1940 employees, Elrad has more than 25 years of experience in the EMS segment. The company has produced more than 47 million units, and it supports its customers in several, or all, stages of the development process of electronic assemblies. Elrad is active in the mass production of these PCB assemblies as well as completely assembled products. It serves different sectors, including: IoT, medical, automotive, robotics, general industry, power tools, small appliances, white goods, etc.

EMSplace

ЕMSplace provides state-of-the-art and comprehensive EMS services. It is a relatively new business venture of EMA Group from Celje – a renowned Slovenian provider of leading industrial marking and tracking solutions. The great market demand for PCBs, manufactured by EMA, propel the company to establish a unit specialized in the EMS field.

The new venture combines the value of leading local experts, advanced technological equipment and over three decades of traditions and innovation. Today the company is focused on high-quality SMT and THT assembly of electronic components and products. EMSplace manufactures production series of various sizes, including prototypes. It is also specialized in the assembly of flexible PCBs, AOI control, electrical and functional testing, labeling and tracking, PCB lacquering, etc.

Indata

Indata is an innovative Slovenian electronics development and manufacturing company established in 1990. In its early years, it focused on the production of lighting control systems and HVAC automation controllers. Over the past two decades, LED technology has rapidly become its core business focus. Today, the company concentrates on the development and production of customized solutions in the fields of LED luminaires, modules and controls, 3D printing, and custom electronics development, among others. Indata specializes in SMD, SMT, and THT technologies. It operates two fully automated SMT production lines: one dedicated to prototypes and small-batch production, and another designed for mass production. In addition to high-quality SMT manufacturing, the company is frequently engaged for the assembly and soldering of THT components.

Iskra

With 76 years of tradition, Iskra operates eight production plants and employs approximately 1650 people, including 80 R&D professionals. The company serves more than 100 markets across sectors such as energy, automotive, telecommunications, and defense. Its EMS capabilities encompass full-cycle manufacturing, supported by automated SMT and THT assembly lines for both simple and highly complex circuits. Services include design and engineering, programming, high-precision quality control, and conformal coating. Iskra specializes in intelligent industrial solutions, ranging from electrical cables and power components to water treatment and traffic management systems, supporting both prototype development and mass production.

Kontron (Iskratel)

In July 2023, the prominent Slovenia-based company Iskratel officially completed its transition to Kontron following a merger with S&T Slovenija and rebranding under its parent company, Kontron AG. The company has more than 75 years of experience as an EMS provider, including 20 years operating in a joint venture with Siemens AG. It delivers a broad range of broadband and communication solutions and is active in development, prototyping, production, and assembly. Kontron’s portfolio includes numerous complex products, notably printed circuit boards with up to 22 layers and as many as 6500 integrated components. The company serves sectors such as telecommunications equipment, industrial electronics, measuring instruments, automation systems, automotive electronics, and household appliances.

L-Tek

Based in Sentjernej, L-Tek operates as a comprehensive EMS provider covering the entire product lifecycle from initial design to “on-shelf” products. The company is specialized in the research, development, and production of complex electronic modules and electromechanical components for global markets. Its service portfolio includes R&D consulting, prototype development, and both small and large-scale serial manufacturing. Technical capabilities feature precision soldering, PCB assembly, and software integration, supported by advanced validation tools and supply chain management. L-Tek focuses on high-tech solutions, providing complete system integration and rigorous programming and testing services.

MI Elektronika

Founded in 1988 in Brezovica, MI Elektronika today operates a modern facility in Logatec, serving the medical, IoT, military, and metrology sectors. The company’s SMT department features three placing lines, convection ovens and a high-speed NXTR line. They handle components from 01005 to precision BGAs, supported by 3D SPI and AOI systems. Capabilities include THT assembly with wave and selective soldering, as well as NCG machines for large power devices. The company provides a structured process from prototyping to serial production, including DFM/A support and full system integration.

SG Automotive (Schefenacker Grah Automotive)

Established in 1997 and part of the Odelo Group since 2007, SG Automotive specializes in electronics and lighting for the automotive industry. The company is a pioneer in LED technology for signalization and provides full product design and manufacturing. Its technical services include PCBA, wire harness production, and programming. Testing capabilities feature AOI, ICT, Flying Probe, X-ray inspection, and thermal testing. The company focuses on e-mobility and powertrain electronics, producing specialized components such as sensors, HVAC systems, and LED lighting modules.

Smart Key

Specializing in highly complex PCB assembly, Smart Key operates in ESD-regulated environments to ensure maximum component protection. The company provides flexible manufacturing, from initial prototyping to large-scale series. It is supported by a strong partnership with Nano Elektronika. The production floor is equipped with automatic stencil printers, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, and selective soldering modules. Beyond contract manufacturing, the company develops proprietary hardware like IoT open platforms, secure mobile charging stations, and smart lighting systems. The process integrates automated SMT/THT placement with 2D SPI and AOI control for high-reliability output.

SMT

The company, based in Portoroz, was founded in 1979. It is a family-owned business, specializing in electronic product development and manufacturing. SMT d.o.o. has expertise in both SMT and THT component assembly. It offers a wide range of EMS services, including research and development, prototyping, manufacturing by surface mount and through-hole technology, soldering, conformal coating, testing etc. The company is active in the full-cycle production of electronic systems, adapting to various production scales – from prototypes to larger, specialized series. Its certifications include ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001.

Strip’s

Founded in 1995, Strip’s provides EMS and ODM services for the automotive, medical, e-mobility, and smart energy sectors. The company covers the entire service chain, from concept design and prototyping to industrialization and serial production. Its technical capabilities include SMT and THT assembly, laser marking, conformal coating, and programming. Quality assurance is managed through various test methods, among which are SPI, AOI, ICT, FCT, and burn-in testing. Utilizing lean manufacturing and ensuring full material traceability, the company specializes in customized electronic solutions and full system integration.

Tronitec

Tronitec provides integrated EMS solutions from prototyping to serial production. The company, which operates across Slovenia, Austria, and China, specializes in precise SMT assembly and a wide range of PCBs for the automotive, medical, and telecommunications sectors. Its European offices are responsible for sales, distribution, and compliance, while the Chinese branch manages production quality and logistics. With decades of experience, today Tronitec focuses on flexible delivery models and technical support for the Southeast European market, specifically in electronics for traffic signalization and industrial applications.