Electronics² – Europe’s largest manufacturing network & Top 2 provider in the European ODM/EMS ranking

Electronics² brings together, under one service brand, the manufacturing companies of Kontron, KATEK, and beflex electronic. This positions the network as the largest electronics manufacturing network in Europe as well as one of the Top 2 providers in the European ODM/EMS market.

But what does this mean in practice for customers—and how is it possible to meet a wide range of requirements, from start-ups to global OEMs?
Jochen Gimple, VP ODM/EMS, provides insights.

Flexibility and speed for every requirement

Editorial team:
Mr. Gimple, under the Electronics² service brand, Kontron’s companies have been united into Europe’s largest manufacturing network. How do customers benefit from this structure in concrete terms?

Jochen Gimple:
Our network, which spans eight European countries as well as North America and partners in Asia, offers our customers one thing above all: regional proximity, tailored customer solutions, the highest quality standards, and maximum flexibility. Our variety of production sites provides the right setup for every customer requirement and preference. We take a very close look in advance at what the customer needs and then recommend the most suitable location. Ultimately, the customer decides independently where production takes place, but experience shows that customers generally follow our recommendations. The added value for the customer is choosing a partner that fully meets their requirements.  

Global procurement teams ensure resilience

Editorial team:
How do global procurement teams strengthen resilience within Electronics²?

Jochen Gimple:
You must be careful with the term “resilience” in the context of supply chains. We all know that there can be no complete protection against all risks in a complex and multi-layered market like electronics. In this context, resilience means doing everything possible to minimize risks. This includes regional proximity—we have procurement teams in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Another key factor is direct contact with manufacturers. For all suppliers managed through our global sourcing, we have a direct point of contact, which is extremely helpful if problems arise. An important piece of the puzzle is a sophisticated logistics setup developed in close coordination with our customers. Finally, we also use software solutions that help us identify events impacting the supply chain at a very early stage and respond before the market does. All resilience measures benefit our customers equally—regardless of their size. Our structures are designed so that every customer benefits.

Solutions for small, medium, and large enterprises

Editorial team:
As a major player, how do you manage to serve small businesses, mid-sized companies, and large OEMs alike?

Jochen Gimple:
Our organization is structured to provide scalable, needs-based solutions for companies of all sizes. All customer groups are equally important to us—from start-ups and SMEs to global OEMs. Everyone benefits equally from our know-how, our scale, and our international network. As a service provider, our goal is to deliver deliver maximum value to every customer, regardless of volume or company size.

Trust & market advantages through a leading position

Editorial team:
How do you strategically leverage your market position to strengthen trust and create decisive added value for customers?

Jochen Gimple:
Consolidation in our industry is advancing rapidly. Large providers are emerging because scale is necessary to meet the increasing demands of the future. This scale is also a clear advantage for Kontron, as is the diversity of expertise within the group. Kontron is much more than a traditional ODM/EMS provider. In customer discussions, it becomes clear time and again how valuable it is to have a partner that can offer a broad range of solutions—from Cyber Resilience Act expertise to 5G expertise. Kontron combines manufacturing with deep technological expertise. This enables customers to implement their projects much faster. The key added value: a central point of contact for almost all topics related to embedded electronics.

Sustainability as a success factor

Editorial team:
Sustainability and energy efficiency are becoming increasingly important in industry. How is Electronics² implementing concrete measures in this area?

Jochen Gimple:
The current geopolitical situation has once again shown that energy is not just about climate protection, but also about costs and security of supply. That’s why we have defined efficient energy use as a strategic priority. Our goal is to consistently expand our independence from fossil fuels. We are focusing specifically on renewable energy, because while fossil supply chains are vulnerable to disruption, solar energy is virtually unlimited.

Looking ahead: Innovation “Made in Europe”

Editorial team:
Where is Electronics² heading as a leading manufacturing network in Europe?

Jochen Gimple:
We have a clear long-term goal: Electronics² should not only remain the largest but also become one of the most innovative manufacturing networks for EMS and ODM in Europe. This means we are continuously evolving in line with our customers’ requirements. To achieve this, we are focusing on several investment and innovation areas. A key focus is the ongoing digitalization of our processes, both internally and in customer interaction. We continuously invest in automation, data analytics, and smart software solutions along the entire value chain. Another important innovation area is the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning. This is not only about efficiency gains, but also about further developing quality management systems and supporting our customers in implementing future-proof products.

What can customers expect in the future?

Editorial team:
What can your customers expect from Electronics² in the near future?

Jochen Gimple:
Our customers can expect us to continue investing consistently in technology, service quality, and sustainable production. Speed, flexibility, and the highest standards in consulting and manufacturing will remain our core promises. Our goal is to help customers bring innovations to market faster and more securely—regardless of whether they are start-ups, SMEs, or global corporations. Through close dialogue, we will continue to develop tailored solutions. This is our commitment for the years ahead.

Conclusion

As a service brand with Europe’s largest manufacturing network, Electronics² is setting new standards in flexibility, scalability, and industrial performance. At the same time, the network underscores its leadership through innovation, sustainability, and resilience—actively shaping the future of electronics manufacturing in Europe.

About Jochen Gimple, VP ODM/EMS, Kontron AG

Jochen Gimple has held a wide range of roles within the ODM/EMS industry since 1997. Since 2022, he has been responsible for global production and operations at Kontron AG. Through the acquisition of KATEK, Kontron has evolved into an international player in the ODM/EMS industry. The company is continuing this successful development with strong commitment and a consistent focus as a global player.