Simon Gao is Marketing Supervisor & Customer Experience Manager for PCBWay, arguably one of the most experienced PCB manufacturers and SMT Assemblers in China. They strive to be their customers’ best business partner by being a one-stop shop for prototype and low volume PCB manufacturing. We caught up with Simon to learn more about his company.
EMSNOW: How has PCBWay evolved since its founding in 2014? What have been the major milestones in your company’s development?
Since our founding in 2014, PCBWay has grown from a small PCB prototyping service provider into a global leader in PCB manufacturing and assembly. Major milestones include the expansion of production capabilities to mass production, the launch of PCB assembly services, the introduction of CNC machining and 3D printing services, and the establishment of regional service teams worldwide. Recent developments focus on enhancing customer experience through digital platforms and exploring global manufacturing expansions, particularly in North America and Europe.
EMSNOW: What do you see as PCBWay’s main competitive advantages in the global PCB manufacturing market?
PCBWay’s competitive edge lies in its comprehensive service offering—from prototyping to mass production and assembly—combined with rapid lead times, high-quality standards, and competitive pricing. Our user-friendly online platform, transparent pricing, and responsive customer support further distinguish us from competitors. Additionally, our commitment to supporting the maker and engineering communities through sponsorships and collaborations enhances brand loyalty.
EMSNOW: How does your assembly service complement your PCB manufacturing business?
Our assembly service completes the product development cycle by offering one-stop solutions. Customers can seamlessly transition from PCB fabrication to assembly without managing multiple suppliers. This integration reduces lead times, lowers costs, and ensures better quality control throughout the production process.
EMSNOW: What role does your online platform play in your business strategy?
PCBWay’s online platform is the foundation of our business strategy, driving customer engagement, operational efficiency, and global scalability. It serves as a comprehensive, self-service portal where customers can instantly get quotes, place orders, track production progress, and access technical support—streamlining the entire manufacturing process from prototype to production. Beyond simplifying transactions, the platform fosters a global community of engineers, makers, and innovators by offering project sharing, design resources, and educational content.
EMSNOW: Beyond standard PCB manufacturing, what specialized services are seeing increased demand from your customers?
There’s growing demand for advanced PCB types such as HDI (High-Density Interconnect), flexible and rigid-flex PCBs, aluminum PCBs for thermal management, and PCBs with special surface finishes like ENIG and hard gold. Additionally, our CNC machining and 3D printing services are gaining popularity among customers needing custom enclosures and mechanical parts.
EMSNOW: How do you maintain quality control across your large-scale manufacturing operations?
We maintain stringent quality control through a combination of automated optical inspection (AOI), in-circuit testing (ICT), X-ray inspection for BGA components, and strict adherence to IPC standards. Our factories are ISO9001, ISO14001, and UL certified, ensuring consistent quality. Additionally, real-time production monitoring and comprehensive final inspections are integral to our process.
EMSNOW: What technological investments are you making to stay competitive in PCB manufacturing and assembly?
PCBWay continually invests in state-of-the-art production and assembly equipment, automation systems, and quality testing technologies. We are exploring Industry 4.0 practices, including smart manufacturing and data-driven production optimization. Additionally, we are expanding our capabilities in advanced materials and surface finishes to meet evolving customer demands.
EMSNOW: Which industries or sectors represent your largest customer segments?
Our largest customer segments include consumer electronics, IoT devices, industrial automation, medical devices, automotive electronics, and telecommunications. We also serve makers, startups, and academic institutions developing innovative prototypes and products.
EMSNOW: What regional markets are showing the strongest growth for PCBWay?
North America and Europe are our fastest-growing markets, driven by demand for high-quality, quick-turn PCBs and assembly services. We are also seeing significant growth in Southeast Asia due to the expansion of electronics manufacturing and startup ecosystems in the region.
EMSNOW: What emerging technologies or trends do you see impacting the PCB industry?
Key trends impacting the industry include the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), IoT devices, and wearable technology, all requiring complex, high-density PCBs. The shift towards miniaturization, flexible electronics, and high-frequency materials is also reshaping the market. Additionally, Industry 4.0 and automation in PCB manufacturing are driving efficiency and innovation.
EMSNOW: How is PCBWay approaching sustainability in PCB manufacturing?
We are committed to sustainable practices by optimizing material usage, reducing waste, and implementing energy-efficient manufacturing processes. Our facilities adhere to environmental management systems (ISO14001), and we continually explore eco-friendly materials and lead-free processes to minimize our environmental footprint.
EMSNOW: What are your plans for expanding services or entering new markets?
We are actively exploring the establishment of manufacturing and assembly facilities in North America and Europe to better serve regional customers and reduce logistics costs. Additionally, we are expanding our CNC machining and 3D printing capabilities to provide more comprehensive solutions. Our goal is to continuously innovate and offer tailored services for emerging industries.
