Imagine standing at the heart of an electronics production floor – where ideas are turned into reality, and innovation requires both precision and strategic decision-making. The participants from Future Manufacturers not only gained insight into electronics development and production at CB Svendsen, but also developed a solid understanding of what they themselves need to have in place before engaging in dialogue with an EMS partner. The visit gave them valuable knowledge about the key factors influencing production strategy, supply chain choices, and scaling opportunities.
A tour of the engine room of technology
For many start-ups and smaller companies, electronics manufacturing can seem like a daunting process with many factors to consider. During the tour at CB Svendsen, participants learned how electronic products move from concept to finished product through a structured and quality-assured process.
The company’s Danish production is specialised in products with high complexity, such as medical devices and other advanced solutions, where precision, quality, and safety are critical. Here, efficiency is combined with flexibility to meet the demands of specialised production and small series. At the same time, the majority of high-volume production is handled in selected European countries, where large-scale manufacturing can be utilised to the fullest, while still maintaining the high quality and delivery reliability CB Svendsen is known for.
For the participants, it was a valuable experience to see how CB Svendsen manages both development and production – and how different needs require different production strategies.
How do you find the right EMS Partner?
After the tour, Martin B. Svendsen addressed one of the most important decisions a company will face: How do you choose the right EMS partner (Electronics Manufacturing Services)?
Many start-ups naturally tend to focus primarily on price when they begin looking for an EMS partner. But as Martin B. Svendsen emphasised in his presentation, there are many more factors at play if you want to ensure successful production. He shared key insights on how companies can best prepare before engaging with an EMS partner – and, importantly, how they can ask the right questions to gain a stronger negotiating position.
He encouraged participants to reflect on their product and production requirements: What level of complexity is involved? Are there specific certifications or quality standards that must be met? What does the supply chain look like, and which components could potentially present challenges?
He also highlighted the importance of understanding your own flexibility regarding timelines and scalability. Many underestimate how much lead times, batch sizes, and production optimisation impact both price and delivery reliability. It also became clear that EMS partners are not just suppliers – they are strategic collaborators who can help navigate the complex decisions involved in electronics manufacturing.
For participants, being presented with these questions was a valuable exercise, giving them a deeper understanding of how to best prepare before contacting an EMS partner. Some confirmed that they were already on top of the essential factors, while others left with a list of items to address before taking the next step. 
Unforeseen challenges in supply chain and production
One of the most valuable insights from the presentation was about the many unforeseen factors that can affect a production process.
Martin B. Svendsen shared examples of how changes in component availability, price increases, and logistical challenges can have significant consequences for both schedules and budgets. For many of the participants, this was a reality check: understanding that electronics manufacturing is not just about finding the cheapest supplier, but about navigating a complex global supply chain.
”A good EMS partner is not just a supplier – they are a strategic partner who can help you reduce risks and optimise your production flow,” explained Martin B. Svendsen.
From eye-opener to action
For some participants, the visit was an ‘aha’ moment that sent them home with a checklist of items to strengthen in their business case. Others were ready to take the next steps towards concrete production.
Regardless of where they were in the process, it was clear that the event made a difference. Giving back to start-ups and helping them navigate the world of electronics manufacturing is an important part of CB Svendsen’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship.
Third time – but not the last
This was the third time CB Svendsen, in collaboration with MADE, has hosted this event – and once again it was a success. For CB Svendsen, it’s not just about showcasing what they can do – it’s about sharing knowledge and helping the next generation of manufacturers make better decisions.
Electronics manufacturing is not for the unprepared. But with the right insight, the right partners, and an understanding of its complexity, companies can enter negotiations and production from a much stronger position.
We look forward to welcoming the next Future Manufacturers!