Understanding the distinction between a trader and a manufacturer in the realm of printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing can significantly impact the success of a project. While both have their place in the supply chain, the added value of working directly with a manufacturer becomes clear when quality, technical complexity, and long-term collaboration matter most.
At Aspocomp, this difference is exemplified through the insights of Philipp Reeb, Sales Manager, who brings a rare combination of technical depth and industry perspective to the team.
Why Manufacturer Matters
From a customer perspective, cooperating with a manufacturer versus a trader is a fundamentally different experience. Traders typically offer a catalogue-like service, sourcing PCBs from a network of producers. But this setup often lacks transparency and direct control over the production process.
As Philipp points out, “When you work with a trader, you often don’t even know where your PCBs are produced — and neither do they.”
Aspocomp, on the other hand, has over 45 years of experience in manufacturing its PCBs, and has operated as a GmbH entity in Germany for more than 25 years. Germany is home to some of Aspocomp’s largest customers, and given the strong preference many German companies have for working with local suppliers, Aspocomp is committed to providing on-the-ground support that meets local expectations while maintaining global manufacturing excellence. The company combines this in-house expertise with carefully selected partners to offer flexibility without compromising traceability or technical capability.
“Our customers can trust that we know our product. We understand the production process inside and out, and we support our customers throughout the lifecycle of their PCB needs,” Philipp explains.
That said, Aspocomp also recognises that there are different types of customers with varying needs. Some prioritise speed and cost-efficiency over production origin, and for those cases, Aspocomp offers strong trading capabilities.
“We have excellent, long-term partnerships with trusted suppliers, which enable us to offer reliable, competitive solutions for customers whose priorities align with this model,” Philipp adds.
“The real advantage is that we can provide both: high-end manufacturing and carefully managed trading options. That flexibility is what makes Aspocomp a complete partner.”
How Aspocomp Stands Out
According to Philipp, what differentiates Aspocomp from competitors is a combination of flexibility, technical support, and manufacturing excellence:
“We work very closely with our customers from the very beginning. Whether it’s about materials, stack-up optimisation, or early-stage prototyping, we provide insight that helps them make better decisions.”
Aspocomp’s engineering expertise is particularly valuable in industries where complex matters are, such as semiconductors, industrial electronics, aerospace, and defense.
“We regularly deliver complex PCBs that many competitors simply can’t produce. In my previous roles, I often had to turn down challenging projects. Here at Aspocomp, I get to say yes”, Philipp says.
Thanks to close internal collaboration and clearly defined processes, the company is also highly agile.
“We can deliver prototypes at the same time it takes for some to just ship from China, and when challenges occur, we have the knowledge and tools to investigate the root cause, not just manage the symptoms,” Philipp adds.
A Broader View on Europe
Although based in Germany, Philipp emphasises the importance of a European perspective:
“Most of our key customers operate across several European countries. In many cases, a German customer’s production is actually located in Poland, for example. That’s why we need to think beyond national borders.”
He also sees a growing need for stronger European cooperation, particularly as global supply chains become more vulnerable.
“There is a clear trend towards reshoring and strengthening the European manufacturing base. At Aspocomp, we are well positioned for this with our Finnish production and a growing local presence in key markets across Europe.”
Looking Ahead: Aspocomp Europe
Aspocomp’s presence in Europe continues to expand. In the spring, a new team member will be added to the German team, reinforcing the team’s ability to provide more direct customer support and strengthen market development.
Philipp sees this as a welcome step: “We need to ensure we can serve our customers with the same dedication, no matter where they are.”
His outlook for the future is optimistic.
“There’s a real opportunity right now to strengthen the European PCB industry. We’re not just talking about delivery times or pricing. It’s about building partnerships that are technically solid, strategically smart, and grounded in trust.”
About Philipp Reeb
Philipp Reeb has worked in the PCB industry for over 20 years, gaining experience in both product management and sales.
Before joining Aspocomp, he held roles at leading European manufacturers and trading companies, giving him a 360-degree view of the industry. His broad understanding of both technical and business aspects makes him a trusted partner for customers seeking reliable, high-quality PCB solutions.
Interested in learning more about how Aspocomp can support your PCB needs in Europe?
Reach out to our team; we’re here to help you design smarter, manufacture faster, and build with confidence.