After the Netherlands took control of the Chinese-owned Dutch chip manufacturer for security reasons, and China banned the export of certain Nexperia parts, the automotive industry is warning of production stoppages. According to reports, manufacturers are even preparing for short-time work; at the same time, it is said that Nexperia cannot reliably guarantee deliveries at this time. It is precisely this complex situation—governance interventions, export bans, months of requalification—that is leading to the acute vulnerability we already experienced during the pandemic. Haven't we learned anything from the coronavirus pandemic? Unfortunately, it feels that way.
The facts are inconvenient: Nexperia doesn't supply "cutting-edge AI chips" like NVIDIA or other well-known manufacturers, but rather large quantities of so-called discrete semiconductors – fundamental components also for the automotive industry. Accordingly, the German industry association VDA warns of risks, including production downtime. Manufacturers are monitoring the situation and emphasizing short-term safeguards, but structural dependence remains a problem. Anyone who still relies on an exclusive source in the Far East is gambling with the production reliability of their own plants.
This dependence doesn't just affect chips. Printed circuit board supply chains are also global, multi-tiered, and therefore vulnerable. Every disruption – be it political, logistics, certification or compliance – has a direct impact on costs, deadlines and quality. Those who rely on a purely offshore setup and do not maintain a second source lose responsiveness and, above all, reliability. That is precisely why we as PRECOPLAT has always relied on “Made in Germany”: short routes, secure data, rapid response – and the ability to ramp up capacity in a planned manner.
Andreas BRÜGGEN, Executive Director Precoplat: "For us, Made in Germany means short routes, secure data, and rapid response – with the option of ramping up capacity in a planned manner when it matters."
“But local procurement is too expensive…?” – A calculation example
Let’s take a simple, illustrative calculation for a mid-class circuit board:
• 100% Asia: €8,00 each.
• 10% of the quantity as a second source for Precoplat: 12,00 € each.
Mixed unit price:
90% × €8,00 = €7,20
10% × €12,00 = €1,20
Sum = 8,40 €.
That's an additional €0,40 per unit, or 5% compared to pure offshore sourcing. For 1.000 units, that would be an additional €400 – in exchange for a reliable second source, shorter response times, and the option to immediately scale up to Germany in the event of disruptions. Precisely these 10% are enough for PRECOPLAT to keep qualification, data sets, and processes "warm" – and to ramp up the quantity without delay in an emergency.
Sustainability & Risk: A double argument for Europe
In addition to risk mitigation, there are ecological reasons for using European printed circuit boards: stricter environmental and labor standards, shorter transport routes, lower emissions, and traceable process chains. Some companies, such as Wurm GmbH & Co. KG Elektronische Systeme, have already recognized this and have publicly justified their decision to use European PCBs with sustainability, environmental protection, and water conservation—a path that is not only correct but also wise in these geopolitically tense times.Source)
We offer:
• Transparency: Clarity about production status, batch sizes, and delivery dates – without time zone or language barriers.
• Reliability: Stable, plannable supply chains instead of ad hoc firefighters.
• Responsiveness and scalability: If part of your series is already running with us, we can expand capacity at short notice – with existing tool data, identical production documentation, and tested quality.
From our point of view, the message of the Nexperia crisis is clear: Secure your supply chains. Establish a second source in Europe/Germany—not "someday," but now. This way, you protect your production, mitigate geopolitical risks, and simultaneously contribute to local industrial value creation.
You can find out more about our “Made in Germany” approach on our website:
