As UK PCB manufacturing continues to consolidate, supply chain strategy has never been more important. Daleba Printed Circuits’ Tony Hawkins shares how the company has combined UK production with offshore capability, stockholding, and component kitting to deliver reliability, flexibility, and long-term value for customers.
I've been involved in PCB production since the late 1980s. Back then, there were hundreds of UK manufacturers. Today there are only a handful. Many merged, and many disappeared. The successful ones invested in capability, people, and quality. They also integrated offshore sourcing. Simply producing two- or four-layer boards is not sustainable anymore. You need to support customers with whatever technology they need, from prototypes to volume production.
UK buyers will always have projects they want to keep onshore, often for security or speed. But as production scales, overseas manufacture becomes commercially attractive. The key is control. Sending data to Asia and hoping for the best doesn't work. You need audited, proven partners and local teams managing engineering, quality, and logistics. At Daleba, our teams in Hong Kong and mainland China do exactly that. It gives customers both flexibility and confidence.
Consignment stock has become a major advantage. It cuts costs through batch production while maintaining constant supply. A customer might agree to a six-month schedule, with PCBs made in bulk and delivered as needed. Boards can even be stored at the customer's site and billed on use, improving cash flow and reducing downtime.
Adaptability also matters. Customers now expect more value from their PCB supplier. At Daleba, we've introduced component kitting. We take the BOM, source and stock components, and deliver them with the PCBs for assembly. Combined with consignment stock, it makes the supply chain faster and more efficient.
We are a strong business being part of the TCL Group, alongside GSPK Circuits in the UK. Together we offer full PCB manufacturing solutions, both sovereign and offshore. We supply around 50 million PCBs annually and hold over six million in stock at our Hertford warehouse, ready for fast delivery.
Market growth is forecast at around 6.3% CAGR to 2032. Success will depend on technical ability, service, and certified manufacturing both at home and abroad. The future belongs to suppliers who help customers innovate, improve efficiency, and strengthen their supply chain partnerships. Daleba meets those demands and is set for continued growth in the years ahead.
Date : 20-11-2025
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Daleba can manufacture PCBs ranging from single-sided to complex boards in excess of 40x layers. Our in-house CAM engineering resource allows us to rapidly check, panelise and commercially optimise a fast turnaround prototype as well as small volumes. We can supply simple technology boards in as little as 24 hours!
