How is bee produced transforming the electronics industry? What challenges does the industry face and why was the time right for a digital manufacturing marketplace? CEO Wilfried Lepuschitz shares exclusive insights into the creation of bee produced the vision behind the platform and the future of European electronics manufacturing.
1. What is bee produced and how did the idea originate?
“bee produced is Europe’s first digital marketplace for electronics manufacturing. The idea came from a clear need within the industry,” explains Wilfried.
“We spoke with many companies and found that identifying the right manufacturers is incredibly time-consuming. One company even told us they sent over 100 inquiries just to find a suitable producer for PCB assembly. This inspired us to simplify the process. In industries like 3D printing, digital production platforms are already well established. So why not in electronics manufacturing? With this thought, bee produced was founded – to create smarter and more efficient manufacturing processes for PCBA.”
2. Why is the platform named bee produced?
“Bees symbolize diligence and collaboration – values that resonate with how we work with manufacturers,” Wilfried shares. The name also has a personal connection, as both his grandfather and father were beekeepers.
3. Why aren’t there similar marketplaces for electronics manufacturing in Europe?
“Electronics manufacturing, particularly PCB assembly, is a complex challenge. It requires precise coordination between clients and producers as well as mastery of intricate manufacturing processes. Until recently, the necessary technology and software to create a functioning solution simply didn’t exist,” Wilfried explains.
“With bee produced, we’ve bridged this gap by assembling a team with diverse strengths, from software development and research backgrounds to marketing expertise.”
4. Which manufacturers are featured on the platform, and how can they join?
bee produced prioritizes a broad range of manufacturers across industries, from medical technology to automotive. “Our goal is to offer the best possible selection to our clients by covering as many capabilities and industries as we can,” Wilfried states.
“We actively approach producers, but they can also reach out to us if they wish to join our network. This ensures the platform continues to grow and offers customers the best options for their needs.”
5. What are the long-term goals of bee produced?
“We aim to become a one-stop shop for electronics manufacturing,” Wilfried emphasizes.
“One pioneering initiative is the digital product passport, which the EU will introduce starting in 2026. This passport will include essential product information like carbon footprints, materials used, and manufacturing details. It promotes transparency and supports sustainability goals – both of which are core values for bee produced.”
6. How will the electronics industry evolve in the coming years?
“Electronics are becoming integral to more aspects of our lives. At the same time, product life cycles are shortening, and demands for secure supply chains are increasing. One exciting trend is reshoring – the move to bring production back to Europe. bee produced addresses this directly by focusing on local manufacturing and PCB assembly as key components,” Wilfried says.
7. What message do you want to share with potential partners of bee produced?
Quoting Heraclitus, Wilfried states, “The only constant is change.” Digitalization, he notes, is no longer optional but essential – especially for Europe’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
“With bee produced, we make it easy for customers to find the right producers quickly and seamlessly. Meanwhile, manufacturers receive relevant inquiries tailored to their expertise. Together, we can advance electronics manufacturing in Europe.”
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