Poland has become Europe’s leading consumer electronics manufacturer, with over 450 businesses driving steady growth at a 3.8% CAGR between 2019 and 2024. The country ranks second in the number of companies and third in employment within the sector, while also building a strong reputation in industrial electronics assembly.
Poland, already home to global players like Samsung, LG Electronics, and Robert Bosch, is an increasingly attractive destination for outsourcing, offering a cost-effective alternative with its prime location, efficient supply chains, and lower labour costs. Dive into this article to discover what makes Poland a powerhouse in electronics manufacturing.
The benefits of electronics assembly in Poland
Report prepared with substantive support from ASSELEMS.com
1. Cost Effectiveness Without Compromising Quality
2. Highly Skilled Workforce and Technical Expertise
The highly educated workforce is a key asset for Poland, as its tertiary education rate now exceeds the EU average by 17.3%, with an impressive 27.5% increase in 2024. The country’s employment in innovative enterprises has risen sharply, particularly in advanced manufacturing and electronics, where the workforce has expanded by 38% since 2023.
This growth is supported by a strong technical education system, with universities and STEM programmes specialising in electronics, engineering, and ICT. Poland’s significant investments in research and development (R&D) further foster innovation and skill development.
3. Strategic Location for Optimized Supply Chains
Poland’s central location in Europe makes it a prime hub for supply chains, offering easy access to both Western and Eastern markets. Bordering seven countries and key trade routes, Poland plays a crucial role in the Belt and Road Initiative and the Baltic-Adriatic Corridor.
The country boasts modern infrastructure, including seaports like Gdańsk and Gdynia, an extensive road and rail network, and international airports, just 20 km from major electronics manufacturing companies like Assel. As an EU member, Poland also benefits from easy access to a market of over 446 million consumers.
4. Focus on Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
Poland plays a key role in the European EMS industry, investing in new technologies and high-quality standards, particularly through Industry 4.0 integration.
The country is modernising manufacturing with automation, data exchange, and smart technologies, aligning with Europe’s pursuit of electronic design automation (EDA) and AI-driven solutions.
The Polish government strongly supports this growth, as demonstrated by providing $1.91 billion in aid for Intel’s semiconductor plant in Wrocław.
Key factors to consider when choosing an EMS partner – Comparison of Poland, Germany, and China
Factor | Poland: | Germany: | China: |
Trade Policies & Tariffs | EU free trade benefits; external tariffs apply. | Strong EU trade agreements; external tariffs. | Subject to tariffs; trade tensions impact costs. |
Labor Costs & Workforce | Competitive wages, skilled labor shortages. | High wages, skilled but aging workforce. | Low but rising wages, abundant workforce. |
Energy Costs & Sustainability | Moderate costs, moving toward renewables. | High energy costs, strong sustainability focus. | Varies, with major renewable investments. |
Intellectual Property Protection | Strengthening EU-aligned IP laws. | Strong enforcement. | Improving but concerns remain. |
Government Incentives & Taxation | Tax breaks, EU funds. | R&D incentives, complex tax system. | Strong incentives but policy shifts. |
Geopolitical Risks | Low risk, NATO & EU aligned. | Low risk, EU leader. | High risk from trade tensions. |