Home › Custom parts › Manufacturing in the Czech Republic
Suppliers in the Czech Republic – Nearshoring and an EU Second Source for Custom Parts
Alongside China, we work with suppliers in the Czech Republic. Manufacturing there complements sourcing from the Far East wherever smaller quantities, short lead times, EU origin or a second source in Europe are needed – with the same contact person in Germany.
- Delivery by truck within days
- EU single market, no customs clearance
- Second source alongside China
- Based in Jena since 2011
- Selected partner factories in China
- One contractual partner in Germany
- Pre-shipment inspection included
Nearshoring to the Czech Republic: when it pays off
The Czech Republic has a long tradition in mechanical engineering, vehicle manufacturing and metalworking, and one of the highest shares of industry in the EU. Labour costs are well below German levels but above those in China. Jena and Prague are around 300 km apart – parts reach you by truck in one to two days.
For large series with a high share of tooling and labour costs, China usually remains cheaper. The Czech Republic scores where speed, flexibility and security of supply count for more than the last cent on the unit price.
Technical specifications: manufacturing in the Czech Republic
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Materials | Structural steel, stainless steel, aluminium, engineering plastics – open to all technologies, with a focus on metalworking and plastic parts |
| Part weight / size | Small and medium-sized parts up to welded assemblies of several 100 kg, larger parts on request |
| Tolerances | As usual in Germany, e.g. ISO 2768-mK as general tolerance, fits to ISO 286 |
| Surface finishes / post-processing | Powder coating, galvanising, anodising via regional finishing companies |
| Quantities | Small and medium series, including call-offs of small batches – worthwhile from approx. 10–50 pieces depending on the part |
| Inspections | Measurement report, first article inspection report (FAIR / EMPB) on request, 3.1 material certificates to EN 10204 |
| Lead time | Production approx. 3–10 weeks depending on complexity, plus 1–2 days transport |
| Data for your enquiry | 2D drawing (PDF), 3D model (STEP), material, surface finish, batch size, annual volume, requested date |
Comparison: manufacturing in China or the Czech Republic?
Guide values and tendencies – the actual decision depends on the part. On request, we calculate both options as total landed costs to your plant.
| Criterion | China | Czech Republic |
|---|---|---|
| Unit costs for large series | Usually the lowest | Higher; the gap narrows for small quantities |
| Tooling costs | Often significantly cheaper | Close to Western European levels |
| Transport time | Sea freight approx. 30–45 days port to port, rail or air faster and more expensive | Truck 1–2 days |
| Quantities | No fixed minimum order quantity; advantage mainly for series and recurring demand | Small batches also viable, from approx. 10–50 pieces depending on the part |
| Customs and import | Customs duty depending on the tariff code, import VAT (EUSt), anti-dumping duty where applicable | EU single market, no customs clearance |
| Origin | Non-preferential origin China | EU origin possible |
| Communication | 6–7 hours time difference, translation needed | Same time zone, often German or English |
| Flexibility for changes | Low once goods are in transit | High, even at short notice |
| Factory visit | No factory visits, the factory is not named – safeguarded through first samples, inspection plan and pre-shipment inspection | Possible by arrangement, often as a day trip |
| Capital tied up | High due to transport time and safety stock | Low, call-offs as needed |
When the Czech Republic is the better choice than China
Smaller quantities
For batches of a few dozen pieces, freight, inspection and handling from China weigh heavily per part. In the Czech Republic, the unit price often remains competitive.
Short lead time
For series start-ups, urgent requirements or parts with fluctuating call-offs, a lead time of days instead of weeks is often worth more than a lower unit price.
EU origin required
Some end customers, public tenders or preferential agreements require EU origin. Anti-dumping duties on certain goods from China also do not apply.
Second source in Europe
A second, approved source secures supply when freight routes are disrupted or suppliers drop out – and strengthens your negotiating position.
Reduce supply chain risk
Freight rates, rerouted shipping lanes and export controls have shown how vulnerable long supply chains are. Short routes reduce this risk.
Bridging the start-up phase
While tooling and first samples are being made in China, a Czech partner can produce the first quantities – often using a different process, e.g. milled instead of cast.
Suppliers in the Czech Republic: which types of parts
Particularly well suited are parts with a medium share of labour costs, without expensive tooling and with demand in small to medium batches. Our partners in the Czech Republic are open to all technologies and in principle cover all processes; their focus is on metalworking of steel, stainless steel and aluminium, as well as plastic parts.
- CNC turned and milled parts in small and medium series
- Sheet metal parts – laser-cut, bent, welded
- Machine frames and steel structures where freight from Asia would be expensive
- Plastic parts, also milled for small quantities
- Welded and mechanical assemblies with variants at short notice
Second source in Europe: strategies for China and the Czech Republic
Split quantities
Main quantity from China, a smaller share from the Czech Republic. Both sources remain approved and able to deliver.
Base load and peaks
Source plannable base demand by sea freight; have demand peaks and rush orders manufactured in the Czech Republic.
Same drawing, same inspection
Both sources manufacture to the identical drawing revision and inspection plan. This keeps the parts interchangeable and the approval valid.
To be honest: the limits of manufacturing in the Czech Republic
Czech companies are also running at high capacity, and skilled workers are scarce. For very large quantities, labour-intensive assembly or tooling-intensive parts such as high-volume die casting, the Czech Republic is rarely the cheapest solution. We tell you openly which source makes more sense for your part.
Process: contract manufacturing in the Czech Republic via TOP Asia Technik
Enquiry with drawing
You send documents, quantities and requested date. Tell us whether you would like China, the Czech Republic or both options compared.
Quotation
We obtain quotations from suitable partners and, if required, compare both sources side by side.
Samples and approval
First samples with measurement report or first article inspection report (FAIR).
Series production and call-offs
Delivery by truck on call-off; contract and invoice as usual via our German GmbH.
Frequently asked questions about suppliers in the Czech Republic
Is manufacturing in the Czech Republic more expensive than in China?
For large series, usually yes, especially for tooling-intensive parts. For small batches, heavy parts with a high freight share or goods subject to anti-dumping duty, the Czech Republic can match or beat China on a total cost basis.
Can a part be manufactured in China and the Czech Republic in parallel?
Yes. This requires an unambiguous drawing with a defined material and a common inspection plan. Tool-dependent parts then need two tools.
Can an existing China part be moved to the Czech Republic?
Yes, if the drawing and inspection plan are complete. For tool-dependent parts, shipping the tool from China is rarely economical; usually a second tool is built or, for small quantities, the part is switched to a toolless process.
Who is my contract with?
Always with TOP Asia Technik GmbH in Jena. We coordinate the Czech partner for you.
Can I visit the manufacturing plant?
Yes. Visits to our partner in the Czech Republic are possible by arrangement, ideally together with us – the journey from Germany can usually be done as a day trip.
Is the Czech Republic also worthwhile for castings?
For smaller quantities and large, heavy castings it can make sense. For large series in aluminium die casting, China usually has the edge because of the tooling costs.
Related part types
Enquiry: Manufacturing in the Czech Republic made to your drawing
Upload your drawing and 3D model, tell us the quantity and your deadline – we check feasibility and get back to you with questions or a quotation.
- Technical clarification before the request for quotation
- Quotations from audited partner factories
- One contact person in Germany
- Non-disclosure agreement (NDA) in advance on request
Prefer to call? 03641 9286337 · Mon–Fri 8 am–6 pm (CET)