SAN JOSE, CA – Milan Mandaric, a pioneering force in the printed circuit board manufacturing industry and founder of Sanmina Corporation, passed away on October 4 at the age of 87 after a short illness.

Born in 1938 near Gospic, Croatia, and raised in Novi Sad, Serbia, Mandaric discovered his passion for innovation in his father’s mechanical workshop. After emigrating to the United States in 1969, he quickly became a key figure in the rise of Silicon Valley’s electronics manufacturing sector.

Mandaric founded Lika Corporation and Sanmina Corporation, helping transform how printed circuit boards were assembled and delivered to OEMs. He was an early partner to Apple, securing one of the company’s first manufacturing contracts. His approach to turnkey PCB assembly helped set the stage for the modern electronics supply chain.

Known for his relentless work ethic and entrepreneurial vision, Mandaric was widely respected in the electronics manufacturing community for driving innovation and shaping an industry that remains central to global technology today.

He is survived by his wife Gordana, daughters Aleksandra and Yasmina, grandson Milan, granddaughters Daniela and Leila, sister Smilja Loncar, and many friends and colleagues across the US and Europe.

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