Memory sizing and the on-chip EEPROM advantage
The 2 KB of true EEPROM (2K x 8) is a differentiator: it supports individual byte erase and write without the page-erase overhead of Flash emulation, so you can log fault codes or trim values 100k times per location without wearing out the main program store.
Peripherals and connectivity for a typical control node
The 37 general-purpose I/O in the 48-LQFP package give enough headroom for a small keypad, a character LCD, and a few sensor inputs without needing a port expander.
The base product number STM32L051 covers a range of Flash and package options; if a future capacity constraint hits the C8T7 variant, a pin-compatible sibling within the same family (different Flash size or temperature grade) can be swapped without a board respin.
Package and placement notes for the assembly line
The 48-LQFP (7x7 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch) is a standard JEDEC footprint that runs well on any modern pick-and-place. No exposed pad means no thermal-via stitching is required — the part dissipates through the leads. The shipping medium is tray, which is the usual format for LQFP; if your feeder prefers tape, the same die in a T&R variant (STM32L051C8T7TR) is available.