Electronics manufacturing is seeing a resurgence in the UK with a plethora of new designs needing fast turnround prototypes and also competitive follow-on production. Increasingly, companies with products that are growing in volume are seeking onshore manufacture. In recent years, these products would have been ‘automatically’ considered to move offshore. Some companies are moving manufacturing back, finding that the offshore ‘lower costs’ balanced with lead times, quality and service levels are not always the panacea they were made out to be.
To guarantee fast track production, a manufacturer needs fully supporting facilities. For example, fast turn PCBs with BGAs, QFNs or other complex devices, require on-site X-ray and AOI (automatic optical inspection) or equivalent for swift verification of the product and process. On site facilities are also needed for support with design modification or rework.
CT Production’s MD Alan Trevarton comments that, ‘We are finding our continued investment in technology and capacity over the ‘recession’ period is paying off as new customers discover the services we can offer, on site in the UK. We are increasingly winning orders for ‘fast track’ prototypes and higher complexity products as well as medium volume box build product.Over recent years we have added or upgraded X-ray, AOI, rework, selective solder and automatic conformal coat equipment, thereby increasing quality and productivity. We also added faster SMT and 500m sq for box build, so we can offer comprehensive, competitive services all on one site with capacity for a while to come.’
With the call for UK manufacturing, the new trend for ‘on-shoring’ looks set to continue and those who have passed the test of time, becoming leaner whilst offering a strong capability, will be best poised to benefit. A final word from Alan Trevarton is, ‘Some people are surprised that we manufacture in the UK and even more so when we say what CT Production can offer. One customer said, ‘I didn’t think anyone could do that in the UK, I thought I would have to go to China’.
Believe me, UK manufacturing is very much alive and kicking, so don’t be afraid of ‘on-shoring’.
(first published in Electronics Sourcing June 2011)
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