Category: Electronics Manufacturing

  • Is It More Cost-Effective to Manufacture Electronics in Mexico?

    Is It More Cost-Effective to Manufacture Electronics in Mexico?

    The global manufacturing landscape is changing quickly, and Mexico has emerged as a critical destination for companies shifting their production operations. Multiple factors drive this trend, making Mexico an appealing option for businesses seeking to cut costs, tap into a large market, and optimize their supply chains. Mexico’s competitive labor costs are the most prominent factor behind this shift. Manufacturing wages in Mexico are significantly lower than those in developed nations like the U.S. and Canada, leading to substantial savings in production expenses, allowing companies to boost profit margins or offer more competitive pricing to consumers. Cost-effectiveness remains the most significant reason companies migrate and outsource to Mexico.

     

    Improved Cost Efficacy

    While the pandemic significantly impacted raw material suppliers across the United States, forcing many to shut down operations, U.S.-based manufacturers increasingly turned to international sources for their raw materials. The shift in supply chains brings with it several potential challenges. Manufacturers may need higher production costs domestically, along with possible delays in manufacturing and shipping, particularly if materials get held up in customs. For companies not secured by long-term contracts with American manufacturers, a rise in manufacturing costs is likely on the horizon, leading to difficult decisions around raising product prices—which might be challenging in today’s medically cautious climate.

    To offset these rising costs, many businesses are considering nearshoring to Mexico as a strategic solution. Mexican manufacturers present several key advantages, including access to a skilled labor force at competitive wages, efficient and cost-effective shipping options, and a track record of reliability and expertise in production. While China and other overseas locations may also offer low-cost manufacturing alternatives, these options often come with additional hurdles, such as longer lead times and potential supply chain disruptions. By contrast, Mexico’s Proximity to the U.S. provides businesses with a more agile and resilient supply chain solution, making it an attractive choice for companies looking to stabilize and reduce their production expenses during these uncertain times.

     

    Coastline International Improves Your Bottom Line

    Mexico offers a compelling opportunity for manufacturers seeking to reduce costs, access a vast market, and streamline operations. With its skilled workforce, strategic location, and supportive government, Mexico remains a crucial player in the global manufacturing industry for years to come.

    Coastline International has been a reliable manufacturing partner since 1982, serving various renowned organizations in the Medical, Electronics, Aerospace, and Consumer Goods sectors. Based in San Diego, California, Coastline is a privately owned U.S. corporation with manufacturing facilities in Tijuana, Mexico. Our typical clients develop and sell products in both U.S. and international markets. Over the past 40+ years, we have been the trusted partner of numerous large and small companies that outsource their manufacturing for strategic or economic reasons. Additionally, we offer shelter services to support client companies that choose to manage their production operations in Mexico.

     

    Please fill out our contact form or call 888-748-7177 to see how we can help expand and improve your manufacturing pipeline today!

     

  • Is Mexico a Good Location to Outsource Electronics Manufacturing?

    Is Mexico a Good Location to Outsource Electronics Manufacturing?

    When considering options for outsourcing electronics manufacturing, it’s understandable that many people think of China. However, located just south of the U.S. border is one of the world’s leading electronic manufacturing hubs. Indeed, with more than 700 companies manufacturing electronics in Mexico, suffice it to say, nearshore electronics manufacturing has never been more popular. Read on to learn why Mexico is not only a good location for outsourcing electronics manufacturing, it may be the very best location to bring your products to life.

     

    Mexico: The North American Hub of Electronics Manufacturing

    Mexico holds the title of being the second-largest electronic products supplier to the United States. As a leading industry in Mexico, global electronics companies including Sharp, LG, Samsung, Toshiba, HP, Intel, Foxconn, Flextronics, Panasonic, and Plantronics have all established manufacturing and assembly operations in Mexico. Although manufacturing facilities are found in several regions, the largest cluster of electronics manufacturing is based in Tijuana, Mexico.  

     

    Electronics manufactured in Mexico are used for the following industries:

    • Aerospace 
    • Audio & Visual (speakers, microphones, televisions, cellphones) 
    • Automotive
    • Battery Packs 
    • Cable & Wire Harnessing
    • Commercial Construction tools and accessories
    • Consumer Products
    • Healthcare, Life Science, Biotech
    • Household Appliances
    • Information Technology (circuit boards, computers, memory chips)
    • Lighting, Switches, Starters
    • Medical Device
    • Many Others

     

    Why is Mexico So Popular for Electronics Manufacturing?

    The manufacture and assembly of electronics in Tijuana, Mexico is popular because it offers the following unbeatable benefits.

     

    Low Operating Costs

    Labor costs, production costs, and shipping costs are all attractive to electronics companies looking for a nearshore facility to outsource manufacturing. 

     

    Large Talent Pool

    Baja, California, where Tijuana is located is home to a large, young, experienced labor force. Thanks to the Mexican government’s investment in education, more students graduate in the fields of engineering and technology per capita, than in the U.S.  Moreover, Mexico boasts many training centers specifically designed to train workers in the fields of high-tech manufacturing.  

     

    Favorable Tax Incentives

    The USMCA opened up free trade in North America providing U.S.-based electronics manufacturers duty-free access, along with other tax incentives, including the extremely popular Maquiladora program. The Maquiladora (IMMEX) program allows you to manufacture in Mexico without opening a Mexican company.   

     

    Fast, Easy Access to Facilities

    Located just 10 miles from the U.S. border in San Diego, Tijuana’s electronic manufacturing hub allows for easy access to facilities. Rather than spending a day traveling to Asia, the proximity to the U.S. offers benefits including greater oversight and quality control.  

     

    Expedited Delivery to Market

    Electronics manufactured in Mexico are not at the mercy of problems in the global shipping supply chain. Products can be manufactured and brought to market in a fraction of the time, compared to overseas manufacturing.   

     

    I.P Protection

    Intellectual property theft is a serious concern for companies manufacturing in China. As many as 1 in 5 North American-based companies have reported I.P. theft when manufacturing in China. By contrast, Intellectual Property rights are protected by multiple agencies under the Mexican government. 

     

    Coastline International: Your U.S. Partner for Electronics Manufacturing in Mexico

    Coastline International is a San Diego, CA-based contract manufacturing partner for U.S.-based companies. Since 1982, Coastline International has helped U.S. companies to successfully manufacture electronics, including devices for the medical, life science, biotech, consumer,  aerospace, and automotive industries in our 50,000 square feet of state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. To learn more about nearshore manufacturing in Mexico, call 888-748-7177, or send us a message.

  • How To Find a Contract Manufacturer for Electronics Assembly

    How To Find a Contract Manufacturer for Electronics Assembly

    You will find options when it comes to deciding who to join forces with to assemble your electronics products and devices. But how do you find the best contract manufacturer for your needs? What qualifications should they have? Should you outsource to China or stay closer to home? Read on for six tips to help you find the best contract manufacturer for electronics assembly.

    1. Find a Contract Manufacturer Near the U.S.

    It wasn’t all that long ago, that seemingly everything was outsourced to China. However, more recently, especially in the wake of the pandemic, opting to assemble your electronics overseas puts you at the mercy of the overseas supply chain. Incidentally, as of this writing, entire regions in China are still experiencing routine lockdowns. This ongoing uncertainty puts your production timeline and finished goods supply in jeopardy.  

    More recently, skyrocketing fuel costs have also made it more expensive to manufacture overseas. When coupled with the ongoing supply chain crisis, the increased cost of transporting materials and products from Asia has made manufacturing across the globe much less attractive. 

    Not surprisingly, other viable markets for contract manufacturing are surging. Mexico, in particular, is attracting many U.S. companies thanks to favorable tax incentives, low labor rates, and proximity to the U.S. For example, just across the border from San Diego, at Coastline International’s site in Tijuana, more than 50,000 square feet of manufacturing facilities are available for electronics assembly, medical device assembly, and more. 

    2. Search for a Contract Manufacturing Company That has Years of Experience

    Experience matters when you’re looking to outsource your manufacturing. Contract manufacturers who have been in business for multiple decades have been able to stay in business because they deliver quality products. After all, contract manufacturers who deliver products with compromised quality are not going to be able to retain current clients or attract new clients. 

    Moreover, established companies will be able to offer beneficial services such as alternate source suggestions. They will have a tried-and-tested logistics team ready to help you get your materials, get them transported to the facilities, and get them out the door quickly. 

    3. Work with a Manufacturing Partner that Specializes in Electronics Assembly

    It’s best to avoid a contract manufacturer that claims to do it all. Indeed the sentiment behind the saying “jack of all trades, master of none” resonates when it comes to contract manufacturing. It is best to look for a partner that has reputable experience specializing in electronics assembly and understands the highly specific nature of manufacturing devices such as battery packs, cable harnesses, sensor systems, and complete box builds.

    4. Look for a Company that Will Handle End-to-End Manufacturing Services

    While you may only be sourcing for specific, or limited service offerings, look for a manufacturing partner who provides capabilities across end-to-end services ranging from procurement and transportation of materials, to import/export management and everything in between.  Programs may be customized or improved over time in order to optimize the partnership.

    5. Confirm the Contract Manufacturer Meets All Compliance Requirements

    Quality and regulatory compliance is key to electronics manufacturing, and part of your due diligence should be confirming that a potential partner is ISO-certified. You should also confirm that the company is experienced and qualified to produce UL Certified Products.  

     

    6. Seek Out a Manufacturing Partner that Can Offer Great Labor Rates 

    Outsourcing your electronics assembly to Mexico grants you access to not only a huge pool of talent but also offers you excellent labor rates. Because the cost of living is much cheaper in Mexico than in the U.S., you’ll save a small fortune in labor costs. 

     

    Electronics Assembly in Mexico: Faster, Cheaper, and Easier than Ever

    Your search for a contract manufacturing partner for electronics assembly doesn’t need to take you around the world. Electronic assembly and medical manufacturing in Mexico offers easy access, cost savings, an extraordinary pool of talent, and expedited shipping of your premium quality products. 

    So before you try to navigate the time zone difference, language barrier, or the accessibility inconvenience of your products being made a full day’s flight away across the globe, consider the many benefits of nearshore manufacturing and bringing your manufacturing closer to home. 

    In 2022, Coastline International celebrated 40 years of manufacturing in Mexico. A leader in nearshore manufacturing of electronics and medical devices, Coastline International is headquartered in San Diego, CA. As an ISO-certified contract manufacturing company, its facilities (totaling more than 50,000 square feet) are located just 10 minutes across the border from San Diego.