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.