For many OEMs, manufacturing decisions are surprisingly permanent.
A company either builds an in-house production capability because that’s what is needed at the time, or it outsources to an EMS supplier from the beginning because establishing a manufacturing operation wasn’t commercially viable. Once that decision has been made, it often remains unchanged for years. Production continues, products ship, customers are served, and the question of whether the existing model is still the right one gradually moves into the background.
The problem is that the business environment rarely stands still for long enough to justify that level of complacency.
An electronics manufacturing strategy that was the obvious choice five years ago may not be the best choice today. The company may have grown, product volumes may have increased, product complexity may have changed, and the wider supply chain is almost certainly different to the one that existed when the original decision was made. Yet many organisations never revisit the question because there is no obvious trigger to do so.
In reality, manufacturing strategy deserves the same level of scrutiny that businesses apply to finance systems, suppliers, logistics partners and commercial operations. Few organisations would continue using the same software platform, procurement strategy or distribution network indefinitely without evaluating whether it still met their needs. Electronics manufacturing should be viewed in exactly the same way.
The discussion around outsourcing is often framed too narrowly. It is frequently presented as a simple choice between retaining control through in-house production or reducing costs by sending work to an EMS supplier. In practice, the decision is significantly more nuanced than that.
Many OEMs initially outsource to a manufacturing partner because they cannot justify the investment required to manufacture products themselves. Modern electronics manufacturing requires specialised equipment, quality systems, skilled personnel, inventory management processes and continual investment in capability. For some companies, particularly those producing lower volumes or highly complex products, that level of commitment simply doesn’t make commercial sense.
However, cost is only one part of the equation.
In many cases, outsourcing becomes attractive because it allows an organisation to focus on the activities that genuinely differentiate the business. Customers rarely choose an OEM because it owns a pick-and-place machine or operates a surface mount line. They choose it because of its expertise, innovation, product performance and understanding of the market it serves. The value is often created through design, engineering, software development, customer relationships and technical knowledge rather than through the act of manufacturing itself.
That doesn’t mean manufacturing is unimportant. Far from it. Manufacturing is a critical part of delivering a quality product to market. The question is whether it needs to sit within the organisation in order to deliver that value.
This is where a feasibility study can provide enormous benefit.
The purpose of a manufacturing feasibility review should not be to justify outsourcing to an EMS supplier. Equally, it should not be undertaken with the expectation that in-house production is automatically superior. The objective is simply to determine whether the current arrangement continues to represent the best use of the organisation’s resources.
Unfortunately, many businesses never perform this analysis properly.
When comparing in-house production with outsourced manufacturing, management teams often focus on the most visible costs. Labour rates, factory floor space and equipment purchases tend to dominate the discussion because they are easy to identify. What receives far less attention are the secondary costs that accumulate over time. Equipment maintenance, calibration, software upgrades, inventory carrying costs, recruitment, training, quality management, compliance requirements and production support activities all consume resources, even though they may not appear directly on a production report.
The result is that some organisations believe they know the cost of manufacturing a product when, in reality, they only understand part of the picture.
A well-executed feasibility study forces businesses to look beyond these headline figures and examine the true cost of ownership associated with maintaining an in-house manufacturing capability. More importantly, it encourages management teams to consider factors that are difficult to quantify but can have a substantial impact on long-term competitiveness.
For example, if demand increased significantly next year, could production scale quickly enough to support growth? If a key manufacturing engineer left the business, how easily could that expertise be replaced? Are valuable engineering resources being devoted to solving production challenges when they could be focused on developing the next generation of products? Is capital being tied up in manufacturing assets that might earn a better return elsewhere in the business?
These are not always comfortable questions, but they are important ones.
Interestingly, some organisations undertake a feasibility study and conclude that keeping production in-house remains absolutely the right decision. Their volumes may justify the investment, their processes may provide a competitive advantage, or their product requirements may be better served by retaining direct control over electronics manufacturing operations.
That is a perfectly valid outcome.
The value lies in knowing that the decision has been tested rather than assumed.
Other organisations discover that an external manufacturing partner could provide access to capabilities, technology, purchasing power and supply-chain expertise that would be difficult or expensive to replicate internally. In those situations, outsourcing becomes a strategic decision rather than a cost-cutting exercise. The objective is no longer simply to reduce manufacturing expenditure but to improve resilience, increase flexibility and allow the business to concentrate on the activities that generate the greatest value.
An occasional feasibility review can help OEMs take an objective look at their manufacturing strategy, uncover hidden costs, identify opportunities for improvement and determine whether valuable resources are being focused in the right areas.
If that review indicates that outsourcing could deliver greater value, partnering with an experienced UK electronics manufacturer can make the transition straightforward. Camtronics supports OEMs with manufacturing expertise, engineering support, material management, testing, traceability and quality-controlled production, enabling them to focus on product development, innovation and growth while maintaining confidence in their manufacturing operations.
Ultimately, manufacturing strategy should never be driven by habit. The businesses that achieve long-term success are those that regularly challenge their assumptions and ensure their operations continue to support their future ambitions.
1. How do I know if outsourcing electronics manufacturing is worth considering?
There is rarely a single trigger. Most OEMs begin exploring outsourcing to a manufacturing partner when they experience capacity constraints, increasing production costs, difficulties recruiting manufacturing staff, or the need for significant capital investment in equipment and facilities. However, even businesses that are operating successfully in-house should periodically assess whether their current model remains commercially and strategically effective.
2. What should be included in an electronics manufacturing feasibility study?
A thorough feasibility study should examine the total cost of manufacturing, including labour, equipment maintenance, facility costs, inventory, quality management, training and compliance activities. It should also evaluate strategic factors such as scalability, supply-chain resilience, engineering resource allocation and future investment requirements.
3. Is outsourcing electronics manufacturing only about reducing costs?
No. While cost can be a factor, many OEMs outsource because it allows them to focus more resources on product development, innovation, customer support and other activities that create competitive advantage. The decision to outsource to a manufacturing partner is often driven by strategic priorities as much as financial considerations.
4. Does outsourcing mean losing control over production?
Not necessarily. Modern EMS suppliers often offer detailed reporting, full traceability, dedicated account management and close collaboration throughout the manufacturing process. In many cases, OEMs gain greater visibility into production performance because of the systems and processes their manufacturing partner has in place.
5. How often should an OEM review its manufacturing strategy?
There is no fixed rule, but many organisations benefit from conducting a formal manufacturing review every three to five years, or whenever there is a significant change in product volumes, business growth, market conditions or capital investment requirements.
6. Should we outsource electronics manufacturing or keep production in-house?
The answer depends on your products, volumes, strategic priorities and long-term business objectives. Rather than assuming one approach is better than the other, OEMs should periodically review their manufacturing model and make decisions about EMS solutions using current operational and financial data. The best solution is the one that supports growth, quality, scalability and profitability for your specific business.
For more information about Camtronics, please explore our website or get in touch with our knowledgeable team to discuss your electronics manufacturing requirements.
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Welsh manufacturer Camtronics has become a member of Made in Britain, reinforcing its commitment to UK manufacturing and “engineering excellence”.
A Tredegar-based electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider specialising in high-reliability electronic assemblies has officially been inducted as a member of Made in Britain.
The organisation’s trademark will now appear on Camtronics’ website and digital presence to highlight the company’s commitment to British manufacturing.
Made in Britain is a trade organisation that represents manufacturers that genuinely manufacture products in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with its trademark only permitted to be used on products that meet its standards of provenance, quality and sustainability.
Established in 1993, Camtronics manufactures circuit boards and finished electronic products on behalf of leading tech companies. From its 13,500 ft² facility in Tredegar, South Wales, the company provides complex surface mount technology (SMT), automated optical inspection (AOI), through-hole assembly, box build, and comprehensive material management. By operating from a single, purpose-built site, the firm provides customers an end-to-end electronics manufacturing service (EMS).
“British manufacturing has earned a reputation for quality, innovation and engineering excellence, and we’re proud to be part of that tradition.
“Joining Made in Britain is a natural step for Camtronics because it reflects what our customers already value: dependable British based manufacturing, right-first-time production and a commitment to long-term partnerships. It also gives us a clear, recognised way to demonstrate this more widely.
“For the type of companies we work with, particularly British manufacturers of complex electronic products, the Made in Britain mark helps us stand out earlier in their search and builds confidence, from the first interaction in our capability, delivery and communication.”
For Camtronics, use of the official trademark and membership reflects a long-standing commitment to delivering dependable UK manufacturing. Working with manufacturers of complex electronic products, Camtronics specialises in high-reliability electronics assemblies, complex surface mount technology (SMT), automated optical inspection (AOI), through-hole assembly, box build and comprehensive material management.
“Camtronics is a great example of the specialist expertise found across British manufacturing. Their commitment to quality, traceability, dependable delivery and long-term customer relationships reflects the high standards businesses across our membership strive to uphold.
“As specialists in high-reliability electronics manufacturing, they are a valuable addition to the growing Made in Britain community, and we look forward to supporting their continued success.”
For more information about Camtronics, please explore our website. To learn more about Made in Britain and to discover verified UK manufacturers, visit www.madeinbritain.org.
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Electronics manufacturing comes with challenges that can affect quality, delivery and overall project control. From poor communication and slow change control to supply instability and complex assembly requirements, these issues can create unnecessary friction if they are not managed properly.
That is why choosing a dependable electronics manufacturer in the UK matters. At Camtronics, we focus on clear communication, controlled processes and right-first-time builds to help projects move from design to delivery with less disruption and more confidence.
The challenge: Communication is essential at every stage of the supply chain to ensure projects are delivered on time. When communication breaks down, design changes can be misunderstood, component deliveries can be delayed, and clients can be left without clear updates on progress. Over time, this creates friction, uncertainty and unnecessary drama around the assembly.
The solution: At Camtronics, we prioritise clear communication at every stage of the electronics manufacturing project. We work openly, say what we mean and act as a dependable extension of your team. With clear points of contact and regular updates, there are no unnecessary surprises. Our clients are kept informed of any changes or developments as soon as they happen, helping to manage expectations and provide a “no drama” manufacturing experience that feels controlled, collaborative and easy to work with.
The challenge: Some electronics manufacturers simply do not have the technical ability to deliver complex SMT assemblies. If a manufacturer cannot meet the demands of your design, it can lead to production delays, quality issues and unnecessary disruption further down the line.
The solution: At Camtronics, our capabilities fit the complexity your designs demand. From fine-pitch SMT to full product build, we deliver assemblies that are made right the first time, every time. With strong experience in micro BGA, LGA and QFN packages, plus in-house box-build capability, we help ensure complex projects are delivered with confidence and control.
The challenge: When a design change is required, slow or poorly managed ECN turnarounds can disrupt schedules and put unnecessary pressure on a project – especially when documentation updates and approvals are not handled quickly and clearly.
The solution: At Camtronics, design changes are managed without schedule shocks. We handle documentation updates and ECNs with speed and discipline, supported by responsive engineering input and clear communication, so changes are implemented efficiently without compromising product integrity.
The challenge: Electronic components can face shortages due to high demand or become obsolete over time. Parts such as semiconductors, microcontrollers and raw materials are just some of the elements that have experienced long lead times in recent years. This can have a serious impact on the deliverability of pcb assembly projects, especially if your manufacturer relies on a small pool of vendors.
As electronic devices become more complex, the risk of mistakes and manufacturing defects can also increase. Without disciplined processes, quality control, traceability and testing procedures, these issues can lead to delays, added costs and unnecessary complications.
The solution: At Camtronics, we use proactive material management to adapt to change and help ensure supply. We work closely with our vendors (and you) to mitigate allocation shortages, obsolescence and availability risks, supported by an Approved Vendor List, for the components required for your EMS solution.
We also build peace of mind into the process through full visibility, audit-ready systems and disciplined quality control throughout production. Operating according to ISO 9001 quality management and IPC-A-610 workmanship standards, we help maintain product integrity while reducing disruption to your schedule.
When all of these measures are combined, we can:
We have over 30 years of experience in providing high-quality EMS solutions, prioritising clear communication and predictable right-first-time assemblies with no drama. Based in the UK, all of our manufacturing is carried out at our purpose-built facility in South Wales, where we have the capability to deliver complex SMT, automated optical inspection, through-hole, and box build projects.
Get in touch with our knowledgeable team about an upcoming project.
Read more“We have enjoyed an excellent commercial and technical relationship for 20 years with Camtronics. They have supported us in manufacturing and in continuously developing competitive products that keep us at the forefront of the industrial and automotive industry.”
Global industrial sensor & control company
“Throughout our ten-year partnership, we have always valued Camtronics’ commitment to flexibility and communication.
Their collaborative and proactive approach is a major benefit to us and we value the high quality of the increasing number of products they manufacture on our behalf”
Leading UK bio-pharma company
“Camtronics have handled small, one-off panel sample orders right through to large scale production volume orders … and deliveries have always been met.
Communication is a key aspect for us and we have entered into a strong working relationship, one that will hopefully last for a long time.”
Market leading industrial processing company
“We have been testing the ESC’s that you produced for us, and I am very happy to say that we have had zero rejects (Yes, that’s zero! Issues, faults or any trouble at all!). Honestly outstanding.
Technical Director
Safety, protection & compliance company