Contract Manufacturer
Today's contract manufacturers develop close relationships with their OEM customers. Contact manufacturing is essential given the high level of precision and reliability required by today's products.
What is a contract manufacturer?
Also referred to as private label manufacturing, a contract manufacturer makes a predetermined number of parts or assemblies under the buyers name. A contract manufacture has specific manufacturing expertise that would likely not be cost effective or timely for the OEM buyer to develop independently.
How to evaluate a contract manufacturer?
Look for years of experience combined with a good reputation. If visiting, spend time with management to learn their commitment and flexibility in meeting your requirements. Lastly, a good contract manufacturer should run a neat and clean operation.
What activities are available from a contract manufacturer?
Virtually all manufacturing specialties are usually available from a contract manufacturer. These include CNC milling and turning, anodizing and plating, stamping, grinding heat treatment and assembly and finishing.
How to locate a precision manufacturer.
A web search is a good place to start. In the long term, proximity is usually not an important factor. Capabilities and reliability are critical factors.