Means Engineering, Inc.

Product development engineering in medical, industrial, semiconductor equipment & military with a standard of excellence in form, function and design.

(760) 931-9452 | info@meanseng.com
5927 Geiger Court, Carlsbad, CA 92008-7305

Contract Manufacturing for the Military

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Across the nation, contractors are seeing increasing demand for electronic devices in almost every industry. Used for numerous applications in the defense industry, the rapid expansion of high-tech military equipment and components has created high demand for electronics manufacturing.

With increasing demand, the country’s prime defense contractors often find they cannot handle the large volume of orders. These contractors turn to electronic contract manufacturers for help.

Outsourcing Allows Prime Contractors to Fulfill Large Orders

Contract manufacturers, like Means Engineering, provide a variety of turnkey manufacturing services. Outsourcing enables organizations to fulfill periods of high demand and provides access to experienced professionals and state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Utilizing the assistance of a qualified contract manufacturer saves a considerable amount of time and money over in-house production.

Military Electronics Manufacturing

Contract manufacturing of military electronics looks a lot different than contract manufacturing for other industries. Instead of producing complete products, contractors enlist the help of contract manufacturers for the production of unique components. Other services commonly outsourced include design, prototyping, assembly, fabrication, tooling, qualification testing, and procurement.

Manufacturers responsible for the creation of devices for the military must meet strict requirements for both quality and consistency. Military electronics are used for a variety of mission critical operations. When outsourcing, it’s crucial to locate an electronics manufacturer with the proper equipment, people, skills, and technology to ensure products meet exact specifications. It’s also important to ensure the contract manufacturer carries ISO 9001 certification. This certification proves the manufacturer has taken the time and effort to develop and maintain a quality management system.

Although contract manufacturers may use a number of different tools to produce components for the defense industry, contract manufacturers that utilize a 5-axis machine achieve better results. Unlike 2-3 axis machines, 5-axis machines rotate on 5 axes, enabling the creation of complex parts and components. 5-axis machining allows for tight tolerances. For orders of 10 to 10,000 pieces, these machines ensure the consistency of every piece produced.

U.S. Based Contract Manufacturer

Means Engineering provides a wide range of contract manufacturing services for the defense industry. In addition to production of complex parts and components, our experienced team has years of experience providing design, CNC machining, and testing of military electronics. Please contact us to learn more about our contract manufacturing services for the defense industry.

Outsourcing Allows OEMs to Expand Into New Markets

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Companies looking to expand into new markets often face difficult decisions. While most of these organizations understand the benefits of expansion and the potential for increased revenue, many simply aren’t sure how to acquire the equipment, space, and people needed to grow their business. This is especially true for OEMs and other organizations looking to produce parts or products for the medical, defense, or aerospace industries. These industries have strict requirements, and organizations must prove that they have the equipment and skills needed to meet tight tolerances and produce extremely complex devices.

Unfortunately, many organizations avoid expansion or turn down jobs because they do not have the resources needed to complete the work. This can lead to significant loss for the company. In addition to potential loss of revenue, organizations that do not expand will likely fall behind their competition in coming years. This could prove to be especially damaging now, as the world attempts to rebuild the economy. Organizations everywhere will soon be looking for ways to increase earning potential and stability. Expansion into important and essential industries like medical and defense ensures OEMs remain successful even during times of economic downturn.

Outsourcing Reduces Cost and Time to Market

Organizations wishing to expand could benefit from outsourcing part or all of their production to a qualified contract manufacturer like Means Engineering. Outsourcing provides access to experienced individuals, quality equipment and machinery, and state-of-the-art technology at a fraction of the cost of in-house production. Contract manufacturers often have years of experience working with a wide range of industries.

Carlsbad Contract Manufacturing

When you work with Means Engineering, we work directly with your organization to ensure a successful and mutually beneficial relationship. Our team has experience creating complex devices for the medical and defense industries. As an ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified contract manufacturer, we understand the unique requirements of these industries and work hard to ensure the quality and consistency of every part produced. Our 5-axis machine allows us to produce extremely complex parts and products.

At Means Engineering, we understand the challenges OEMs face when expanding into new markets. Our team can help you clear this hurdle and ensure the continued success of your company.

Please contact us for information about our contract manufacturing services.

 

Ensuring Business Continuity During Uncertain Times

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Many OEMs struggle to achieve redundancy in their supply chain while keeping costs low. Unfortunately, redundancy can cost organizations a lot of time, money, and resources. Focusing on redundancy distracts teams from other important tasks, often delaying important development milestones.

Dealing with the Unexpected

Unexpected events can cause major problems for business continuity. This became apparent in recent months as the COVID-19 pandemic prevented OEMs and other businesses in the manufacturing industry from accessing the components needed to produce products and continue business as normal. In addition to pandemics, other events like fires, floods, and natural disasters can impact an organization’s ability to fulfill orders. The only way to mitigate the risks of these kinds of events is to develop a business continuity plan and partner with a contract manufacturer (CM) that offers redundant sourcing and manufacturing capabilities.

Unfortunately, many contract manufacturers have reduced or halted production during the global health emergency. This has caused major supply chain issues, impacting OEMs and numerous businesses around the world. For organizations supplying devices to the medical or defense industry, supply chain issues could mean the difference between life and death.

Outsourcing Helps Protect OEMs from Supply Chain Problems

When the unexpected occurs, organizations need a partner they can trust to help them continue business as normal. The right contract manufacturer helps organizations continue producing high quality products while making necessary repairs or moving their facility to a new location. When utilized on a regular basis, a contract manufacturer can offer assistance year round to help fulfill periods of high demand and help organizations as they grow and expand into new markets.

Outsourcing makes it possible for teams to focus on other important aspects of their business. This increases the chance of growth and success and gives businesses a competitive edge even during natural disasters and other events that impact the ability for most businesses to succeed.

U.S. Based Contract Manufacturing Services

From design to production and testing, Mean Engineering, Inc. offers a wide range of contract manufacturing services. Our team has years of experience working with a variety of industries.

In order to ensure continuous production and uninterrupted support for the companies that depend on us, Means Engineering has implemented a COVID-19 response plan. Aimed at preventing the spread of disease and keeping our staff safe, our response plan has become an important part of everything we do.

Please contact us to learn how Means Engineering can fit in your business continuity plan.

 

Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Trends

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Companies around the globe turn to electronics contract manufacturers to help them produce new products. Utilizing the help of an ECM not only saves money by reducing overhead, it can also improve the quality of products produced. This has multiple benefits including increased customer satisfaction.

OEMs may hire an ECM to help them complete different tasks throughout the manufacturing process. Depending on the needs of the organization, OEMs may partner with an ECM at any stage of production. Rising demand for electronics parts and components have made EMS providers a valuable asset to organizations of all shapes and sizes.

Although ECMs are not a new concept, companies around the globe are finding increasing value in utilizing their help. The following are the top EMS trends.

Product Design Outsourcing

In today’s competitive market, OEMs must look for unique ways to improve product quality. They must also focus on keeping costs and production times reasonable. It’s not uncommon for OEMs to enlist the help of an experienced ECM during the design phase of the project.

Typically, the OEM will pass along existing design plans to obtain a second opinion from the ECM. This can prove extremely valuable, as it provides a fresh set of eyes on the project at hand. Through thorough evaluation and vast knowledge and experience, the ECM can typically locate areas of the design that could benefit from improvement. The results of this evaluation may reduce costs, improve production times, and increase the quality of the finished product.

Manufacturing Integration

An increasing number of OEMs are looking for cross-industry horizontally integrated service providers. Although needs can vary from one industry to the next, this type of partnership could mean the difference between success and failure for the OEM.

While some OEMs might outsource the entire manufacturing process, others will only outsource parts of production. Increasing demand from OEMs has led to many ECMs offering a one-stop solution which includes design, engineering, and manufacturing of electronic devices and components under one roof.

Southern California Contract Manufacturing

Mean Engineering offers contract manufacturing services to OEMs and organizations wishing to increase their product selection and their bottom line. Our electronic manufacturing services include design, production, and testing of a wide range of products. We work directly with each of our clients throughout every step of the process to ensure optimal communication and a long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationship with our clients.

Please contact us for more information about our services.

U.S. Based Contract Manufacturer

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Businesses around the globe are attempting to figure out how to recover and continue business as normal during this difficult time. Currently, many businesses that source components overseas are realizing that importing products is taking much longer than usual. This can create bottlenecks and lead to serious problems with order fulfillment. Unfortunately, the longer consumers have to wait for products, the less likely they are to order again.

Another major problem, many industries can’t access the devices and components they need. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like these sourcing problems will resolve anytime soon. This can create major issues, especially for necessary industries like medical, aerospace, and defense.

Benefits of Working with An American CM

Many people mistakenly believe that U.S. based production either doesn’t exist or costs too much. While U.S. made parts and products may cost a little more, companies can actually save quite a bit of money on shipping costs, cargo insurance, and customs fees. Another benefit of sourcing from the United States, businesses have more control over the quality of products produced and the production process. While it’s unlikely a business owner will travel overseas to view factory conditions themselves, traveling to a U.S. based manufacturing plant is much easier.

Working with a U.S. based contract manufacturer eliminates the language barriers commonly experienced when dealing with companies overseas. This makes it much easier for businesses to monitor progress and keep up-to-date with changes. It’s also easier to schedule meetings and calls.

Companies often find when partnering with a CM overseas that they must adjust their work schedule and come in early or stay at the office late to contact their contract manufacturer. This can lead to fatigue and place a lot of stress on both business owners and staff.

Carlsbad CA Contract Manufacturer

Means Engineering provides contract manufacturing services to businesses across a wide range of industries. Our team has years of experience and utilizes the very best tools and technology to ensure the production of consistent, high quality products.

Means Engineering specializes in complex engineering projects. Please contact us for more information about our U.S. based contract manufacturing services.

 

ABOUT US

MEI features depth of experience in medical, industrial, semiconductor equipment and military products. All product development efforts start with a unique set of requirements, yet we deliver results that share a common standard of excellence in form, function and design.

Our turn-key capabilities provide smart, simple solutions to cumbersome outsourcing issues, and provide our clients with an intelligent route from concept to market.

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