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

Making Contract Manufacturing Work for You

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Inventors come up with ideas at the strangest times. When this occurs, many worry they cannot develop their idea into a tangible product. While inventors may not have the tools needed to produce a fully functional prototype, they should attempt to work with someone that does.

Utilizing the help of a contract manufacturer puts inventors in direct contact with people that know how to design, produce, and test a wide range of products and devices. Even if the inventor isn’t sure how to get started or what needs to be done, speaking with an experienced contract manufacturer can help determine whether the idea stands a chance of making it off the drawing board.

Although many entrepreneurs and inventors believe contract manufacturers only work with large organizations, nothing could be further from the truth. Contract manufacturers often work with individuals to help turn their ideas into reality.

What is Contract Manufacturing?

Contract manufacturers help people or businesses design, produce, and test products. They commonly help with prototyping, machining, and other complex parts of production. Large companies often utilize contract manufacturers to create new products or fulfill periods of high demand. Small businesses and start-ups may hire a contract manufacturer to produce all of their products.

Contract manufacturing allows businesses to provide customers with high quality products without having to acquire all of the equipment, machinery, technology, space, and people needed to produce products in-house.

Choosing a Contract Manufacturer to Work With

Inventors should to take care when choosing a contract manufacturer to work with. It’s important to locate a CM with experience building the type of protype or product they’d like to create. Inventors should interview the contract manufacturer prior to signing any contracts. If possible, the inventor should visit the facility and ask about past projects. This can provide peace of mind and let the inventor know whether or not the CM can handle their project.

U.S. Based Contract Manufacturer

Means Engineering provides contract manufacturing services to individuals, small businesses, government agencies, and large organizations. Our team of professionals has years of experience working with a wide range of projects and industries. Please contact us for information about our contract manufacturing services.

Manufacturing Trends for 2021

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2020 brought massive change for businesses in almost every industry. For manufacturers, the global pandemic had serious consequences for those that relied on parts and components produced overseas. As many businesses around the world halted operations, manufacturers in the U.S. found it difficult to continue their normal operations. Several OEMs utilized the help of U.S. based contract manufacturers to fulfill orders and keep up with demand.

Deemed an essential business by the United States government, manufacturers in the U.S. have done everything they can to stay afloat throughout these uncertain times. Many manufacturers even increased production to fulfill large orders for essential electronics and other medically necessary devices.

Localized Production

As mentioned above, many manufacturers have already made the switch to U.S. based production. Many more will probably follow suit in the coming months as business owners become increasingly worried about trade wars and tariffs threatening global supply chains.

There are many benefits of moving production closer to the customer. Benefits include quicker time to market, lower working capital, and increased resiliency. Although it will take more time for larger manufacturers to move production to the U.S., it’s expected we’ll see major strides to do so throughout the year.

Factory Floors Becoming Digital

As manufacturers look for ways to prevent downtime, it’s likely they’ll adopt more automation technology. Robots, sensors, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing will all play a part in the digitization of the factory floor.

Manufacturers Will Meet Rising Consumer Demand

With so many people home, ecommerce sales are at an all time high. As consumer demand rises, manufacturers are expected to utilize contract manufacturing and advanced technology to keep up with demand.

Increased Investment in the Workforce

Despite increased use of automation, manufacturers will invest more in their workforce in 2021. Robots and other technology create higher paying jobs. Over the next few years, manufacturers will likely offer more training and education to factory workers in an effort to empower them to take on more responsibilities on the factory floor.

Means Engineering offers contract manufacturing services in Carlsbad, CA. Our comprehensive services include design services, production, and testing of a wide range of products and devices. Please contact us for information about our services.

 

Strong Partnerships Provide Numerous Benefits for OEMs

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When it comes to the successful design and production of electronic devices, strong partnerships can make all the difference in the world. Partnering with a qualified and experienced electronics contract manufacturer ensures quality assembly, on-time delivery, and continuous success in a wide range of markets.

Increased Quality and Consistency

Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of working with an experienced contract manufacturer, it provides access to industry experts. These professionals often have years of experience producing multiple products and components. Through trial and error, they are well positioned to provide valuable insight that OEMs can use to make informed decisions.

When utilized during the design phase, contract manufacturers serve as a second set of eyes for design plans. In addition to helping locate areas of the design that could benefit from improvement, CMs can improve product quality and reduce the cost of production often by making simple adjustments.

Increased Customer Satisfaction

Consumers have extremely high expectations when it comes to the quality and functionality of electronic devices. OEMs often find it difficult to meet or exceed these expectations as technology changes at such a fast rate. Partnering with the right CM can put OEMs ahead of their competition. CMs help reduce time to market and ensure optimal quality and functionality of products produced. CMs have access to all tools, people, equipment, and technology needed to produce even complex devices and components.

Reduced Costs

Outsourcing costs far less than acquiring the people, space, and equipment necessary to produce new products in-house. By enlisting the help of a quality CM early in the process, OEMs can reduce the chance of costly mistakes and rebuilds. CMs can generally tell if there will be a problem long before they begin production. This isn’t always possible when producing products in-house.

U.S. Based Contract Manufacturer

Means Engineering provides contract manufacturing services to OEMs and other organizations wishing to increase quality, reduce time to market, and remain compliant with industry-specific requirements. We work directly with each of our clients throughout the entire process to ensure all devices and components meet necessary guidelines for quality, functionality, and delivery.

Please contact us for more information about our contract manufacturing services.

Working at Means Engineering

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At Means Engineering, we believe our corporate culture is just as important as our design and build capabilities. That’s why we encourage each and every member of our team to take an active role in every project. In addition to ensuring team members have everything they need to complete projects in a timely and efficient manner, we strive to foster a friendly environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

You won’t find a drab factory floor when visiting our location in Carlsbad, California. Instead, you’ll find a bright and positive environment where everyone works together to complete projects as a team.

Technology

At Means Engineering, our leaders understand the importance of providing team members with the right tools to complete projects. We provide our team with access to the latest technology, machinery, and equipment. In addition to reducing the amount of steps needed to complete important tasks, providing our team with up-to-date technology allows them to complete projects faster and with greater accuracy.

Stability

The current COVID-19 pandemic has left everyone a little uncertain about their future. This is especially true for the thousands of people that have suddenly found themselves unemployed. As importing goods becomes less feasible or possible due to shipping and trade restrictions, more people and businesses are turning to U.S. based companies to fill the gap.

A proven leader, Means Engineering has the people, technology, and capability to produce a wide range of products right here in the United States.

About Means Engineering

Incorporated in 1996, Means Engineering provides contract manufacturing services to businesses across a wide range of industries. Our customer base includes businesses in the semiconductor, aerospace, defense, and medical industries. An ISO 9001 and AS 9100 certified company, our team strives to provide consistent, high quality products.

As a premier Southern California contract manufacturer, Means Engineering has worked with numerous businesses with the design, production, and testing of a wide range of products. Our specialties include electronics engineering, precision machining, and complex box builds. Our experienced team has years of experience and appreciates complicated engineering and challenging projects.

Means Engineering was founded by David Means. A leader with a keen focus on quality and customer service, David still serves as our President today.

Employment Opportunities

Means Engineering is looking for dedicated individuals to fill a variety of roles. We encourage anyone passionate about electronics design and engineering to contact us about our available employment opportunities.

 

 

Using a Contract Manufacturer to Grow Your Online Business

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The Internet has created numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses to sell their products to people around the world. While selling products online can bring significant income, many businesses simply do not know how to meet extremely high consumer demand.

People purchase products online at increasing rates. According to a study by Statistica, around 80% of all Internet users will make a purchase online within the year. Companies wishing to sell their products online can reach more people in a much shorter amount of time than possible with a retail location. Although many companies and entrepreneurs are tempted to take advantage of the Internet’s potential to grow their business, they need to make sure they’re prepared for the large influx of potential orders.

Prior to starting an online business, it’s important the company determines how they will keep up with strong demand. Enlisting the help of a contract manufacturer can help ensure a steady stream of high quality products.

Design

Experienced contract manufacturers provide a wide range of services. In addition to providing manufacturing of parts, components, and products, CMs also provide design services to businesses looking to create or improve design plans. Contract manufacturers often have years of experience producing products for a wide range of industries. Through trial and error, they’ve learned what works and what does not.

When utilized during the design phase, a contract manufacturer can analyze design plans and locate areas that could benefit from improvement. This might be something as simple as changing the type of material or the size of different components. Often these changes improve the quality of finished products.

Production

Contract manufacturers have everything needed to produce high quality products. They often employ a full-time staff of design and manufacturing experts. They utilize the best processes, equipment, and technology. Using a contract manufacturer provides access to all of these resources, without the high price of acquiring them in-house.

Testing

In addition to design and production, a quality CM can help ensure the quality and consistency of every product produced. By using quality testing equipment and techniques, the CM will test each part and component as it moves through the production process. This helps catch issues sooner when they’re easier and less expensive to fix.

Means Engineering has the tools and people needed to help you grow your business. Please contact us for information about our 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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