Why external support can save time and costs
EDITOR’ S CHOICE ENCLOSURE ASSEMBLY
SPELSBERG
Why external support can save time and costs
For OEMs and integrators who rely on industrial enclosures to protect their devices and control systems, assembly is another task to add to the project timeline. Fitting items ranging from DIN rails and terminals through to keypads and labelling, assembly can also be a resource-intensive activity. Instead, outsourcing enclosure assembly can streamline operations, especially when it’ s managed directly by the enclosure manufacturer.
Chris Lloyd, Managing Director at Spelsberg UK, explores the requirement for industrial enclosure assembly services.
The UK electronic contract assembly market is growing, and it’ s projected to rise further over the next decade, demonstrating demand for local contract assembly services. There are several key advantages to manufacturers and system integrators outsourcing the assembly of their completed product, or key constituent modules. What’ s more, these benefits can apply not just to smaller manufacturers looking to scale up, but right through to larger OEMs facing pressures to balance productivity and profitability alongside resources.
A key challenge is labour cost, and recent economic data indicates that levels in the UK have climbed to their highest on record. This reflects aspects including wage growth and higher employer contributions, putting pressure on manufacturers with in‐house assembly teams. As a result, outsourcing labour on a contractual basis can be the less expensive option, whether that’ s for smaller companies that don’ t want the risk of taking on extra staff, or for larger organisations dealing with higher-volume production.
Resolving resource challenges
At the same time, UK manufacturers are facing the ongoing challenge of recruitment and retention. On the one hand, there’ s a deficit in
Spelsberg’ s qualified employees handle everything from the initial design to the final production of electrical panels, guaranteeing perfect results
6 PECM Issue 80