PCB manufacturer One Way Circuits Ltd targets global markets with acquisition of Circast Electronics Ltd
PCB manufacturer One Way Circuits Ltd targets global markets with acquisition of Circast Electronics Ltd
Keywords: Printed circuits, Electronics industry
One Way, a producer of printed circuit boards, has acquired Circast, one of the UK's most respected and oldest established manufacturers of PCBs.
The combined expertise of the two businesses will be a springboard to establish the new company as a dominant force, not only in the UK but globally,says Managing Director Mike Urry.
The two manufacturing plants – One Way in Norfolk, and Circast in Warwickshire – will continue to operate under their existing names. The initial improvement for customers will be the introduction of One Way's market-leading logistics systems: taking the expertise developed by a smaller,more personalised manufacturer, and integrating it into Circast's quality production processes.
“Quality will remain high, and we will retain and develop the product testing processes at both plants”, Mike Urry adds. “One Way has built a strong reputation for being adaptable to customers requests, and we will be introducing those elements of fast and accurate response throughout both plants. The market place for PCBs is continuing to grow and we are now in a position to satisfy the demands of all our existing UK customers as they expand and increase their business. The acquisition also means that we are ideally positioned to service international and multinational manufacturers wherever they are operating”.
One Way and Circast circuit boards are found in almost all electrical or electronic items, from residential smoke alarms to the very high technology communications and automotive industries. In addition, Circast, a manufacturer of advanced, high quality and highly reliable PCBs, has been supplying for such critical uses as military defence systems and the aerospace industry.
The acquisition of Circast by One Way takes effect from 21 October 2004. The workforce of about 130 – including approximately 100 at Circast in Warwickshire – will not be affected. Mike Urry's intention is to expand the customer base within the UK and abroad, thus offering new employment opportunities at both plants.
“Industry analysts have said that, after years of Far Eastern market domination, Europe is fighting back as demand moves from high volume to `high mix' manufacture”, Mike Urry adds.
“The new One Way, with its emphasis on fast response to customer requirements, plus greatly increased volume manufacturing capability, is in the ideal position to lead this resurgence. For the future, the key factor will be innovation and our proven record with design engineers and manufacturers means that we will always be in the frame as a trusted and reliable producer on PCBs”,he adds.
For further information, contact: E-mail: richard@onewaypcb.com
