Adapting Manufacturing for Efficiency and Customisation

Leo

Welcome to today’s episode! We’re diving into some key highlights from the recent Engineering Design Show in Coventry, where Peter Roberts, business development manager at Adam Tech, delivered an insightful presentation. He covered critical shifts in manufacturing and Adam Tech’s unique approach to tackling some of the industry’s biggest challenges—from cost pressures to the rising demand for custom solutions.

Peter Roberts

Thanks for having me, Leo! It was an exciting event, and I really wanted to share how Adam Tech is positioning itself in this rapidly changing landscape. The focus on customization has never been more important, especially as product lifecycles shorten and specialized components become a necessity.

Leo

Absolutely! Customization really seems to be at the heart of Adam Tech’s strategy. I found it particularly interesting how you mentioned adapting quickly to create custom components for various sectors like automotive and medical devices.

Peter Roberts

Right, Leo. For instance, when we work with automotive clients, we’re not just providing off-the-shelf solutions. We’re collaborating closely to develop custom ECU connectors that can withstand extreme environments—think high vibrations and temperature fluctuations. It’s all about tailoring our offerings to meet the specific demands of each client.

Leo

That’s a great point! It sounds like Adam Tech is really taking a holistic approach to manufacturing. Beyond just connectors, you offer a range of products like cable assemblies and molded housings. It must be a significant advantage for your clients to have everything integrated under one roof.

Peter Roberts

Exactly, Leo! This fully integrated approach streamlines the entire process. Clients can engage us from the initial design phase all the way to production, which simplifies their supply chain significantly, especially for projects that require complex, multi-part solutions.

Leo

While customization is crucial, efficiency plays a huge role as well. You mentioned during your presentation that being cost-effective is key, even when you have all those custom capabilities. Can you elaborate on how Adam Tech is addressing this?

Peter Roberts

Of course! One of our significant innovations has been in the production of pogo pins, which are essential for circuit board connections. Traditionally, they’re machined, which can be costly, especially in high volumes. By transitioning to a stamping process, we’ve managed to cut production costs dramatically—by up to ten times—while still maintaining high quality.

Leo

That’s impressive! It’s not just about saving costs; maintaining quality is vital, especially in industries like automotive and medical. How do you ensure that your products meet those stringent industry standards?

Peter Roberts

Great question, Leo. All our products adhere to strict industry regulations, including UL certification. Our clients want assurance that they’re not only getting affordable solutions but also reliable and compliant components. It’s about finding that balance.

Leo

Speaking of balance, I found your global manufacturing strategy quite fascinating. You mentioned Adam Tech’s expansion into Vietnam. It seems like a strategic move rather than just a cost-cutting measure.

Peter Roberts

Exactly! We’re not just relocating to save money; we’re diversifying our production locations to enhance resilience. By establishing operations in Vietnam, we’re creating a flexible supply chain that can better withstand disruptions, ensuring timely delivery to our clients.

Leo

And that’s just the beginning, right? You mentioned plans for further expansions into Malaysia, Thailand, and India. That must open up a lot of opportunities for your team!

Peter Roberts

Absolutely! With each new location, we’re able to refine our logistics and reduce lead times. For engineers, this means quicker access to high-quality, custom components, which is a significant advantage in today’s fast-paced market.

Leo

Now, let’s talk about product innovation. You highlighted the development of new waterproof USB-C connectors and high-current connectors for electric vehicles. These innovations must be crucial for staying relevant.

Peter Roberts

Indeed, Leo! Innovation is key for us to remain competitive. With the rise of electric vehicles and the need for high-voltage connections, we’re committed to developing products that meet these demanding requirements, like our connectors that adhere to IP68/69 standards.

Leo

And you’re expanding into areas like power line filters and DC-DC converters too, right? It seems like Adam Tech is positioning itself as a one-stop shop for power and connectivity solutions.

Peter Roberts

That’s right! By broadening our product lines, we can support our clients' diverse needs more effectively. It’s all about creating a comprehensive ecosystem for our customers, helping them simplify their sourcing process.

Leo

To wrap it up, Peter’s presentation at the Engineering Design Show truly highlighted the importance of agility and customization in today’s manufacturing landscape. Adam Tech is evolving to meet the unique needs of various sectors, ensuring both specialized components and flexible manufacturing.

Peter Roberts

Exactly, Leo. As I mentioned in my presentation, we’re not just adapting; we’re anticipating future challenges to position our customers for long-term success. It’s this commitment to flexibility, efficiency, and quality that really distinguishes Adam Tech in the market.