Front End I News AWS Group celebrates 10th
anniversary of Slovak facility A
WS, one of Europe’s leading specialist electronics manufacturing services providers, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary since the opening of its original factory in Námestovo, Slovakia. In May 2007, AWS acquired a small business out of administration with just 12 employees assembling simple cables at a small industrial unit in Slovakia. AWS’ vision was to use this platform to grow a larger low-cost manufacturing facility in North Slovakia. Whilst a key attraction lay in the low-cost labour rates, AWS also recognised the unique skillset of the Slovak population. Following Slovakia’s withdrawal from communism in 1989, the Slovak government immediately made English language compulsory in education, and thus all of AWS’ senior middle management team are fluent in both written and spoken English, a somewhat unique factor for a low-cost offshore facility.
Beginning with a slow and steady
growth strategy, AWS focused on winning new business and moving appropriate business in agreement with customers seeking low-cost economy manufacturing. The recession of 2008/9 then drove a strategic demand for AWS to move more quickly with its growth plan and in 2010/11, its UK facilities were consolidated into one factory and AWS Slovakia moved into a 28,000ft2 new greenfield site. Investment in the facility since then has
seen the factory expand to a size of 56,000ft2 with seven SMT lines and 21 pick and place machines. The facility now features a dedicated hall for low-medium high complexity PCBA build, cable build, full unit assembly and test build. In addition, since 2014, the site has introduced a separate dedicated high- volume manufacturing hall for automotive projects and other high-volume industry
support. This expansion of the factory over the last seven years has seen fantastic success for AWS, with year on year double digit revenue growth.
Paul Deehan, CEO, comments: “We could never have envisaged at the outset, the fantastic success that we would see ten years later. AWS Slovakia is now a world class EMS factory, with customers from across the EU and North America
benefiting from the excellent skillset and low-cost service at the facility. It was fitting for us to hold a celebration party for all members of staff in Slovakia, and also for our UK staff whom have continuously supported the requirements of AWS Slovakia in the last ten years. It has been delightful to see the factory expand and grow, maintaining the highest levels of cost control, quality, delivery and overall customer satisfaction at all times.” AWS Slovakia now employs over 250 workers in the Námestovo area. Originally a region of high unemployment at the time of the initial start-up ten years ago, the local community has seen significant benefits with the number of people employed within the factory, which continues to grow. In addition, AWS has expanded its sales workforce outside of the UK for coverage in countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, The Netherlands and more.
There is a world of opportunity
at Micro Nano MEMS E
xploring new innovations and solutions in small and ultra-precision technology, Micro Nano MEMS 2017 is the perfect opportunity to further business progression and discover new thinking in the industry. As a part of the annual Sensors & Instrumentation show, sponsored by industry giant Mouser, attendees of Micro Nano MEMS will have exclusive access to all of the brilliant feature areas. This year, there are a number of brand new feature areas debuting at the event. The Drone Zone Demo Area, hosted by the UK Drone Show, will incorporate demonstrations of the real life applications that are possible with advancing drone technology and the obstacles that will
6 July/August 2017
need to be overcome for this vision to become a reality. Witness the agility of drones during technical flight demonstrations as well as presentations from experts in the field at this exciting new feature area.
Also new for 2017 is Connecting Industry LIVE, featuring Stanley Qubit, a fully autonomous NAO-25 humanoid robot as seen on BBC 1. Designed to provide exhibitors with the opportunity to showcase their products live on stage to a targeted and dedicated audience, this event will forge a link between technology innovators and end users, enabling them to find and discuss ways they can improve their operational efficiency, productivity and profitability.
Components in Electronics
What’s more, Micro Nano MEMS attendees will have the exclusive chance to interact with an exciting and unique feature making its first appearance at Sensors and Instrumentation 2017. Of interest to engineers and designers in robotics, this brand new feature area will be revealed at the end of August. Returning for the second year is the popular Formula 1 Car Simulator, sponsored by PR Electronics, offering visitors the opportunity to take part in a competitive and fun networking experience. This unique and spectacular centrepiece attracts many visitors and is the perfect place to make new business connections.
Also returning is the Innovation Showcase, sponsored by Bronkhorst, located at a focal point in the hall and allowing exhibitors to display their products to visitors at a dedicated presentation area. Register for your free entry badge at
www.micronanomems.com
www.cieonline.co.uk
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