What is Contract Electronics Manufacturing (CEM)?

Contract Electronics Manufacturing (CEM) refers to outsourcing the design, assembly, and production of electronic products to a specialised manufacturer. A CEM partner, such as ABL Circuits, provides complete electronics manufacturing services — including PCB manufacture, electronic assembly, testing, and supply chain management — helping companies reduce costs and speed up time-to-market.

Why choose a UK-based Contract Electronics Manufacturer?

Working with a UK manufacturer offers faster communication, shorter lead times, and strict quality control standards. ABL Circuits provides a fully in-house manufacturing service from PCB design and assembly through to final testing, ensuring every product meets the highest quality and certification requirements.

What services are included in your Electronics Manufacturing Service (EMS)?

Our electronics manufacturing service (EMS) covers the full product lifecycle — from prototype and PCB assembly to volume production. Services include surface-mount (SMT) and through-hole assembly, box build, inspection, and testing. We handle every stage within our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, giving customers complete control and consistency.

Can you support prototype or low-volume PCB assemblies?

Yes. As a flexible contract electronic manufacturing partner, we support everything from one-off PCB prototypes to full production runs. Whether you’re a start-up developing a new product or an OEM looking to outsource electronic manufacturing, our team provides quick-turnaround PCB solutions with guaranteed quality and traceability.

Contract Electronics Manufacturing Service

At ABL Circuits, we have over 40 years of contract electronics manufacturing experience, providing a complete in-house manufacturing service from design through to assembly.

As a trusted UK manufacturer, we deliver reliable, high-quality PCB assemblies and electronic manufacturing solutions for customers across a broad range of industries including aerospace, defence, industrial, and communications.

Providing bespoke PCB services for over 40 years!

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How we can help

As a leading contract electronics manufacturer (CEM), we support clients of every size — from OEMs and start-ups to established companies looking to outsource their electronic manufacturing.

Our in-house manufacturing facility in Hertfordshire is equipped with advanced machinery and automation technology, allowing us to manage every process, from prototype and NPI through to full turnkey production.

We offer:

PCB design, manufacture and assembly
Through-hole and surface mount (SMT) assembly services
Electronic assembly and box build
AOI and inspection at every stage
Complete supply chain management

With everything handled in one place, our customers benefit from fast lead times, reliable delivery, and consistent quality across every build.

Fast Turnaround, Exceptional Quality

ABL Circuits is proud to be an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer, committed to the highest standards of quality and reliability. Our quality management system ensures every PCB and circuit board assembly meets strict inspection and solder standards.

Because our manufacturing processes are entirely in-house, we can tailor production to meet your exact requirements whether it’s a prototype, small batch, or full production run.

From initial concept to final assembly, we provide the control, precision, and accountability you’d expect from a trusted UK manufacturing partner.

Supporting a Range of Industries

We work with clients across multiple sectors, providing contract electronic manufacturing services that meet the needs of complex, high-performance applications.

Aerospace – precise electronic manufacturing built for reliability
Defence – robust assemblies to the highest standards of quality
Industrial – efficient, high-volume manufacturing with fast turnaround
OEMs – complete contract electronic manufacturing services with dedicated support

Our industry expertise allows us to deliver manufacturing solutions that match your technical requirements while ensuring commercial efficiency.

Why Choose ABL Circuits

Choosing ABL Circuits means working with a team that understands every part of the electronic manufacturing process. We control every stage under one roof — from design and component sourcing to final inspection — ensuring high-quality results and dependable lead times.

Our experienced engineers, advanced equipment and proven processes make ABL Circuits a trusted partner for companies looking to simplify their supply chain and maintain quality assurance throughout production.

Work with a Leading UK CEM

As one of the UK’s leading contract electronics manufacturers, ABL Circuits offers complete, state-of-the-art manufacturing services to meet the most demanding project requirements.

Call 01462 894 312, email sales@ablcircuits.co.uk, or request a quote today to discuss your next electronic manufacturing project.

Key Differences Between SMT and THT Assembly

PCB assembly uses two main techniques:

Surface Mount Technology (SMT)

SMT components are soldered directly onto the board’s surface, offering:

Faster, automated assembly
Often using Pick and Place machines.

Smaller, cost-effective components
Ideal for compact, high-density designs.

Pre Build CheckFaster, automated assembly
Connections may be weaker under stress.

Through-Hole Technology (THT)

THT involves inserting component leads through drilled holes for a stronger connection:

More durable and reliable
Ideal for high-vibration or high-power applications.

Longer production times
Additional drilling and soldering steps required.

Larger, pricier components
Due to lead-based design and extra material.

Looking for a bespoke manufacturing solution?
See how ABL Circuits can help you today:

Call us now on 01462 894 312

Quick Quote

Complete our detailed form for a more accurate quotation.

Alternatively, for a quick overview, fill out the basic form to the right.

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