Is globalisation over?
Summary
Discussions around onshoring and localisation are on the rise and exciting new opportunities lie ahead for local Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) companies with the ambition to innovate and compete to meet the changing needs of OEMs. We’ve seen the rapid reorganisation of factory floors to tackle the challenges posed by ‘social distancing’ and reduce the use of shared surfaces, equipment and product for instance - all whilst simultaneously minimising the impact to customers or costs. As a result, manufacturers are more flexible than ever, and readily prepared to adapt to new or changing complexities posed by the lasting legacy of 2020, such as growing concerns related to the stability and sustainability of the global supply chain. It has become increasingly clear during the pandemic and post-Brexit fallout that manufacturers need to create a focused plan that accounts for extended material lead times, securing critical and single-sourced parts and building strategic buffer stocks. With benefits such as increased flexibility, reduced risk and significantly shorter delivery times, local EMS companies are well placed not only to meet growing demand but to secure long-term custom that extends beyond the immediate impact of the pandemic and Brexit.