In electronics manufacturing, the SMT line tends to get most of the attention. Placement machines, inspection systems, screen printers, and reflow ovens often take center stage when discussing productivity improvements or new equipment investments. While these systems are obviously critical to the manufacturing process, they only represent a portion of the journey every component takes before becoming part of a finished assembly.

Based in one of India’s premier manufacturing regions, Vasantha Advanced Systems is an EMS provider that has built a reputation for quality, reliability, and long-term customer partnerships, earning repeated recognition from the Indian government through its National MSME Awards. Now, with a full spectrum of capabilities spanning PCB assembly, box build, and wire harness, and a workforce of more than 500, Vasantha is expanding its presence into the U.S. market. At APEX EXPO, I met Dr. Chidambaranathan and learned how this rising global player is positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of North American customers.

Mexico is a major producer of wire harnesses, but recent U.S. economic policies and Mexico’s domestic issues have had a ripple effect on the industry. Jesus Duarte, vice president of Mexico Assembly Wire Technology and president of Expo Wire Tech, explains the issue in greater depth and how the wire harness industry should respond on its own, rather than just reflect what Tier 1s are doing.