Rewards show supplier strength
07 April 2008
Paul Wolfe attended Plexus’ Supplier Awards to meet some of the big names supplying the electronic manufacturing services industry, before taking a look at developments at the Kelso site.
Plexus has gained a reputation for success in product realisation solutions, but has never lost sight of how it achieved this. “The purpose of these awards is to recognise key suppliers because all too often, suppliers can be taken for granted,” said Willie Mackinnon, UK managing director at Plexus.
The first award of the day was won by TTI for interconnect, passive and electromechanical supplier of the year, whilst the next, (for semiconductor distributor of the year), was awarded to Avnet Silica.
Collecting the PCB supplier of the year award was Merlin Circuit Technology. Merlin’s MD, Colin Mason said: “Plexus is a major supplier so it is a great help to know we have this long term relationship.
Fourthly came the award for design, development and prototype supplier of the year. Arrow Electronics won the award by demonstrating design and development support to Plexus and its customers, as well as supporting the challenging needs of rapid prototype and the need to support reduced lead times to improve time to market. Stig Enslev (MD) and Jodie Verley collected the award, and Enslev commented: “We have a 20 year history with Plexus but we are not complacent; we are always developing new solutions.”
OEM partner of the year was won by Micron and David Neilson was there to pick up the award. “The recognition is fantastic. We have great support and a direct relationship with Plexus. We’ve worked very closely in times of difficulty and kept the relationship,” stated Neilson. Micron were the winners due to their support of Plexus via franchised distribution and direct negotiation, as well as demonstrations of cost reduction, technical support and product availability.
The final accolade of the day was the supply chain partner of the year award. This was to recognise strategic, operational and technical competence to Plexus by demonstrating commitment to supply chain deployment models, pro-active cost reduction and collaborative business development for current and new customers. Avnet Silica won this award and Paul March, Silica UK sales manager stepped up to the stage again. “For the Avnet group, this represents a significant award. For us, Plexus are a key global customer. Here in the UK, Silica has worked with Plexus for a number of years and the relationship has grown steadily. This is an award we’ll cherish. It will definitely help us to move onwards and upwards,” said March proudly.
Willie Mackinnon has been with Plexus for 20 months. Having previously occupied the role of finance director, Mackinnon was appointed MD in December 2007. “The awards are new for this year,” he confirmed, adding: “But our suppliers are crucial and we need to be competitive, so the awards are to recognise the key suppliers.”
Mike Archenhold was tasked with the selection process and explained how this was done. “We’re constantly measuring our suppliers and their ability to put parts into programmes; that’s always happening in the background. We also look for a pro-active approach to cost reduction,” he said. “Avnet have worked with Plexus for many years. We have a long term relationship and they are tuned into what we are trying to do,” added Archenhold.
Plexus has recently invested approximately £800,000 in new equipment for its Kelso manufacturing site. Indeed, with this building that was erected in 2000, four manufacturing sites in Asia, and three engineering sites in the US, Plexus now has approximately 1.8 million square feet of manufacturing capacity. They all have a common IT platform with identical tools and processes in use.
“The extension of the design centre in Livingston and the addition of new staff at all levels throughout the organisation meant that 2007 was a year of growth and expansion for Plexus,” said Mackinnon. “The investment in new equipment in our Kelso facility positions us for the increasing technology requirements of our customer’s in Europe. In addition, the funding recently made available from Scottish Enterprise will enable us to further increase our technology and capacity requirements as our future growth dictates,” he added.
The investment includes two Electrovert Elektra wave solder machines and an Agilent Medalist x6000 automated 3D x-ray inspection (AXI) system. The wave solder machines have been purchased to support ongoing RoHS initiatives and provide additional capacity for Plexus’ customers transitioning to lead free. The new AXI systems are in addition to the in-house 2D x-ray capability and will enhance Plexus’ overall capability in both areas and allow efficient volume processing.
Furthermore, a new pin press has been purchased to handle high density, complex boards commonly found in military and medical markets. Additionally, a new ERSA rework system has been implemented as part of a customer development project to allow mixed solder chemistry assembly and aid the transition to lead free and a further Kardex materials handling system has been installed in the test department.
Continuing expansion is testament to Plexus’ success, and UK materials director Mike Archenhold knows that this is due to good business relationships: “We continually provide our customers with what they need and we are demanding, but the awards recognise the achievements of our suppliers.”
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