Electronics OEM's Reshoring Strategy: Set Up In-House Molding Here

Alpha Comm Enterprises, Lawrenceville, Ga., a major provider of private-label wireless accessories for the mobile marketplace, has expanded its North American operations to include custom molding capabilities and services from a new plant in Lawrenceville.

Before this expansion, the firm manufactured primarily in China. The company has set up a new business unit, ACE Custom Molding, to mold cellphone cases and other components for telecommunications applications. 

Its initial machinery order included four new 135-ton Zhafir Venus II all-electric machines with high-speed, high-pressure injection capabilities from Absolute Haitian, Worcester, Mass. The custom molding operation will be led by Michael Heuwetter, senior director of manufacturing (photo).

ACE Custom Molding officials say the reshoring move was made to speed delivery times. “Handsets are coming to market faster and product cycles are continually shrinking,” says Jad Daye, president of ACE Custom Molding. “Our goal was to bring just-in-time manufacturing to the U.S. In doing so, we are able to accelerate the delivery of quality products to our customers so they can respond to consumer demand and optimize sales. We have plans underway for a complete assembly line and cleanroom capabilities.”

ACE Custom Molding says it is also pursuing partnership options with companies in the electronics, automotive, medical device, and telecommunications industries.