The Line from OCM Manufacturing
Welcome to the Spring 2007 issue of The Line – the electronics manufacturing resource for small- and mid-size companies.
China: It Can Work for You
In January 2007 I made my second visit to China to inspect OCM's Chinese operations, to finalize our expansion there, and to conduct a standard round of visits to suppliers and potential suppliers.
Our Chinese operations have served small- and mid-size manufacturers in North America for nearly three years now, and many of our customers are benefiting from consistently high quality delivery and smooth communication between our Ottawa and Shenzhen offices.
I made the decision to establish Chinese operations three years ago because I believed that manufacturers with low- to mid-volume products should be able to reap the benefits of low-cost Chinese labour just as large global players do. Our business model with China was initially limited to outsourcing high-labour parts and assembly.
Today, our relationship with China has grown and our expansion includes original design manufacturing (ODM) services and rapid prototyping for customers that fit OCM's profile. I credit our success in China to a number of factors, including our decision to develop close relationships with valuable staff on the ground in Shenzhen. Our established manufacturing and quality control processes, which are extended to China, have also played a crucial role in a 98% quality record and consistently on-time deliveries from China.
If you have ever briefly wondered if China could work for your products, or if you have ever dismissed the possibility of working with China because you feel your business is too small or your product's volume is too low - it's time to think again.
I invite you to contact OCM Manufacturing to discuss how we may be able to you reap the many benefits of OCM's established business model in China.
– Michel Jullian, President, OCM Manufacturing
Hot Topic
IP Protection in China
Many small and mid-size North American product marketing companies don't realize that their intellectual property (IP) can be protected in China, much as it is in the West. Patent protection in China dissuades potential competitors, in particular if the product has no market in China and is only exported. Injunctions against competitors are relatively simple to issue, and the three-tiered system allows for almost immediate protection while more extensive coverage is sought.
In China, there are three tiers of IP protection available, so while you wait for the process of full "invention patent" to be completed, your IP can still be protected through other, faster processes including design patents and utility model patents.
Learn more about this and other topics related to doing business in China in our short paper, China: How Things Really Work (PDF).
News
Now Offering Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) Services
OCM's product launch services now include original design manufacturing for low- to mid-volume products. That means our design centre can take the concept or idea for an electronics-based product and make it reality.
This new service is ideal for relatively simple products (as opposed to complex devices like network switches) and in particular for specialty electronics-based products and those aimed at consumer markets.
Our ODM services include:
- Concept development based on an idea for a new product - whether the concept is in the form of a sketch, a design, or an initial prototype
- Design services, including mechanical / packaging design services
- Fast prototyping services
- Complete documentation and schematics
Our services also include test design, assembly, supply chain management, test and inspection, warranty service and support, and Asia outsourcing. Visit www.ocmmanufacturing.com for details, or contact one of our Program Managers.
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Contents
China CAN Work for You
Protecting Your IP in China
New! Original Design Manufacturing Services
Featured Resource
China: How Things Really Work - our newest Short Paper debunks myths and provides best-practices for outsourcing to China.
Download the PDF >
Archives
Don't forget that you can view past issues of The Line on the OCM website.
Go to past issues >
Good Reading
Dealing with the Dragon: Canadian companies must find a way into China - read this article in Globe and Mail online, written by OCM President,
Michel Jullian
Read the article >
Design for Manufacturing (DFM) Tips
OCM is always adding DFM how-to articles in its online Resource Centre
Go to DFM tips >
Did You Know?
In mid-February 2007, we welcomed the Chinese Year of the Pig.
 This is considered a fortunate year, as the pig is associated with virility and fertility. David Letterman, Magic Johnson, and Henry Ford were all born in the Year of the Pig.
Contact OCM Manufacturing
OCM Manufacturing Inc.
2183 Thurston Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada
K1G 6C9
Phone: 613-736-5665
Toll Free Phone: 800-268-3961
Fax: 613-736-5525
info@ocmmanufacturing.com
www.ocmmanufacturing.com
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