End-to-End Contract Assembly Services
From sourcing the parts to building prototypes and finished products, we handle every step. You get a complete, ready-to-ship product without the hassle.
- Full product building. We put together everything from simple hardware to advanced electronics.
- Safe electronics handling. Our workshops use special static-free rooms.
- Proven reliability. You can count on us to keep your supply chain moving.
What Are Contract Assembly Services?
Contract assembly services are when a company hires another company to put parts together into finished, ready-to-ship products. The outside company supplies the workers, tools, and quality checks. Read our deep-dive on what contract assembly involves in 2026 for the full picture.
Meco runs IATF 16949:2016 certified factories in Thailand and China. We offer three connected services that work together. These are mechanical assembly, full product assembly, and PCB design and assembly.
It helps to know the difference between this and contract manufacturing. Contract manufacturing covers both making the parts and putting them together. Contract assembly only focuses on putting parts together. The parts can be sent by you or sourced by us. For a side-by-side look at roles, see our contract manufacturer vs OEM guide.
From small test runs to mass production. No minimum order.
For machined, stamped, and molded parts.
With design and build feedback included.
Static-free rooms for electronics, per IEC 61340.
Contract Assembly Capabilities
Three services that work together to cover every stage, from small sub-assemblies through to a finished, boxed-up product. All under one quality system.
Mechanical Assembly
Our auto and semi-auto assembly lines use careful welding, smart metal fastening, heat-shrink fitting, computer-controlled glue dispensing, and torque-controlled screwdriving.
Explore mechanical assembly →
Product Assembly
We take your parts and electronics and turn them into a complete, working product. This includes sourcing, kitting, sub-assembly, full build, testing, and packaging on one line.
Explore product assembly →
PCB & Box Build Assembly
We build electronics from the circuit board to the finished product. This covers circuit board assembly, fitting the case, wiring, screens, final testing, and shipping. Learn more in our box build assembly guide.
Explore PCB & box build →Which Assembly Method Fits Your Product?
Twelve in-house methods covering permanent joints, semi-permanent joints, and joints you can take apart. Works for metal and plastic parts. See our full mechanical assembly guide for deeper detail on each method.
| Method | Joint Type | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orbital (Spin) Riveting | Permanent | Fast | Hinged or rotating joints, smooth heads |
| Punch Riveting | Permanent | Very Fast | High-volume sheet stack-ups |
| Press Riveting | Permanent | Fast | Solid rivets in thicker assemblies |
| Pull (Blind) Riveting | Permanent | Fast | One-side access enclosures |
| Torque-Controlled Screwdriving | Removable | Medium | Products you can open and fix, electronics |
| Hydraulic Press Assembly | Permanent | Medium | Press-fit bearings, bushings, pins |
| Spot, TIG & MIG Welding | Permanent | Fast to Slow | Structural metal weldments |
| Shrink-Fitting (Thermal) | Permanent | Medium | Tight fits without using fasteners |
| Computerized Adhesive Dispensing | Permanent | Medium | Sealed joints, different materials joined |
| Auto & Semi-Auto Assembly Lines | Mixed | Very Fast | High-volume repeat builds |
| PCB SMT & Through-Hole | Permanent | Very Fast | Electronic boards, controllers |
| Box Build Integration | Mixed | Medium | Finished electromechanical products |
Why OEMs Choose Meco for Contract Assembly
One accountable partner from sub-assembly through global delivery.
Turnkey or Consignment
We source, kit, and assemble. Or we assemble parts you supply. Flexible to fit your supply chain. See what really happens in contract manufacturing.
Mechanical Plus Electronic Under One Roof
Combine mechanical assembly with PCBA and box build on one purchase order. No need to coordinate many vendors.
Your Design Stays Yours
ESD-safe environment per IEC 61340 for electronics, calibrated torque drivers, and full process tracking. Meco provides IP protection and signs NDAs as standard.
IATF 16949 Certified
Automotive-grade quality used on every program. We use APQP, PPAP, SPC, FAI, and full barcode and serial tracking. See about Meco.
Industries We Serve
Contract assembly programs built for regulated and high-mix industries. From small sub-assemblies to fully packaged finished products.
Automotive Parts Manufacturing
Sensor sub-assemblies, switch modules, battery pack assemblies, and electromechanical control units. IATF 16949 documents with PPAP and SPC on every program.
Aerospace Parts Manufacturing
Riveted bracket assemblies, electromechanical actuator builds, and harness integration. Full traveler tracking, FAI reports, and serial tracking for each unit.
Medical Equipment
Diagnostic device sub-assemblies, instrument housings, and electromechanical pump and motor modules. Clean assembly rooms with full lot tracking and FAI documents.
Heavy Equipment
Welded subframes, hydraulic line assemblies, control panel builds, and operator-station integration for construction and farm equipment makers.
Industrial Manufacturing
Motor and gearbox sub-assemblies, control cabinet builds, and full electromechanical module integration for automation and robotics makers. See our industrial manufacturing guide.
Consumer Electronics
SMT, through-hole, and box-build assembly for finished consumer products. Cable integration, display mounting, and final function testing on one line.
Telecommunication
5G radio module assembly, antenna sub-assemblies, and outdoor enclosure builds. Includes weatherproof connectors and gaskets for IP65 rated installs.
Home Appliances
Motor and pump sub-assemblies, control panel builds, wiring routing, and full appliance final assembly. All built to match UL and IEC standards.
Lighting Manufacturing
LED driver and module fitting into extruded and die-cast housings. Includes optical alignment and final function test for indoor and outdoor lights.
Commercial Furniture
Modular workstation assembly, motorized desk drive fitting, and packaged kit assembly for shipping straight to the customer.
Consignment vs Turnkey Assembly
Two ways to work with us, based on who buys the parts. Meco supports both. This pairs well with on demand manufacturing for low-MOQ builds.
Consignment Assembly
You supply all parts, components, and BOM materials. Meco provides workers, fixtures, quality systems, and assembly tools.
- You stay in control of part sourcing and your designs
- Lower stock holding cost for Meco that we pass back to you
- Best when you already have a solid supplier network
- Faster start-up. No need to re-check suppliers
Turnkey Assembly
Meco buys every part on the BOM, kits the parts, puts the product together, and ships the finished goods to you.
- One purchase order covers parts, assembly, and finished goods
- Bulk-buying savings on common parts
- Works well with Meco's own fabrication and machining
- Best when you want fewer suppliers, or want to scale up fast
Quality, Standards and Traceability
Every contract assembly program runs on one IATF 16949:2016 quality system. We check parts coming in, watch every step, and check the finished product before it ships.
Governing Standards
- IATF 16949:2016 (our only formal certification)
- Static-free workspace per IEC 61340
- Torque control per ISO 5393
- Welding per AWS D1.1
- REACH and RoHS compliance
- Conflict Minerals reporting
Quality Processes
- APQP and PPAP submissions
- SPC and PFMEA
- First Article Inspection (FAI)
- CMM inspection (±0.002 mm)
- Torque checks on every shift
- Function and in-circuit testing
Traceability and Documents
- Barcode and serial number tracking
- Traveler tracking for each unit
- Full lot trace and material certs
- EN 10204 3.1 on request
- FAI and CTQ reporting
- Live QA and QC visibility
Contract Assembly FAQ
What is the difference between contract assembly and contract manufacturing?
Contract assembly only puts parts together. Contract manufacturing is broader. It usually includes making the parts (by machining, casting, or molding) and then assembling them. Meco does both. Read our full contract assembly guide for a deeper look.
Can I supply my own parts, or does Meco source them?
Both options work. With consignment, you supply parts and Meco provides labor and fixtures. With turnkey, Meco buys every BOM item, kits the parts, and builds the product. Turnkey is popular when you want fewer suppliers. Consignment starts faster.
What is the minimum order quantity for contract assembly?
No strict minimum. We take orders from a single prototype unit up to many millions of pieces. Semi-auto lines work well for small and medium volumes. Dedicated auto lines handle very large programs. This pairs well with on demand manufacturing for short runs.
What quality certifications does Meco hold for assembly?
We hold IATF 16949:2016, which covers all ISO 9001:2015 rules. Every program includes APQP, PPAP, SPC, PFMEA, FAI reports, and barcode and serial tracking. Our electronics work uses a static-free room per IEC 61340.
How fast can you start a contract assembly program?
Quotes come back in under 24 hours. Prototypes ship in 1 to 2 weeks. Fixtures and full assembly lines for production usually take 3 to 6 weeks, based on how much is automated and the target volume.
What is box-build assembly?
Box-build assembly combines electronics (PCBA), the case, cables, screens, and connectors into a fully built finished product. It is tested and packaged ready to ship. Read our box-build assembly guide for full details.
How to Start a Program
Upload STEP files, BOM, assembly drawings, and target volumes through our quote form. Quote back in under 24 hours.
Our engineers check the design for easy assembly, suggest consignment or turnkey, and flag tweaks that save money before fixtures are built.
We build the fixtures, run first sample units, and send FAI reports for your approval before volume starts.
Full production with SPC, testing, custom packaging, and global shipping through our warehousing and fulfillment network.
Contract Assembly Resources
What Is Contract Assembly?
The complete 2026 guide. Covers consignment vs turnkey, when to outsource, and how to pick a partner.
Read the guide →
What Is Mechanical Assembly?
Methods, tools, tolerances, and quality checks for mechanical and electromechanical assembly programs.
Read the guide →What Is Box Build Assembly?
PCBA, case, wiring, and final testing combined into one fully assembled, packaged finished product.
Read the guide →Get Your Free Quote
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