Across the manufacturing landscape, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are rethinking how they handle one of the most time (and labor) intensive parts of production, control panel assembly. As production timelines tighten and automation demands rise, more OEMs are turning to specialized control panel builders to handle the design, wiring, and testing of their panels. This strategic outsourcing isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about improving quality, scalability, and cost control.
Why OEMs Are Making the Change
Traditionally, OEMs built panels in-house. Skilled electricians or technicians would wire and test every component manually, from PLCs and relays to terminal blocks and breakers. But as production schedules accelerate and skilled labor becomes harder to find, many OEMs are realizing that panel building can slow down higher-value engineering and manufacturing work.
By outsourcing to a control panel assembler, OEMs free internal teams to focus on system design, integration, and innovation, while ensuring that each panel meets stringent standards like UL 508A. For many, this shift means faster project delivery without compromising reliability or compliance.
The Technical and Financial Advantages of Outsourcing
1. Consistency and Compliance
Professional control panel builders operate with dedicated facilities designed for precision and repeatability. Each panel is tested, labeled, and documented according to UL and IEC standards, something that’s difficult to achieve consistently in mixed-use production environments.
2. Access to Specialized Expertise
Modern control panels require more than basic wiring, they integrate PLCs, drives, HMI systems, and networked sensors. An experienced assembler brings deep familiarity with these systems, ensuring proper component selection, wiring layouts, and signal integrity from the start.
3. Reduced Lead Times and Costs
When OEMs begin outsourcing projects, they often see measurable gains in throughput. A dedicated control panel shop can build panels in parallel with other production activities, dramatically reducing total project timelines. Additionally, bulk purchasing of components through a partner like Advance Electrical & Automation can lower procurement costs and simplify supply chain management.
4. Scalability for Complex Builds
Outsourcing gives OEMs flexibility to ramp production up or down as demand changes, without needing to hire, train, or maintain a permanent in-house panel assembly team. This agility has become essential for OEMs managing multiple product lines or responding to custom project requests.
How Advance Electrical & Automation Supports OEMs
At Advance Electrical & Automation, control panel assembly is a partnership. The company’s UL 508A-certified control panel builds are designed for long-term durability and reliability. From kitting and assembly to programming and integration, each panel is tailored to meet client specifications and industrial standards.
With access to top-tier brands like Pepperl+Fuchs, Hammond, Noark, and Invertek, Advance Electrical & Automation offers a one-stop source for components and build services. Their expertise helps OEMs eliminate production bottlenecks, reduce rework, and ensure every system is built to perform.
Key Takeaway
For OEMs balancing tighter budgets, shorter lead times, and rising automation complexity, outsourcing control panel assembly is a strategic move and not a compromise. It allows manufacturers to scale efficiently, improve quality, and keep their engineering teams focused on what truly drives innovation.
Advance Electrical & Automation stands ready as an extension of your production floor, bringing three generations of experience, UL-certified builds, and unmatched customer support to every project.
Contact us today to discuss your next control panel build and discover how Advance Electrical & Automation can streamline your production from design to delivery.