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Electronic manufacturing services (EMS) is term used for companies that design, test, manufacture, distribute and provide return/repair services for electronic component and assemblies for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The EMS industry has undergone a major shift since 2000. During technology's late-1990s heyday, EMS players routinely acquired manufacturing assets in high-cost locations. EMS players largely focused on printed circuit board fabrication, leaving system assembly to the OEMs. And EMS companies largely disdained industries outside the world of information processing (computers)and communications.In recent years, EMS players have shifted production to low-cost geographies; embraced non-traditional industries including consumer electronics, industrial, medical, and instrumentation; and added substantial vertical capabilities,stretching from design and ODM through system assembly, test,delivery and logistics, warranty and repair, network services,software and silicon design, and customer service.

EMS have also started to provide design services used in conceptual product development advice and mechanical, electrical, and software design assistance. Testing services perform in-circuit, functional, environmental, agency compliance, and analytical laboratory testing. Electronic manufacturing services are located across the United States and throughout the world. They vary in terms of production capabilities and comply with various quality standards and regulatory requirements.

Notable EMS players include:

• Celestica
• Flextronics
• Foxconn
• Jabil Circuit
• Plexus
• Quanta Computers
• Sanmina-SCI
• SMTC Corporation
• Solectron
• Ultraflex International
• Rising Technologies, Inc.

• Electronic Contract Manufacturing