Creation Buys Circuit Service, Enters China
Published: 04 September 2008
by Mike Buetow
VANCOUVER – Creation Technologies today acquired Circuit Service Inc. and its Chinese subsidiary, Changzhou CSI Ltd. (CCSI) of Changzhou, China.
The acquisition marks the first foray for the EMS provider into Asia. No financial details were disclosed.
It is Creation's sixth acquisition in the past five years. The company ranks among the 15 largest EMS companies in North America, with estimated annual sales of $300 million, according to CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY's just released 2008 Directory of EMS Companies.
The CCSI China facility (now Creation Technologies – Changzhou) has 60 workers and will retain general manager Charles Ma.
The deal brings Creation's footprint to 2,200 employees and 11 manufacturing facilities.
Based in Wheeling, IL, a north Chicago suburb, Circuit Service has three SMT lines and sales of about $50 million. The company's China subsidiary has one line. CSI Wheeling (now called Creation Technologies – Chicago) employing more than 250 workers, who will continue to report to James Herring, Circuit Service’s president and CEO.
In a press release, president and chief executive Arthur Tymos said, “A key element of Creation’s commitment to excellence is broadening our North American and Asian footprint to support and grow our customer base. A Top-100 contract manufacturer, Circuit Service’s similar service, technical capabilities, profit momentum and growth opportunities will only serve to enhance and reinforce our existing operations and customer offerings.”
The China plant, he said, "opens up a new growth market opportunity in Asia for Creation. Changzhou will provide services to our North American customers who have products whose right-shore manufacturing needs fit an Asian model.”
