BANNOCKBURN, IL — Electronics manufacturing operations with a total value of at least $2.5 billion are expected to be brought to North America in the next three years, according to a new survey of some 229 companies.

According to the survey, which was conducted in May, OEMs are driving the transition and China -- where else? -- was taking the brunt of the migration.

Survey results showed that original equipment manufacturers were largely responsible for operations returned to North America from overseas since 2009, accounting for more than 90% of the value and number of jobs brought back. The electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry was also a big contributor. One-quarter of operations that returned to North American since 2009 came from China, with other countries making up the other 75%.

Companies surveyed for On-Shoring in the Electronics Industry: Trends and Outlook for North America, published this week by IPC, had global revenues totaling more than $935.3 billion, the trade group says. The results are consistent with what other observers, including this magazine, have reported.

The EMS industry accounts for the largest share of overseas operations that participating companies plan to bring back to North America in the next three years. New operations, however, represent a much larger share of future North American production and these planned new operations were reported primarily by OEMs.

Companies cited quality control as the primary reason for bringing operations back to North America from overseas. However, being closer to customers is the driving force for companies establishing new operations in North America.

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