Why Vertical Expansion in EMS Is Changing the Talent Landscape
As a recruiter working within the Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) sector, I’ve been closely watching a trend that is gathering real momentum: EMS companies are expanding vertically to offer more complete manufacturing solutions. Recent examples, such as ESCATEC’s acquisition of a specialist mould tooling business and Absolute EMS’s continued investment in advanced manufacturing capabilities, demonstrate how providers are moving beyond traditional PCB assembly and contract manufacturing services.
What I’m seeing in the market is that customers increasingly want a single partner who can support them from concept through to production. EMS businesses are responding by bringing more capabilities in-house, including design support, tooling, supply chain management, testing, box build, and product lifecycle services.
For recruiters, this evolution is having a significant impact on talent sourcing.
The days of hiring solely for manufacturing or production-focused roles are rapidly changing. The most sought-after candidates now combine technical expertise with a broader understanding of the product development lifecycle. Engineers with experience in NPI, Design for Manufacture (DFM), supply chain management, automation, and quality systems are becoming increasingly valuable as companies look to build integrated teams capable of supporting customers end-to-end.
I’m also seeing greater demand for professionals who can operate across disciplines. Candidates who have worked closely with both engineering and manufacturing functions, or who have experience managing external suppliers and production partners, often stand out in today’s market. Their ability to bridge gaps between design, production, and commercial teams is becoming a key differentiator.
The challenge is that these skills are not always easy to find. As EMS providers invest in new capabilities and broaden their service offerings, the pool of experienced multidisciplinary talent becomes increasingly competitive. Recruitment strategies therefore need to evolve alongside the industry itself. Finding talent is no longer just about identifying technical capability; it’s about finding individuals who can adapt, collaborate, and contribute across multiple stages of the manufacturing process.
In my view, the EMS companies that will be most successful over the next few years will be those that align their talent strategy with their business strategy. As organisations continue to move further up and down the value chain, attracting and retaining versatile engineering and operational talent will be just as important as investing in new technologies or expanding manufacturing capabilities.
The EMS landscape is changing, and so too is the profile of talent needed to support it. For those of us in recruitment, it’s an exciting time to help shape the workforce that will drive the next phase of growth in the industry.
Open for a discussion about the future of you team?
Feel free to reach out to ldillon@ldisearch.com