Plexus Corp celebrates 20 years of its Livingston Design Centre

Posted on 22 Jun 2022 by The Manufacturer

Plexus Corp., the UK’s largest Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) company, is celebrating 20 years of its Design Centre in Livingston, having grown from a team of just six to over 50 and firmly establishing itself as a part of the local community.

Plexus, which has operated in Scotland since 2000 and has sites across Europe, Asia and North America, opened the Livingston Design Centre in 2002 to provide complex engineering solutions to companies in demanding regulatory markets, including healthcare and life sciences, aerospace and defence and industrial.

Today, the location hosts a multi-function team that covers mechanical, software, electrical (digital & analogue), quality compliance and Design for Excellence, printed circuit board (PCB) design, project management and supply chain disciplines.

Since opening, the Livingston Design Centre has been at the heart of a number of Plexus innovations, including the Zephyr Plus Ventilator in early 2020. The ventilator was part of Plexus’ contribution to the UK Government’s Ventilator Challenge to provide assisted respiration for Covid-19 patients, and was designed and ready for manufacture in less than three months.

Plexus has integrated itself into the local community through the various partnerships and contributions it has made to local charities. Each year, the Plexus team selects a local charity to raise funds and resources for, with this year focusing on the Beatson Cancer Centre in Glasgow.  The team also donates clothing and toys to West Lothian Women’s Aid every Christmas and is encouraged to volunteer locally as part of Plexus’ paid volunteer time off programme.

Over the past 20 years, the facility has expanded several times, including moving to a larger building in 2013 and, most recently, expanding again in 2019 to create a larger electronic and mechanical laboratory space co-located with its rapid prototyping facility.

The design operations in Livingston are closely linked to Plexus’ manufacturing facilities in Kelso, in the Borders, making the company a single integrated partner to add value at every stage including concept design, product development, manufacturing and aftermarket services. Together, the two sites design and manufacture products for clients across the healthcare and life sciences, aerospace and defence and industrial sectors.

In line with its aim to build a better world, Plexus is committed to making a positive impact wherever it operates, as outlined in its ESG programme. By setting an example of a higher standard of business practices, empowering their team members to reach their full potential and supporting the communities in which they operate, Plexus is committed to its workforce and customers, supporting them in designing and manufacturing sustainable products for the sake of a better tomorrow.

Andy Kelsey, Senior Site Director of Plexus’ Livingston Design Centre said: “Over the past 20 years, we have loved becoming a part of the Livingston community, providing jobs to locals and generating economic growth in the area. Our expansions, both physically and of our services, are a testament to the achievements of our passionate team. We hope to stay a pillar of the community for years to come, helping to build Scotland’s strong reputation for innovation and technology.”

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