Flextronics, one of the world’s largest contract manufacturers of electronics, this week unveiled its state-of-the-art product innovation center in Milpitas, California. Flextronics' operations, which are well known in Silicon Valley, have been upgraded with $12 million of equipment and capabilities. The company also announced plans to invest another $20 million in the center in the coming months.

Flextronics has installed the most advanced 3D plastic printing, surface mount technology (SMT) lines, X-ray and test equipment to support major industries in bringing innovative products to market rapidly. Flextronics has also added dedicated customer-confidential work spaces that include increased security and restricted access to protect OEM customer's intellectual property (IP) and confidentiality of new products being launched into the marketplace. The facility will allow small and large customers to make prototypes and/or pre-production samples of advanced devices without leaving California.

^{A technician configures a ''Pick and Place'' electronics manufacturing machine at Flextronics International. Image by Reuters news-agency.}

Flextronics has committed to further invest in existing equipment upgrades and expansion of capabilities including, 3D metal printing, CNC machining, anodizing, advanced automation, microelectronics packaging and RF technologies. 

"Flextronics is committed to providing our OEM customers with advanced innovative solutions and offerings that increase their competitiveness and time to market. Flextronics is the leading new product introduction and supply chain solutions company to Silicon Valley OEMs for more than 15 years, and we are thrilled that our new investments will provide even more advanced electrical and mechanical solutions," said Mike McNamara, chief executive officer of Flextronics.

Flextronics Silicon Valley locations include Milpitas, Morgan Hill, San Carlos and San Jose. 

Tags: Flextronics, Apple, Google, Microsoft