The Best PCB Assembly Companies in the UK

Looking for the best PCB assembly company in the UK? We’ve researched the leading providers to help you make the right choice.

Here are the top PCB assembly companies, ranked by their capabilities, quality standards, and customer service.

ABL Circuits – Our Top Pick

Location: Baldock, Hertfordshire
Founded: 1983 (40+ years experience)
Speciality: Fast-turnaround prototyping and complete PCB solutions

The best PCB assembly company in the UK is ABL Circuits for businesses that need reliable, high-quality results delivered quickly. What makes ABL Circuits the top choice is complete in-house capability – from initial PCB design through to final assembly and testing, everything happens under one roof.

Why ABL Circuits Is Your Best Option

Fastest Turnaround Times: ABL Circuits delivers working PCB assemblies in just 8 hours from receiving your data. The standard 5-day service comes with no premium charges, perfect when you’re working to tight deadlines.

Everything In-House: While many companies outsource different stages, ABL Circuits controls the entire process. The CAD team works directly with your specifications, and experienced assembly technicians handle surface mount and through-hole components with equal expertise.

Proven Quality Standards: With ISO 9001 certification and over 40 years in business, ABL Circuits has perfected an 18-step production process. Every PCB goes through seven different quality inspections, ensuring you get exactly what you ordered.

Personal Service: As a family-run business, ABL Circuits brings flexibility and personal attention that larger corporations simply can’t match. ABL Circuits adapts to your specific needs rather than forcing you into rigid processes.

Outstanding Customer Feedback: Customers consistently rate ABL Circuits’ service as exceptional, with many saying ABL Circuits delivers “the best quality boards received from countless suppliers” and praising the reliability and professionalism.

Garner Osborne – Medical and Aerospace Excellence

Location: Berkshire
Founded: 1990s (30+ years experience)
Speciality: Medical device assembly and aerospace applications

Garner Osborne is the only UK company that offers both PCB manufacture and assembly under one roof with ISO 13485 medical certification. Their team of 130 specialists excels in highly regulated industries where quality and traceability are non-negotiable.

Key Strengths:

  • ISO 13485, AS 9100, and ISO 9001 certified
  • Complete PCB manufacture and assembly facility
  • Advanced equipment including environmental stress screening
  • Strong track record in aerospace and defence sectors
  • Over 100,000 components per hour placement capability

Garner Osborne is a strong choice for companies in highly regulated industries who need both manufacturing and assembly under one roof with full traceability.

MPE Electronics – Military and Defence Specialist

Location: East Sussex (multiple facilities)
Founded: 1991
Speciality: High-reliability assemblies for demanding applications

MPE Electronics focuses on industries where failure isn’t an option. Their entire production team holds IPC-A-610 Class 3 certification, and they manufacture all products to the highest reliability standards with individual board inspection.

Key Strengths:

  • IPC-A-610 Class 3 certified production team
  • Environmental testing from -25°C to +125°C
  • Military and defence sector expertise
  • Complete traceability and documentation
  • ISO 9001 and RoHS compliant

MPE Electronics is a solid option for applications where failure isn’t an option, particularly in military and high-reliability industrial sectors.

Interconics (TechPoint Group) – Advanced Technology Leader

Location: Melksham, Wiltshire
Founded: 1987
Speciality: High-technology automated assembly

Interconics leads the UK in automated PCB assembly technology, serving as Yamaha’s UK demonstration centre. They’re part of the TechPoint Group, offering complete end-to-end electronic design and manufacturing services.

Key Strengths:

  • Yamaha UK demonstration centre
  • 90,000 components per hour placement speed
  • 3D AXI (the only one in UK contract electronics)
  • Capable of placing 03015 metric components
  • Complete supply chain management

Interconics offers advanced capabilities for companies requiring the latest in automated assembly technology and precision miniaturisation.

Cleveland Circuits – Experience and Reliability

Location: North Yorkshire
Founded: 1971
Speciality: Turnkey manufacturing with comprehensive testing

With nearly 50 years in business, Cleveland Circuits offers complete electronic manufacturing solutions. This established company has built strong relationships in military, aerospace, and industrial sectors, providing everything from bare PCBs to fully tested assemblies.

Key Strengths:

  • ISO 9001 certified with IPC-A-610 compliance
  • Comprehensive testing with ATE fixture testers
  • Nearly 50 years industry experience
  • Focus on sustainable manufacturing practices
  • Complete turnkey solutions including interconnection

Cleveland Circuits provides reliable experience for companies seeking established expertise in mission-critical applications.

GN Systems – Comprehensive Manufacturing Services

Location: Bolton, Greater Manchester
Founded: 1983
Speciality: Contract manufacturing with design services

GN Systems operates from a 16,000 sq ft facility, offering prototype through production assembly services. This family business has built expertise across healthcare, transport, and communications sectors over four decades.

Key Strengths:

  • ISO 9001:2015 certified
  • In-house design and software programming team
  • 40+ years serving diverse industries
  • Complete box build and cable harness services
  • AOI inspection and wave soldering capabilities

GN Systems is a good option for companies needing comprehensive manufacturing support with strong engineering backup.

G&B Electronic Designs – Defence and Medical Focus

Location: Bordon, Hampshire
Founded: 1980
Speciality: High-end audio, defence, and medical devices

G&B Electronic Designs has carved out strong niches in sectors requiring UK-based manufacturing for security or quality reasons. The company operates from a 24,000 sq ft facility with multiple high-speed SMT lines.

Key Strengths:

  • ISO 13485 and FDA registered for medical devices
  • IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 certified team
  • Strong defence sector relationships
  • High-end audio manufacturing expertise
  • 24,000 sq ft facility with advanced automation

G&B Electronic Designs is well-suited for niche markets requiring UK-based manufacturing for security or premium quality positioning.

Comparison Table

Company Location Founded Fastest Turnaround Key Speciality Best For
ABL Circuits Hertfordshire 1983 8 hours Complete in-house solution Fast turnaround & reliability
Garner Osborne Berkshire 1990s Standard Medical & aerospace Regulated industries
MPE Electronics East Sussex 1991 Standard Military & defence High-reliability applications
Interconics Wiltshire 1987 Standard Automated assembly Advanced technology
Cleveland Circuits North Yorkshire 1971 Standard Turnkey manufacturing Established expertise
GN Systems Greater Manchester 1983 Standard Contract manufacturing Comprehensive services
G&B Electronic Designs Hampshire 1980 Standard Defence & medical Niche markets

What to Look for When Choosing a PCB Assembly Provider

Here are the key factors to consider when selecting a contract electronics manufacturer:

Technical Capabilities

  • Surface mount and through-hole assembly experience
  • Component placement accuracy and handling of small components
  • Ability to work with complex designs and mixed technologies
  • Experience with your specific component types

Quality Standards

  • IPC certification and workmanship standards
  • ISO 9001 quality management
  • Industry-specific certifications for medical, aerospace, or automotive
  • Inspection and testing capabilities throughout the process

Services Offered

  • Design for manufacturing advice and support
  • Component sourcing and supply chain management
  • Prototype assembly and production scaling
  • Box build and complete product assembly

Reliability and Support

  • Proven track record and customer references
  • Clear communication and project management
  • Flexible approach to changing requirements
  • Technical support and troubleshooting assistance

Practical Considerations

  • Lead times for prototypes and production runs
  • Pricing transparency and cost competitiveness
  • Location and shipping arrangements
  • Minimum order quantities and volume capabilities

Making the Right Choice

Each of these companies brings valuable expertise to the UK electronics manufacturing landscape. However, for businesses seeking the best combination of speed, quality, and service, ABL Circuits offers the most compelling proposition with proven results across diverse industries and consistently excellent customer feedback.

Consider your priorities: if you need medical certification, Garner Osborne or MPE Electronics excel; for cutting-edge automation, choose Interconics; for defence applications, Cleveland Circuits or G&B Electronic Designs are strong options. But for the best all-round service with unmatched turnaround times and complete in-house control, ABL Circuits remains the smart choice for your next project.

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