Lacroix Acquires Stake in Firstronic

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Lacroix is going "multi-continental" by acquiring a stake in the electronic manufacturing services (EMS) provider Firstronic LLC, based in Michigan. Lacroix’s electronics activity becomes a key global player for manufacturers in automotive, healthcare, home and building automation, avionics and industry segments.

This alliance with Firstronic will provide support for customers of Lacroix Electronics, the Lacroix Group’s EMS subsidiary, in North America, in particular for automotive equipment vendors who have factories in the United States and Mexico and wish to collaborate with local partners specializing in the production of electronic assemblies.

With Firstronic, manufacturers have the flexibility and responsiveness of a regional player with factories in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Juarez, Mexico, while retaining the expertise and trust established with Lacroix. 

From its perspective, Firstronic will be able to offer its American customers access to the European market thanks to Lacroix Electronics plants in Europe, ensuring continuation in the quality of service and opening the potential use of its design office.

This alliance will also enable consolidated purchasing by combining European and American spend vis-a-vis suppliers.

“This structural step in our strategic plan demonstrates our commitment to supporting our customers and their expectation to work with global EMS suppliers. It will help accelerate Lacroix’s international development outside Europe. Firstronic is a concrete response to the requirements expressed by our strategic customers,” explains Vincent Bedouin, Chairman of the Lacroix Group. “The collaboration with Firstronic is based on shared values, comparable processes, and very similar customers. Firstronic’s CEO previously managed an EMS of similar size to Lacroix Electronics. He is a graduate of INSEAD and knows Europe very well."

The group is creating a subsidiary, Lacroix North America Inc., as its beachhead for development in North America, and the first joint activities are scheduled for spring 2017.

“Firstronic is also excited about working with Lacroix to fulfil our customers’ demand for electronic manufacturing services in Europe, as well as leveraging their strength in product design and development,” stated John Sammut, president and CEO of Firstronic.

About Firstronic

Firstronic provides advanced electronics manufacturing services (EMS) and optimized supply chain solutions for the electronics industry. Its multinational purchasing expertise ensures a cost competitive supply chain. With advanced software tools that support program management, in-house engineering that includes design, DFX and test, and cutting edge manufacturing processes, Firstronic can support almost any customer requirement. For more information, click here.