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As IMI celebrates its 40th year, the pandemic has brought about challenges for the global technology solutions provider. But as we can see throughout its history, dire situations are not new for IMI—it has always been able to adjust, evolve, and innovate to remain steadfastly relevant to the industry.

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected the global economic landscape. Like many EMS providers, IMI has had to contend with plant shutdowns, supply chain disruptions, and lower market demand.

The global situation led to a 25% year-on-year reduction in top-line sales while margins are likewise challenged with gross profit at US$30.5 million equating to a 6.4% margin. IMI’s wholly-owned businesses declined to US$367 million of revenues, a 28% slide from last year.

But IMI is no stranger to challenges. Throughout its forty-year history, IMI has weathered economic downturns and political upheavals. IMI was born in 1980 in the Philippines, at the height of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. From the Philippine People Power Revolution in 1986 and the First Gulf War to the financial crises of the 1990s and 2008, IMI has withstood geopolitical and market changes.

Strategic synergy, cutting-edge innovation, and vigorous growth have engineered IMI into what it is today: a global technology solutions expert.

Filipino roots, global presence
As the new millennium sparked a surge in the electronics market, IMI focused on going global. In 2005, it acquired the EMS assets of Saturn Electronics and Engineering Inc. in Tustin, California, and Speedy-Tech Electronics Ltd. in Singapore. In 2006, it established additional plants in Chonqing and Fuyong, China. With the acquisition of facilities in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Mexico, IMI became a truly global company in 2011. Today, IMI has more than 418,000 square meters of factory space in 22 facilities across 10 countries. As an Asian EMS company with a global footprint, IMI has a very capable and diverse management team that understands the Western methodology of engagement and how to operate in Western environments.

Expanding capabilities and market reach
Key acquisitions enabled IMI to increase its capabilities and market reach. With Psi Technologies, Inc., the company gained the skillset in power modules, a unique offering of IMI versus its competitors. With the acquisition of Saturn Electronics, IMI gained product miniaturization and bare die mounting capabilities. With the acquisition of UK-based Surface Technology International Ltd (STI), IMI entered the aerospace and defense market. To further facilitate its presence in the automotive market, IMI acquired Epiq, a Belgian-based EMS company with a strong presence in the automotive industry.

Cutting-edge technology
Innovation and collaboration have enabled IMI to produce trailblazing technology for its customers. Its first major automotive engagement was a safety-critical product with a German multinational engineering and technology company. It was the first lead-free process for the electronic stability program (ESP) anti-locking brake system (ABS) product, and it was co-qualified and developed. With VIA Optronics, a leading optical bonding and display solutions provider, IMI offers system solutions for the advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) space.

In 2019, 44% of the products IMI built were classified as emerging. Emerging technologies are classified as ones that utilize a combination of advanced systems in mobility, connectivity, and smart energy. It is a testament to IMI’s commitment to limitless solutions for all its stakeholders.

Triumph amid trials
“IMI has endured several major crises in our 40-year history. Our battle-hardened organization has built IMI for long-term success,” says Arthur Tan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IMI. “Challenging market environments bring opportunity to those who come prepared. IMI’s flexibility and expertise in providing the best quality technology solutions will allow us to emerge stronger than we were before,” Tan shares.

The current pandemic is proving to be the worst crisis in the last eight decades since the Great Depression. But this global crisis is an opportunity for IMI to rebalance and reassess its structure and strategies. “Over the years, IMI has set up measures to mitigate the risks associated with our business,” says Tan. “This, coupled with years of experience and strong leadership, are enabling us to still operate. And it is through these elements that we will thrive for another four decades.”

As one of the Top 20 EMS companies in the world, IMI has over 40 years of experience in providing electronics manufacturing and technology solutions. 

At IMI, we believe that humanity drives technology, and we direct our passion at solutions that enhance our way of living.  With more than 400,000 square meters of factory space in 22 factories across 10 countries, we are positioned to build your business on a global scale.

Our proven technical expertise, worldwide reach, and vast experience in high-growth and emerging markets make us the ideal global manufacturing solutions partner.

Let's work together to build our future today.