Based in one of India’s premier manufacturing regions, Vasantha Advanced Systems is an EMS provider that has built a reputation for quality, reliability, and long-term customer partnerships, earning repeated recognition from the Indian government through its National MSME Awards. Now, with a full spectrum of capabilities spanning PCB assembly, box build, and wire harness, and a workforce of more than 500, Vasantha is expanding its presence into the U.S. market. At APEX EXPO, I met Dr. Chidambaranathan and learned how this rising global player is positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of North American customers.
Marcy LaRont: Dr. Chidambaranathan, it is very nice to meet you. You are a legacy manufacturing company in India, but you are new to many in North America. Please tell us about Vasantha Advanced Systems.
Dr. Chidambaranathan: It is good to be here. Vasantha Systems is located in an area famous for manufacturing in southern India. We have consistently achieved our targets and have continued to grow each year. We have been recognized under India’s National MSME Awards for five consecutive years as one of the top EMS companies.
LaRont: Are you members of the Global Electronics Association in India, and is this your first APEX EXPO?
Chidambaranathan: Yes, we have been members of the Global Electronics Association for a long time, and our SMT, plated-through-hole, and wire-harness teams have received extensive training through the Association. Last month, Garaub Majumdar, vice president of the Association in India, visited our plant, told us about APEX EXPO, and encouraged us to attend. We have a good customer base in the U.S. and have been interested in learning about new technologies while here. Working with the Association helps us move our company to the next level.
LaRont: Vasantha Systems does the full spectrum of services: PCB, PCBA, box build, wire harness, and also coil manufacturing. What applications or markets do you build product for?
Chidambaranathan: We support industrial, automotive, and medical electronics, and we have just started supporting semiconductor fabrication. For many years, we were supporting the Indian railways, especially safety products as well as Indian defense products. Working in safety, defense-, and medical, we are able to produce high reliability products to standards.
LaRont: What is Vasantha’s global footprint in terms of your customers? Why is it important to be here at APEX EXPO?
Chidambaranathan: There has been a tremendous change in the global market because of the geopolitical situation, which has created many supply chain challenges for companies working with China. We are happy to be here to tell U.S. customers that, with the depth of our experience and the technology we can build, we can support them. We pride ourselves in being customer focused and we want to gain a stronger footprint in America. We can take their pain points and be a supplier partner, supporting all their requirements.
LaRont: The fact that you provide a full spectrum of services through box build and wire harness is an advantage.
Chidambaranathan: Yes, and we have a very well-trained, strong team. We keep our focus on quality and delivery. Some of our international customers have been with us for 24 years, and we provide product to more than 12 countries. I am happy to say that we continue to grow every year.
LaRont: Continued year-over-year growth is certainly a sign of success. As you and I both know, nothing else matters if you don't have good quality and you're not making your deliveries. Dr. Chidambaranathan, it has been very nice to meet you. Thank you for making the trip out to Anaheim. I wish you much continued success and hope to see you again.
Chidambaranathan: Thank you very much, Marcy, for the opportunity to do this interview with you. APEX EXPO has been a great experience for us.