25 Years of Building What Matters
In 2001, just months after the events of 9/11, many companies were pulling back. Uncertainty defined the moment. For the founders of Assembly Solutions, it was also a time to move forward.
Assembly Solutions was built during one of the most challenging periods in recent history, guided by belief, hard work, and a willingness to invest in the future before it was fully visible.
The Beginning: A Leap of Faith (2000–2001)
Assembly Solutions began inside a small Economic Development Center incubator with very modest beginnings:
- 5 operators
- 1 surface mount line
- 1 manufacturing bay
- An office that was essentially a closet
There were no guaranteed customers. What existed instead was a clear mindset: invest in capability, commit to quality, and trust that the work would follow.
One of the company’s earliest defining decisions came before steady production was in place. Assembly Solutions purchased surface mount equipment without knowing exactly when or how it would be used. The equipment came first. The customers followed.
That decision shaped the company’s philosophy from day one.
Early Growth and a Permanent Home (2002–2004)
Momentum followed quickly. Within two years, Assembly Solutions outgrew the incubator space:
- Expanded from 1 to 5 manufacturing bays
- Grew to approximately 25–30 employees
- Added additional production capacity
Soon after, the company moved into its current 36,000 square foot facility, its first true long-term home. This move marked a turning point, allowing Assembly Solutions to plan for sustained growth rather than short-term survival.
A Commitment to Quality and Progress
As the company grew, so did its focus on quality systems, process discipline, and technology.
Key Quality and Technology Milestones
- 2006 – Achieved ISO certification, formalizing its commitment to quality, documentation, and continuous improvement
- 2008 – Added its first Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) system
- 2010s – Expanded surface mount capacity and continuously upgraded equipment
- Recent years – Added high-end 3D AOI and X-ray inspection systems, and inventory control system.
Each investment was intentional. Assembly Solutions chose to stay current rather than fall behind, ensuring customers could rely on consistent, high-quality results.
Customers, Partnerships, and Impact
While specific customers cannot be named, Assembly Solutions has consistently supported:
- Companies transitioning from in-house production to outsourced manufacturing
- New product launches from concept through full production
- Industries including industrial, agriculture, transportation, and off-road equipment
Some customer relationships span more than 20 years, reflecting trust built over time through consistency and performance.
People and Culture: Growing from Within
From the beginning, Assembly Solutions focused on developing people, not just processes.
- Leaders were grown from the production floor
- Promotions from within were prioritized
- Long-term employment and loyalty were valued
Notable culture highlights include:
- Several employees who started on the floor and moved into leadership roles
- Three employees from the first year still with the company, with more having retired only recently
- Many supervisors and leaders with decades of tenure
The culture has remained steady over 25 years. Hard work. Flexibility. Commitment. Doing what’s right for the customer. Quality first.
What 25 Years Means
After 25 years, Assembly Solutions has grown from five people in a small incubator to a full-scale manufacturing operation. It has navigated economic downturns, industry shifts, and evolving technology while continuing to invest in people, equipment, and quality without compromise.
As founder Hank Golden reflects:
Looking Ahead
Assembly Solutions started with no customers, one line, a tiny space, and a big leap of faith.
Twenty-five years later, it stands as a company built on trust, relationships, and steady progress. Still growing. Still improving. Still building what matters.
A 25-Year Timeline of Progress
2001–2002
Assembly Solutions founded. First surface mount line installed. First customer orders received.
2003–2004
Outgrew incubator facility. Moved into 36,000 sq ft building. Second surface mount line added.
2006
ISO certification achieved.
2008
First AOI system installed.
2010s
Additional surface mount lines added. Ongoing equipment upgrades.
Recent Years
3D AOI and X-ray inspection added. Cable, harness, and box build capabilities expanded. Advanced inventory control and tracking systems implemented.
Today
Three high-speed surface mount lines. Advanced AOI and X-ray inspection. Full-service electronics manufacturing capabilities.