Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1543584
30 SMT007 MAGAZINE I MARCH 2026 How did this arrangement come about? Wright: We've been looking for the right way to expand our presence in mainland Europe for some time, but it had to be done in a way that builds capability and long-term trust, not just footprint. OMR stood out for its reputation, customer rela- tionships, and technical credibility across Europe. It's a partnership built on shared values: engineering quality, long-term thinking, and customer focus. Menclossi: For OMR, this came at the right moment in our evolution. Our focus has shifted more toward engineering support, sourcing, and managing complex supply chains. Partnering with Connex- ion Technologies gives us the strength and infra- structure of a larger group, while allowing us to stay focused on what we do best. From your view, what is the synergy, the "special sauce," for why this should be a successful alliance? Wright: At a strategic level, this is about creating something more connected across Europe. OMR has a strong footprint with major European OEMs. We bring sovereign UK manufacturing capability and a wider set of advanced engineering services. Together, that creates a more complete offer. Menclossi: From our perspective, it means we can continue supporting customers locally, but with more strength behind us. Customers still work with the same teams. The difference is that now there's a broader network of capability supporting them. Why is something like this so important for Europe right now? Wright: The industry has changed quite quickly over the past few years. There's a much stronger focus now on stabil- ity, trust, and long-term partnerships. Menclossi: Yes, and customers are also looking for partners that are close to them geographically and technically. This partnership strengthens that European layer with- out changing how global supply works. Wright: Europe has a very strong position in high-reliability and high-complexity sectors. That's where the real value is. Menclossi: There's a long history of engineering excellence here. What does it mean for your cus- tomers? Wright: For customers, it's about confi- dence. The past few years have shown just how important strong regional supply chains are. This partnership strengthens access to capability across Europe while maintaining strong UK manufacturing. Menclossi: It gives customers more reassurance. This partnership gives customers more confidence in stability, continuity, and technical support. Wright: Exactly. It's important to be clear about something: Resilience isn't about replacing global supply chains; it's about strengthening the Euro- pean layer within them. Is there anything else you would like to make sure people know about this exciting partnership? Wright: What we're building is long-term. The future of manufacturing in Europe will be more collabor- ative, more connected, and more specialised. We see this as a key step toward closer support for major European OEMs, especially in high-reliability and regulated sectors. Menclossi: For OMR, this is a new chapter. We remain the same partner our customers know, but with greater capability and support behind us. Success for us is being seen as a trusted long-term partner across Europe's high- reliability sectors. Wright: This partnership is about strengthening Europe's capabil- ity in high-reliability electronics by bringing together two organisations with deep engineering heritage and complementary strengths. SMT007 C ra i g W ri g ht S a ra M e n c l o s s i