In this blog we hear from our member, Stewart Technology, on how photonics companies can scale from prototyping to repeatable manufacture, and how Electronics Contract Manufacturers can help address manufacturing skills gaps as demand grows.

The photonics industry continues to experience rapid growth, driven by increasing demand across sectors such as telecommunications, medical devices, advanced manufacturing, defence and security.

According to the annual Photonics Scotland report, around 80% of photonics companies expect growth in turnover within the next 12 months. However, this growth outlook is accompanied by a significant challenge – 42% of companies have reported a skills gap within operations and manufacturing in the last 12 months. As organisations look to scale, access to the right manufacturing capability and expertise is becoming increasingly important.

Addressing Skills Gaps Through Manufacturing Partnerships

For many companies within the photonics sector, transitioning from development and prototyping into repeatable, scalable manufacturing places pressure on internal resources. Skill shortages in manufacturing and operations can slow progress, increase risk and limit the ability to respond to market demand.

Electronics Contract Manufacturers (ECMs) can help address these challenges by providing experienced teams, established processes and scalable capacity. By outsourcing manufacturing activities, photonics companies can focus internal resources on innovation and product development, while ensuring products are built to the required quality and reliability standards.

Manufacturing Support for Photonics Applications

Photonics products often combine complex electronics with optical components, requiring precision assembly, strong process control and careful supply chain management. These requirements become even more critical as volumes increase.

Stewart Technology works with customers developing complex, high-reliability electronics, including those operating within the photonics sector. Through design for manufacture (DFM) support, controlled assembly processes and flexible production capability, Stewart Technology are equipped to support photonics companies as they respond to growth opportunities.

How Electronics Contract Manufacturers Support Photonics Companies

ECMs provide a range of services that can help photonics companies address skill gaps, manage growth and reduce manufacturing risk as products move towards commercialisation.

Surface mount assembly at Stewart Technology.

Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA)

Many photonics systems rely on complex electronic control, signal processing and power management. ECMs provide PCB assembly services that support the full production lifecycle, from early-stage development and initial builds through to low, medium and higher volume manufacturing. Controlled assembly processes, traceability and quality assurance enable consistency and reliability as products scale.

Box Build and System Integration

Beyond PCB assembly, ECMs can deliver full box build and system integration, combining electronics with mechanical enclosures, cabling, connectors and sub-assemblies. For photonics applications, this integrated approach helps ensure consistency, reduces handling and simplifies the transition to scalable manufacture.

Test and Inspection

Effective inspection and quality assurance are critical for photonics products, particularly where precision, reliability and repeatability are essential. Electronics Contract Manufacturers utilise techniques such as Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) and X-ray inspection to verify assembly quality and identify defects in complex assemblies. In addition, functional testing is used to confirm the assemblies operate as intended within the system. Early consideration of inspection and test requirements supports consistent quality and process control as production volumes increase.

Supply Chain and Manufacturing Support

ECMs manage component sourcing, supplier management and manufacturing planning. By working with established supply networks and applying design for manufacture (DFM) principles, ECMs help improve manufacturability, consistency and long-term reliability. This support enables companies to manage supply chain complexity and continuity as products move into production.

Investing in Skills to Support Emerging Technologies

Alongside manufacturing capability, continued investment in skills development remains essential. Stewart Technology actively invests in training to ensure its teams are aligned with emerging technologies and sector-specific requirements.

Recently, a Stewart Technology engineer completed the Photonic Practical Skills course at the University of Strathclyde. This hands-on programme provides practical exposure to photonics components, systems and techniques, strengthening internal understanding of challenges faced by photonics companies moving towards manufacture.

This commitment to skills development supports more effective collaboration with customers and helps bridge some of the operational and manufacturing gaps highlighted within the sector.

Enabling Sustainable Growth in Photonics

With a high proportion of photonics companies anticipating growth, the ability to scale operations efficiently and reliably will be critical. At the same time, the skills gaps identified within manufacturing and operations highlight a growing pressure on internal resources across the sector.

Electronics Contract Manufacturers can play an important role in addressing these challenges, providing both capacity and specialist expertise at a stage where flexibility and speed are essential. By partnering with experienced manufacturing providers, photonics companies can mitigate skill shortages, reduce risk and focus internal capability on innovation and market development.

Through continued investment in people, processes and sector-specific skills, Stewart Technology supports the resilience of the photonics supply chain and contributes to the wider growth of Scotland’s photonics ecosystem.