Wire & Cable Manufacturing
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Overview
Wire and cable manufacturers produce custom wire harnesses, cable assemblies, and electrical components for industries including automotive, aerospace, industrial equipment, and electronics.
With wire harness market worth $70+ billion globally, manufacturers generate revenue of $250,000-$750,000 annually with profit margins of 30-45% through production contracts.
The business requires production facility, wire cutting and stripping equipment, crimping tools, soldering equipment, testing equipment, and trained assemblers.
Services include custom wire harness design and manufacturing, cable assemblies, electromechanical assemblies, testing and quality control, and sometimes engineering support.
Pricing varies based on complexity, volume, and certification requirements.
Success factors include quality consistency, technical capabilities for complex assemblies, certifications (IPC/WHMA standards), and ability to scale from prototypes to production.
Common clients include equipment manufacturers, automotive suppliers, aerospace companies, and industrial machinery builders.
Many manufacturers specialize in specific industries or assembly types.
The business often includes both prototype and production runs.
Quality control and testing are critical for electrical assemblies.
Marketing focuses on demonstrating technical capabilities, certifications, quality systems, and industry experience.
With manufacturing continuing in US in 2025 and industries requiring reliable wire harness suppliers, this manufacturing niche offers opportunities for entrepreneurs with electrical assembly expertise willing to invest in equipment and quality systems.
Required Skills
- Wire harness design and assembly
- Electrical connectors and crimping
- Soldering and electromechanical assembly
- IPC/WHMA standards and quality
- Testing and continuity verification
- Reading electrical schematics
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Recurring production contracts
- Multiple industry applications
- Technical specialization premium
- Growing US manufacturing
- Prototype to production opportunity
Cons
- Technical expertise and certifications required
- Equipment and tooling investment
- Quality control critical (electrical safety)
- Labor intensive assembly
- Competition from offshore manufacturing
How to Get Started
- Gain wire harness and electrical assembly expertise
- Obtain IPC/WHMA certifications
- Set up production facility and equipment
- Develop quality control and testing processes
- Market to equipment manufacturers
- Start with prototype and small runs
- Scale production capabilities and staff
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