Inside IMI Philippines’ integrated precision strategy

By: Kathryn Gerardino-Elagio

In today’s high-reliability manufacturing landscape, speed alone is no longer enough. OEMs demand tighter tolerances, seamless mechanical-electronic integration, audit-ready traceability, and compressed new product introduction (NPI) timelines—all while navigating global supply chain volatility. The convergence of precision machining and electronics manufacturing services (EMS) is becoming not just an advantage, but a necessity.

At IMI Philippines, this convergence is already a reality.

Through a strategic expansion of its mechanical business unit in Laguna, IMI has built a unified manufacturing platform that integrates precision CNC machining, tooling and fixture fabrication, advanced metrology, and electronics manufacturing under one quality system. Leading this transformation is Ashok Parameswaran, Head of Operations, IMI Philippines, who shares how the company is reshaping the role of precision machining within an EMS-driven ecosystem.

In this exclusive interview with International Metalworking News for Asia (IMNA), Ashok explains how integration, engineering discipline, and production-grade metrology are helping global OEMs reduce risk, accelerate launches, and achieve measurable cost advantages.

IMNA: IMI is widely recognised as an EMS provider. What motivated the expansion into precision machining in the Philippines?

Ashok: The expansion was a strategic response to customer needs. Over the years, we observed that mechanical components and electronic assemblies were often sourced from separate suppliers. While that may seem efficient, it introduces coordination gaps, integration risks, and extended validation cycles.

By expanding our precision machining capabilities locally in Laguna, we created a seamless bridge between electronics manufacturing and precision mechanical production. Instead of managing multiple suppliers, customers can now work with a single partner that oversees both mechanical and electronic domains under one governance structure.

This allows IMI to operate as a true one-stop manufacturing partner—from design validation and prototyping to pilot builds and full-scale production. It shortens feedback loops and strengthens accountability.

IMNA: How does this integration translate into faster and more predictable NPI timelines?

Ashok: The biggest impact comes from eliminating supplier handoffs. When machining and EMS are handled separately, mechanical and electronic validations often occur sequentially. This stretches timelines and increases the risk of late-stage design changes.

At IMI Philippines, we run these validations in parallel. Our engineering teams collaborate closely during Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews, aligning mechanical tolerances with electronic assembly requirements early in the process.

A typical engagement begins with an initial response within one to two days, followed by a DFM review in three to five days. Prototype builds are completed within two to four weeks. NPI pilot runs typically take four to eight weeks, and production ramp-up begins from eight weeks onward, depending on product complexity and volume requirements.

Because engineering feedback is consolidated within one organisation, we minimise integration surprises, rework, and approval delays. The result: shorter, more predictable product launches.

IMNA: Precision machining is highly competitive. What differentiates IMI’s machining capabilities?

Ashok: Our differentiation lies in three pillars: advanced equipment, embedded metrology, and EMS alignment.

First, our machining ecosystem includes multi-axis CNC platforms—3-axis, 5-axis, and multi-lathe cells—from globally recognised brands such as TSUGAMI, Okuma, Mazak, and Robodrill. This allows us to manage complex geometries, tight tolerances, and scalable volumes.

Second, metrology is fully integrated into our workflow. We operate ZEISS coordinate measuring machines (CMM), visual measuring systems, calibrated micrometers, and inspection stations embedded across incoming, in-process, and final QA stages. Measurement is not an afterthought—it is built into the engineering discipline from the start.

Third, because we are an EMS provider, mechanical parts are produced with electronic integration in mind. Fixtures, baseplates, housings, and precision components are designed to align seamlessly with PCB assemblies and final product builds. That reduces line adjustments and improves first-pass yield.

IMNA: How do your quality systems create tangible business outcomes for customers?

Ashok: Quality at IMI is not just about compliance—it’s about risk reduction and cost control.

We operate under internationally recognised certifications, including ISO 9001, IATF 16949 for automotive, ISO 13485 for medical devices, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. These frameworks ensure rigorous documentation, traceability, and calibration discipline.

Every part passes through incoming inspection, in-process QA checkpoints, and final buy-off with documented inspection reports. This supports faster PPAP approvals and supplier qualification, especially in regulated sectors.

The direct business impact is measurable: fewer defects, reduced scrap, lower warranty exposure, and faster customer acceptance cycles. When both mechanical and electronic assemblies are governed by the same quality system, misaligned criteria disappear.

IMNA: What industries and applications do IMI Philippines primarily support?

Ashok: We serve a diverse portfolio across automotive, industrial, and electronics sectors.

Applications include cosmetic housings for consumer devices, sensor pins and pressure seals, automotive shells and screws, SMT pallets and reflow fixtures, leak tester jigs, baseplates, and heatsinks. We also produce specialised tooling such as pick-and-place reel holders, soldering fixtures, and motorcycle alignment jigs.

This application diversity strengthens our resilience. By serving multiple verticals, we reduce exposure to cyclical downturns and create cross-sell opportunities—from prototype tooling to full mechanical-electronic assemblies.

IMNA: What strategic advantage does localised precision machining in the Philippines offer global OEMs?

Ashok: Localisation enhances responsiveness. For Asia-based programs, shorter transit times mean faster iteration cycles and reduced freight risk. For customers in Europe and North America, our Philippine operations complement IMI’s global EMS footprint, providing geographic flexibility and supply chain resilience.

It also strengthens program orchestration. Customers can centralise engineering while distributing production across regions for cost optimisation and risk mitigation.

IMNA: Looking ahead, how are automation and digitalisation shaping your roadmap?

Ashok: Automation improves throughput and repeatability. Advanced multi-axis machines and in-process inspection systems reduce manual bottlenecks and increase consistency.

Digitalisation enhances traceability and knowledge reuse. Inspection reports, calibration logs, and CAD/CAM workflows are integrated and searchable, allowing us to accelerate future launches by leveraging historical data.

We use advanced engineering software such as SolidWorks and Autodesk FeatureCAM to address manufacturability early in the lifecycle. However, technology alone is not enough—engineering talent remains the multiplier. Skilled engineers interpret metrology data, conduct DFM reviews, and design custom fixtures that translate equipment capability into production reliability.

IMNA: If you had to summarise IMI Philippines’ value proposition in one statement, what would it be?

Ashok: We provide single-supplier accountability across mechanical and electronic manufacturing—delivering faster NPI cycles, aligned quality systems, reduced risk, and lower total landed cost.

Under Ashok Parameswaran’s leadership, IMI Philippines is redefining precision machining by integrating metrology, mechanical-electronic validation, and audit-ready quality systems into one unified platform. As manufacturing grows more complex, IMI’s model offers speed, precision, and accountability—without the headaches of fragmented supply chains.