Five Decades of Excellence: The FermionX Manufacturing Story

In this blog, the Managing Director of FermionX Manufacturing, Will Patrick, shares his insights and experiences at the helm of a leading company in contract electronics manufacturing, known for its expertise in PCB assembly, sub-assemblies, and comprehensive box build solutions. 

A Story That Runs Deep

Navigating the company through two global conflicts, the aftermath of a pandemic, and a component shortage of extraordinary scale has been a steep learning curve. To some, embracing these challenges during widespread uncertainty might seem audacious, or even irrational. Yet, my connection to this company runs deep—it's been a part of my life since birth. 

FermionX Manufacturing was established five decades ago, a time when TVs were adopting colour, personal computers didn’t exist, and electronic calculators were far too big for consumers. Back then, mobile technology was in its infancy, no one knew who Steve Jobs was, and electric cars were dismissed as foolish dreams. Our humble beginnings trace back to my grandad, Cliff Patrick's garage, where he printed the company's first circuit board. Fast forward three decades, and my Dad John steps into the role of MD, overseeing the acquisition of two additional businesses.  

Fostering Leadership and Experience

My journey from Sales Executive to Managing Director has been a rich learning experience. During the early days, I developed a deep understanding of our products and services. It was at this point I grasped the essential truth: a company’s existence hinges on its ability to sell. When I moved into the Sales Manager position, I took on greater responsibilities and further understood the critical connection between sales success and the overall health of the business. It also taught me there is a benefit to focusing on leadership rather than solely your own tasks.  

My transition to Commercial Director marked a pivotal moment in my career, providing exposure to board-level insights and gaining a holistic view of the business at only 27 years old, invaluable to anyone aspiring to lead a company. 

My experiences have helped me develop the knowledge and skills to guide our company's direction. As we approach 2024, FermionX Manufacturing stands as a leading contract electronic manufacturer, supporting client production growth through services that range from PCB assembly and sub-assemblies to fully integrated box build, testing, and shipping fulfilment.  

We have been lucky to work with some incredible customers at the forefront of technology, over the years. From providing vital medical equipment during the pandemic to protecting those working in volatile conditions in the oil and gas industry. We’ve supported start-ups looking to launch products into the market and watched their businesses flourish, as well as working with some customers for over 20 years. Our capability to cater to a diverse array of industries and products attests to our longstanding business presence, a product of our dedication and expertise. 

Building on a Legacy

Entering a family business might seem straightforward, but maintaining its evolution is a different challenge entirely. My family has never settled for stagnation, and neither will I. I hope to continue to elevate FermionX Manufacturing, relying on our driven and knowledgeable team, while fostering innovation to overcome external challenges. I strive to stay ahead of the curve and use the ever-evolving technological advancements to our advantage. 

A benefit of a family business is you have mentors and knowledge from previous generations, but also an acceptance that we are not in this for short-term gains, this is our legacy and the goal is for this business to prosper for many more generations to come.

For more information about the services offered by FermionX Manufacturing, visit their website: https://www.fermionx.com/