Will Leverett is the Director of ABL Circuits Ltd, a UK-based firm specializing in printed circuit board (PCB) solutions. He joined the company in 2019 as Head of Engineering and Design, later advancing to his current role. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nottingham. Since joining ABL Circuits, Will has played a key role in the company's growth and success in the electronics manufacturing sector. His dedication to quality and innovation continues to propel the company's excellence in providing comprehensive PCB services to a wide array of industries.
Q. Can you tell us about ABL Circuits? Can you tell us more about your team and facility? What is your PCB Manufacturing Capacity?
Will: ABL Circuits is a premier provider of printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing and assembly services based in Baldock, Hertfordshire. We have been in business for over 40 years and offer high-quality, precision-engineered solutions tailored to meet the needs of our customers.
With decades of expertise in PCB design, prototyping, and full-scale production, ABL Circuits takes pride in delivering fast, reliable, and efficient services to its customers.
The ABL Circuits team comprises skilled engineers, designers, and production staff who bring a wealth of experience and dedication to their work. Known for their attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction, the team ensures every PCB project is executed to the highest standard.
ABL Circuits boasts impressive manufacturing capabilities, designed to meet both small-scale prototyping needs and large-scale production demands.
Q. What type of PCB Services do you offer? Is there a specific service that you specialize in or that drives the majority of your business?
Will: ABL Circuits offers a comprehensive range of PCB services to meet the diverse needs of its customers. These services include design, prototyping, manufacturing, and assembly. Customers are drawn to ABL Circuits because we provide a complete solution all under one roof. This approach not only saves time and money but also simplifies the process by allowing customers to work with a single supplier for all their PCB needs.
Q. Who is your ideal customer in terms of market, size and project? What order size is your sweet spot? Who are some of the customers you work with?
Will: We collaborate with a diverse range of customers across various industries and project sizes. Frequently, we partner with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in the automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors, delivering durable, high-performance PCBs tailored to their needs. One of the most rewarding aspects of our business is working with clients from such a wide array of backgrounds, bringing unique projects from different industries to life.
Q. What Market Sectors do you cater to? Which one is the largest for you?
Will: We serve a wide range of market sectors, providing both PCB manufacturing and assembly solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client and industry. Key sectors we work with include consumer electronics, aerospace and defense, energy and renewable energy, and automotive. Our expertise spans a diverse array of industries, making us a trusted partner across multiple sectors.
With our extensive experience across a wide range of industries, ABL Circuits has become a trusted partner for reliable PCB solutions. We are known for delivering high-quality, high-performance PCBs, coupled with rapid turnaround times to meet the demands of all industries.
Q. Can you tell us about the PCB Services you provide for the TV and Film Industry? What types of PCBs does this industry need?
Will: ABL Circuits has over 40 years of experience providing bespoke PCB solutions for the TV and film industry. Our specialised services cater to the exacting demands of entertainment production, where reliability, safety, and performance are crucial. From safety-critical special effects and pyrotechnic systems to sophisticated lighting controls, we deliver reliable solutions that perform when the cameras are rolling.
Q. Can you tell us about your PCB Prototyping Service? What is the process, timeline and MOQ?
Will: ABL Circuits offers a comprehensive PCB prototyping service designed to provide high-quality prototypes quickly and efficiently. We begin with an in-depth review of the customer's designs to ensure manufacturability and optimise the performance level. Once we have a finalised design the PCB is fabricated using state-of-the-art equipment.
We understand how important it is to our customers to offer flexibility and speed when producing prototypes, which is why we are flexible when it comes to MQO, making it ideal for customers on a tight deadline. Our services are tailored for industries that need rapid, reliable prototypes.
Q. Can you tell us about your PCB Assembly Services? What are the different stages involved in your PCB assembly process?
Will: ABL Circuits offers comprehensive PCB assembly services, prioritizing precision, speed, and quality. Our streamlined assembly process, honed over decades of experience, ensures both accuracy and efficiency.
It begins with a meticulous review of the PCB design and Bill of Materials (BOM), followed by sourcing high-quality components from our trusted suppliers. Some customers prefer to supply their own components, however, over the years, we have built strong relationships with suppliers who consistently provide top-tier components with quick turnaround times.
A critical stage in our process is inspection and testing, where every assembled PCB undergoes rigorous evaluations, including Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) and functional testing, to guarantee reliability and optimal performance.
Q. Do you process all orders in-house? What are the benefits of having PCB design, manufacturing, and assembly all done under one roof at ABL Circuits?
Will: Yes, ABL Circuits processes all orders in-house at our Hertfordshire facility, covering PCB design, manufacturing, and assembly. This onshore, fully integrated approach offers significant advantages, eliminating the risks associated with outsourcing, such as miscommunication, delays, and quality inconsistencies. Our UK-based operation enables close collaboration with customers, ensuring their requirements are met with precision. Additionally, in-house processing allows us to maintain rigorous quality control at every stage, delivering exceptional reliability and performance. By choosing ABL Circuits, customers avoid the logistical challenges and extended lead times often encountered with overseas partners, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience.
Q. How do you differentiate your PCB Services from other PCB companies?
Will: The feedback we consistently receive from our customers highlights our commitment to exceptional customer care, quality, and efficiency as key reasons they choose ABL Circuits. By offering a fully in-house service at our UK facility, we simplify the process for customers, providing a single point of contact and eliminating the need to work with multiple suppliers. This streamlined communication allows clients to reach out at any time, ensuring open and direct collaboration throughout their projects.
Another significant differentiator is our ability to deliver fast turnarounds. We understand the importance of meeting tight deadlines and maintaining smooth production workflows. Our capabilities allow us to offer quick delivery options and even collection services, providing our customers with the flexibility and speed they need to stay on track
Q. Are there any achievements from 2024 that you are particularly proud of?
Will: 2024 has been a fantastic year for ABL Circuits, we have achieved serval milestones that the team has worked hard to achieve and are very proud of. One highlight was being named runner-up in the Supply Chain Excellence category at the Made in Britain Impact Awards. The recognition underscores the commitment to building a reliable, sustainable supply chain that delivers high-quality products on time.
Earlier in the year we also earned the prestigious Made in Britain accreditation, further highlighting our dedication to innovation, quality and excellence in UK manufacturing. These accomplishments not only celebrate our achievements but also set the stage for continued success and growth.
About ABL Circuits
ABL Circuits is a printed circuit board (PCB) company that has been delivering state-of-the-art PCB manufacturing services in the UK for over 40 years. The company has continuously refined its processes to offer the highest quality PCB products with rapid turnaround times. ABL Circuits stands out among PCB assembly companies due to its unwavering commitment to quality. Every PCB is meticulously inspected throughout the production process to ensure that only the highest standard products are delivered. Utilizing advanced technologies and a highly skilled workforce, ABL Circuits ensures that each PCB meets the precise design requirements of its clients, regardless of the industry they serve.
