METHODS AUTOMATION INC

Bare Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing

This includes establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing bare (i.e., rigid or flexible) printed circuit boards without mounted electronic components. These establishments print, perforate, plate, screen, etch, or photoprint interconnecting pathways for electric current on laminates.

Printed Circuit Assembly (Electronic Assembly) Manufacturing

This includes establishments primarily engaged in loading components onto printed circuit boards or who manufacture and ship loaded printed circuit boards. Also known as printed circuit assemblies, electronics assemblies, or modules, these products are printed circuit boards that have some or all of the semiconductor and electronic components inserted or mounted and are inputs to a wide variety of electronic systems and devices.

All Other Miscellaneous Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing

This includes establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing industrial and commercial electric apparatus and other equipment (except lighting equipment, household appliances, transformers, motors, generators, switchgear, relays, industrial controls, batteries, communication and energy wire and cable, wiring devices, and carbon and graphite products). Examples of products made by these establishments are power converters (i.e., AC to DC and DC to AC), power supplies, surge suppressors, and similar equipment for industrial-type and consumer-type equipment.

Illustrative Examples:

Appliance cords made from purchased insulated wire
Battery chargers, solid-state, manufacturing
Door opening and closing devices, electrical, manufacturing
Electric bells manufacturing
Extension cords made from purchased insulated wire
Inverters manufacturing
Surge suppressers manufacturing
Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) manufacturing

Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers

This category includes wholesale trade agents and brokers acting on behalf of buyers or sellers in the wholesale distribution of goods, including those that use the Internet or other electronic means to bring together buyers and sellers. Agents and brokers do not take title to the goods being sold but rather receive a commission or fee for their service. Agents and brokers for all durable and nondurable goods are included in this industry.

Illustrative Examples:

Independent sales representatives
Manufacturers' sales representatives
Group purchasing organizations (acting as agents for goods distribution)

Engineering Services

Establishments in this category are primarly engaged in applying physical laws and principles of engineering in the design, development, and utilization of machines, materials, instruments, structures, processes, and systems. The assignments undertaken by these establishments may involve any of the following activities: provision of advice, preparation of feasibility studies, preparation of preliminary and final plans and designs, provision of technical services during the construction or installation phase, inspection and evaluation of engineering projects, and related services.

Illustrative Examples:

Civil engineering services
Environmental engineering services
Construction engineering services
Mechanical engineering services
Engineers' offices
Robotics automation engineering services

Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services

This includes establishments primarily engaged in providing operating advice and assistance to businesses and other organizations in: (1) manufacturing operations improvement; (2) productivity improvement; (3) production planning and control; (4) quality assurance and quality control; (5) inventory management; (6) distribution networks; (7) warehouse use, operations, and utilization; (8) transportation and shipment of goods and materials; and (9) materials management and handling.

Illustrative Examples:

Freight rate or tariff rate consulting services
Productivity improvement consulting services
Manufacturing management consulting services
Inventory planning and control management consulting services
Transportation management consulting services