WEST CHICAGO, IL - American Standard Circuits and Sunstone Circuits today announced a merger of their respective printed circuit board fabrication operations.

Terms of the deal between the two privately held manufacturers were not disclosed, but all current operations will be maintained, the companies said. Matt Stevenson, who has been with Sunstone more than 17 years, has been named vice president and general manager of the merged entity, ASC Sunstone Circuits.

In a statement, the companies called the deal a "strategic alliance [that] brings numerous advantages to customers."

“Together, we bring an unmatched combination of expertise, capabilities and resources to our customers,” said Anaya Vardya, CEO, American Standard Circuits, in a statement. “This merger will enable us to deliver greater value, innovation and responsiveness, solidifying our position as the premier PCB manufacturing partner.”

The combined firms will offer a broad range of PCB types, materials, and certifications, including single-sided, double-sided, multilayer, RF/microwave, flex/rigid-flex, HDI, ultra HDI, and metal-backed boards.

Sunstone Circuits will continue to offer its quickturn prototype and low-volume services, while ASC, which has multiple operations, provides higher-volume runs.

“The acquisition is complementary,” Vardya elaborated in an interview with PCD&F/CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY. “Sunstone does a lot of quickturn. ASC has many outlets for the follow-on production,” citing facilities in West Chicago and overseas.

There is “virtually no overlap pf customers,” he added.

The addition of Sunstone, which is capable of accelerated prototyping (24-48hr.) and operates outside Portland, OR, gives ASC has factories in the US Central and Pacific time zones, plus overseas.

Sunstone will maintain its dynamic online PCB quoting options and automated front-end design and engineering tools. Customers now have access to a comprehensive and user-friendly design software solution that includes powerful tools for schematic capture, PCB layout and integrated parts library, the companies said.

Sunstone’s longstanding relationship with Screaming Circuits will continue post-merger, while its customers will now have access to ASC’s global sourcing division and network of partners and suppliers of components, materials, and manufacturing services from various locations globally.

“We have customers that require a total solution,” Vardya said. “We always wanted to be a total solution for customers.”

Terry Heilman, CEO, Sunstone Circuits, added: "This merger represents a transformative opportunity for our customers. By leveraging the strengths of both companies, we are positioned to provide a comprehensive range of PCB solutions and deliver unparalleled customer experiences. We are excited to embark on this journey together."

Heilman and Sunstone vice president and COO Rocky Catt will remain with the merged entity for an unspecified period.

One of the older PCB fabricators in the US, Mulino-OR-based Sunstone was founded in 1972 and has 104 employees. American Standard Circuits was founded in 1988.

Vardya said ASC will “continue to look” for other acquisitions. “Our plan is to grow organically and through acquisition. It’s one reason we aligned with private equity a few years ago.”