ORION MI -- Epec Engineered Technologies has taken an equity stake in Excel Electrocircuit, a quickturn PWB manufacturer located here.

Unlike previous deals, including recent buyouts of FM Circuits and Waytec, the investment by Epec amounts to a minority stake. The actual amount was not disclosed.

Excel Electrocircuit chairman Nipur Shar said in a press release, “With the rush to globalization it has been challenging to profitably make printed circuit boards in North America. However, we have successfully dedicated our business to the military, defense and quickturn PCB sectors. Epec’s investment helps reaffirm our business model is working.”

Epec chairman Greg Klein said, “For some years there has been a progressive migration of the electronics industry to Asia. However, after reviewing our long-range strategic plans and the global trends, we determined that further investing in North American PCB manufacturing will ensure we continue meeting our customers dynamic and growing needs for quick turns, military and ITAR printed circuit boards.”

Excel builds quickturn boards for military and aerospace applications.