As the leading telecommunication and consumer electronics companies moved more production to Asia, ITW acquired Stokvis Tapes and M&C Specialties, both with facilities in Shenzhen, China and other locations throughout the country for a total of five business units. Stokvis offers over 3,000 self adhesive tapes with superb functionality, and M&C Specialties is a leading manufacturer of advanced, die-cut screens produced in innovative “clean room” environments. Both products are essential to the production of mobile phones, navigation devices, e-books and other consumer electronics.

Stokvis and M&C Specialties give ITW an edge through their early supplier involvement strategy. For example, Stokvis’s network of engineers is located in close proximity to its customers’ Chinese design centers, where they work with R&D teams to develop and quickly prototype materials and custom die-cuts for ever-changing customer needs.

And with many locations throughout the world, Stokvis and M&C can minimize the project management and logistical challenges of their global customers. Drawing on multiple businesses to develop solutions throughout the supply chain isn’t possible for most companies—but it’s how ITW is sustaining and growing many of its relationships.