Latham Industries Smart Strategies for Growth Start with People
Latham Industries is a Phoenix-based electronics contract manufacturer providing high-quality printed circuit board (PCB) assembly for aerospace, medical, industrial, and security customers. Its services include surface mount, plated-through-hole, and mixed-technology PCB assembly, as well as prototyping, box builds, design and engineering, materials management, BGA reballing, and rework and repair.
Founded in 2016 by owner and CEO Tracey Latham, the company has grown by prioritizing people, quality, state-of-the-art equipment, and emerging growth markets. In 2022, Tracey Latham was named Arizona’s SBA Small Business Person of the Year .
Arizona MEP Supports Latham’s Growth Strategy
Arizona MEP began working with Latham Industries in 2020, starting with a company assessment to better understand business goals and establish a plan of action. During this engagement, Arizona MEP identified an opportunity for Latham to take advantage of Arizona’s Utility Tax Exemption and Refund program, which exempts manufacturers from state and county taxes on utilities.
With Arizona MEP’s guidance, Latham Industries was able to claim refunds on utility taxes paid over the previous four years and secure the exemption for future operations, freeing up capital to reinvest in the business.
Incumbent Worker Training Expands Capabilities
Prior to launching the company, Tracey Latham assessed other PCB assembly providers in the region and identified an opportunity to deliver higher quality using newer technology. From the start, Latham invested in advanced equipment and assembled a team with deep industry experience.
In 2021, Latham leveraged the City of Phoenix Incumbent Worker Training grant to reinvest in employee skills and maximize the capabilities of its equipment. Arizona MEP supported the effort by helping prepare the grant application, identify training priorities, and source qualified trainers.
“The grant allowed us to improve skills, maintain employee certifications, and achieve ISO 9001:2015 certification,” said Latham. “It was hugely beneficial to have Arizona MEP as a partner. Without the grant, it wouldn’t have been possible to complete all of the training at the same time.”
Developing New Growth Markets
Latham Industries differentiates itself on quality, opening the door to new opportunities in regulated industries such as medical devices. To compete in this market, the company pursued ISO 13485:2016 certification, which demonstrates compliance with stringent medical device regulatory requirements.
With Arizona MEP’s assistance, Latham completed an ISO 13485 gap analysis to prepare for a successful audit. The company has since passed the audit and is awaiting final certification. “With ISO 13485 certification, the medical device market opens up a new business opportunity for us,” said Latham.
The incumbent worker training grant also helped cover audit and ISO 9001 training costs, allowing Latham to redirect internal funds toward new equipment purchases and the implementation of a new ERP system. Additional training from equipment manufacturers improved process control and enabled full traceability throughout production.
“From the time parts enter our facility, we can trace them through the entire manufacturing process down to individual reference designators,” said Latham. “That level of traceability is critical for medical and aerospace customers.”
Supporting the Future Manufacturing Workforce
As part of Manufacturing Month, Latham Industries regularly opens its doors to students interested in manufacturing careers. The company has hosted high school student tours and sponsored transportation to ensure students can visit multiple local manufacturers in a single day.
“It’s important for students to see the range of opportunities available in manufacturing,” said Latham. “These tours help them understand what modern manufacturing really looks like.”
Arizona MEP Connects Manufacturers to Growth Resources
Like many small business owners, Latham balances multiple operational responsibilities and does not always have time to research every available resource. Arizona MEP serves as a single point of connection, helping identify programs, funding opportunities, and expertise aligned with business goals.
“What Arizona MEP offers is a huge asset for a small company,” said Latham. “They provide soup-to-nuts support. Our employees gain new skills and certifications, which leads to higher wages, and the company gains credentials that open the door to new customers and future job growth.”