TP-Link plans US router assembly with Key Tronic
TP-Link Systems has signed a letter of intent with US contract manufacturer Key Tronic to assemble its network routers in Corinth, Mississippi. The first products off the line are expected to be TP-Link’s Wi-Fi 8 home networking range, with assembly starting as early as next year, pending US regulatory approval.
Under the letter of intent, Key Tronic would become a primary US manufacturing partner for TP-Link, according to a press release from TP-Link. The agreement is not yet binding. The parties say they intend to establish the partnership as part of TP-Link’s plan to build up domestic manufacturing and make its supply chain more resilient.
“This LOI with Key Tronic demonstrates our firm commitment to expanding domestic advanced manufacturing, and establishing America as our base for delivering secure, reliable connectivity solutions to households and businesses around the world,” says Jeffrey Chao, CEO of TP-Link Systems.
TP-Link Systems is headquartered in Irvine, California, and sells its networking and smart home products in more than 170 countries. The release puts strong emphasis on the company being US-based and on supply chain security, but it does not say which regulatory approval the start of assembly depends on.
Key Tronic provides design, sourcing and manufacturing services from facilities in the US, Mexico and Vietnam.
“Our production footprint will give TP-Link a strong domestic foundation, and our experience in high-reliability electronics manufacturing will help support the company’s new generation of Wi-Fi 8 technologies,” says Brett Larsen, President and CEO of Key Tronic.
The companies have not disclosed the expected volumes, the size of the investment or how many jobs the production would create.
