Fab-9: A Silicon Valley-Backed Specialist in High-Mix, Low-Volume PCB Manufacturing
This article is part of the 2025 China Exportsemi – Vietnam Tour series, jointly initiated by Yeehai Global Institute and China Exportsemi. The series highlights outstanding EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services) providers in Vietnam that merit close attention from Chinese semiconductor firms exploring international expansion.
Vietnam’s EMS Landscape: The Rise of Specialized Players
Vietnam’s electronics manufacturing industry has become a global hotspot, with EMS providers assuming increasingly defined roles in the Southeast Asian supply chain. Some pursue large-scale production, others focus on verticals, and still others are backed by major capital or state support. Among them, Fab-9 stands out as a rare, technology-driven American-owned company specializing in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing with a strong focus on semiconductor clients.
1. Silicon Valley Roots, Nearly Two Decades in Vietnam
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in San Jose, California, Fab-9 established its Vietnam operations in 2007 in Dong An Industrial Park, Binh Duong Province—one of the earliest American manufacturers to invest in the region.
Unlike mass-production OEMs, Fab-9 is built around a service model focused on customization, small batch production, and engineering support. Its offerings include:
Advanced multilayer PCB fabrication
PCBA services (SMT and through-hole assembly)
Full system integration and box build
Technical support, rework, and repair services
With clients across the semiconductor, telecommunications, industrial control, medical, and consumer electronics sectors, Fab-9’s semiconductor customers account for over 55% of its business—clearly reflecting its technology-first positioning.
Figure: Vietnamese EMS manufacturers recommend Fab-9
2. A Compact Yet Capable Manufacturing Base
Though not large in size, Fab-9’s Vietnam facility is well-structured and highly specialized:
PCB manufacturing area: 3,250 m², ~100 staff
PCBA & Boxbuild area: 1,950 m², ~120 staff
Project & engineering services area: 1,100 m², ~20 staff
The company is currently building a second production line and plans to relocate to a larger facility within nine months to expand capacity for PCBA and box build services.
3. Advanced PCB Capabilities: Multilayer, High Tg, Low-Loss Materials
Fab-9’s PCB technology ranks among the top tier in Vietnam’s domestic market, with the following highlights:
Supports 2–46+ layer boards, line/space down to 0.002" (~0.05mm)
Minimum drill size of 0.004", suitable for BGA and HDI designs
Copper thickness from ¼ oz to 4 oz, ideal for high-current applications
Flexible lead times: 4–12 days depending on complexity, with daily output up to 660 inner cores + 110 outer panels (18x24")
Material expertise includes:
High Tg laminates: TUC TU-863, Isola 408HR
Low Dk/Df substrates: Rogers 4350, Panasonic Megtron6, Arlon 85N
Eco-friendly & reliable options: Nanya 175FM, all RoHS/REACH compliant
These features make Fab-9 a strong partner for high-frequency, RF, power amplification, and precision analog designs.
Photo: Fab-9, a Vietnamese EMS manufacturer, exhibits equipment at its plant in Vietnam
4. PCBA & Box Build: Tailored for NPI and Engineering-Driven Projects
Fab-9’s assembly services focus on small batches, multiple product variants, and quick changeovers, catering especially to R&D and New Product Introduction (NPI) needs.
Key equipment includes:
EKRA printers (E5, X4)
JUKI KE-3020VAL high-speed pick-and-place
KY8030-3L solder paste AOI, CRX-2000 X-ray
HELLER 1903 MK III reflow, Inertec Cube selective soldering
ICT flying probe testers, PDR IR-E6 BGA rework station
ELECTROVERT & PS-100 cleaning systems
Currently, one full production line is operational, with a second underway to further enhance multitasking capabilities. Fab-9 is also known for its robust rework and repair system, ideal for high-value, customized electronics requiring post-production support.
5. Engineering-Led Structure with Agile Project Response
Fab-9 operates under a project-based, engineering-centered model, featuring:
PCB Manufacturing Group (wet processing, lamination, imaging, drilling, inspection)
Systems & Project Management Group (CAM, DFM, order handling)
PCBA & Box Build Group (including test and rework)
Quality, procurement, logistics, and EHS teams
This structure aligns well with the needs of Chinese clients engaged in small-batch pilot runs, frequent design iterations, and multiple concurrent projects—making it a great match for AI hardware, communication modules, and industrial control systems.
6. Certifications & Quality Systems for Global Compliance
Certified under ISO 9001 since 2007, Fab-9’s products comply with TUV Vietnam’s RoHS testing and REACH 2007 standards for European market access. Its PCBs are UL-listed (E257250).
The Vietnam plant implements full-process quality control and is gradually adopting an internal MES system for real-time traceability—from materials intake and DFM review to production, testing, and shipment.
7. Why Should Chinese Semiconductor Firms Pay Attention to Fab-9?
U.S. roots, Vietnam expertise: Nearly 20 years of local operation in Binh Duong
High-mix, low-volume model: Ideal for mid-sized fabless IC firms, module makers, and AI/IoT hardware startups in early globalization stages
Advanced materials and PCB capabilities: Suited for high-speed, compact, custom boards
Agile engineering team: Optimized for fast-paced NPI cycles and collaborative prototyping
8. Final Thoughts: A Flexible, Tech-Oriented Manufacturing Ally
Unlike large-scale, platform-style manufacturers or national champions, Fab-9 is a nimble, engineering-to-engineering partner. Its strength lies not in size, but in depth of service, material versatility, technical customization, and agile capacity—qualities that matter most in today’s fast-evolving semiconductor landscape.
As we prepare for our upcoming “0621 Vietnam Tour”, Fab-9 exemplifies the type of mid-sized, engineering-led EMS partner that Chinese firms should consider. If your company is exploring overseas production options for small-batch and custom electronics, we welcome you to join the research delegation.
Our “0621 Vietnam Tour” is part of the China Innovation Solutions Global Exchange Delegation series organized by Yeehai Global. Scheduled for June 21–26, 2025, the event will feature site visits to EMS providers in Ho Chi Minh City, Bac Ninh, and beyond. Interested semiconductor professionals are invited to reserve their spot—and we also welcome recommendations for standout manufacturers and co-organizers.
Stay tuned for the next installment in this series.
Related:
Exploring Vietnam’s EMS Sector: Thanh Long Tech (Ⅰ)
Exploring Vietnam’s EMS Landscape: A Field Report on TNEMS – A Rising Force in Central Vietnam (Ⅲ)
China’s Semiconductor Expansion Tour: Spotlight on Vietnamese EMS Providers (Ⅴ)
