OEM Development

ENGINEERING EXPERTISE. MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE. SUPPLY CHAIN CONFIDENCE.

The most successful OEM programs begin long before production starts. They begin with a supplier capable of supporting engineering development, validation testing, launch readiness, and long-term manufacturing performance.

For more than two decades, Flex Technologies has partnered with leading commercial vehicle, industrial equipment, agricultural, construction, power generation, and specialty vehicle manufacturers to develop and produce high-performance silicone hose systems and assemblies.

Our role extends far beyond manufacturing. We help customers reduce risk, improve performance, accelerate development timelines, and strengthen supply chain resilience.

COMPLETE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

Whether launching a new vehicle platform or improving an existing application, Flex Technologies provides support throughout the entire product lifecycle. Our team collaborates directly with customer engineering, purchasing, supplier quality, and program management teams to develop application-specific solutions optimized for performance, durability, manufacturability, validation, cost, and launch success.

ENGINEERING & DESIGN SUPPORT

• Temperature performance
• Pressure capability
• Vibration resistance
• Service life
• Manufacturability
• Assembly efficiency
• Total system cost
• Supply chain reliability

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PRODUCTS & ASSEMBLIES SUPPORTED

• Charge Air Cooler (CAC) assemblies

• Turbocharger and air intake systems
• Coolant hose systems
• Heater hose systems
• Silicone-to-metal assemblies
• Custom fabricated assemblies
• Specialty silicone components
• Prototype and production silicone hose systems

OEM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS MATRIX

Phase	Activity	Customer Benefit
Concept Review	Application analysis, dimensional review, operating environment review, and design recommendations.	Reduced development risk and clearer technical direction.
Engineering Development	Material selection, reinforcement construction, hose geometry review, and manufacturability planning.	Improved performance, durability, and production feasibility.
Prototype Production	Initial sample production for fit, function, routing, assembly, and customer validation.	Faster design verification and earlier issue detection.
DV/PV Testing	Performance, durability, pressure, dimensional, hardness, and adhesion verification as required by the program.	Improved reliability and better confidence before launch.
APQP Planning	Process flow, PFMEA, control plan, critical characteristics, launch readiness, and risk management.	Reduced launch risk and stronger production discipline.
PPAP Submission	Documentation package, dimensional results, material records, capability evidence, and approval support.	Faster customer approval and smoother production release.
Production Launch	Serial manufacturing using documented processes, inspection controls, traceability, and trained operators.	On-time launch support and consistent manufacturing execution.
Continuous Improvement	Ongoing performance monitoring, corrective action, supplier development, and process optimization.	Long-term supplier performance and continuous cost/quality improvement.

OEM MANUFACTURING CAPABILITY MATRIX

Core Capability	Customer Value
Product engineering support	Improved performance, fit, manufacturability, and total system value.
APQP and PPAP management	Reduced launch risk and better customer approval readiness.
IATF 16949-compliant manufacturing systems	Consistent quality, traceability, and automotive discipline.
Mexicali manufacturing campus	Competitive North American production with improved responsiveness.
USMCA-aligned supply chain strategy	Regional sourcing support and reduced tariff/logistics exposure.
Prototype development	Faster design validation and improved program momentum.
Testing and validation laboratory	Accelerated product approval and reduced technical risk.
Silicone-to-metal assembly expertise	Reduced customer assembly complexity and improved installation efficiency.
Program management	Better communication, milestone tracking, and launch execution.
Continuous improvement systems	Long-term supplier performance and measurable improvement over time.

BUILT AROUND AUTOMOTIVE QUALITY STANDARDS

• IATF 16949-compliant manufacturing systems

• APQP
• PPAP
• PFMEA
• Process Flow Diagrams
• Control Plans
• SPC monitoring
• Traceability systems
• Layered process audits
• Corrective action management
• Supplier development processes
• Documented inspection and production controls

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NORTH AMERICAN MANUFACTURING ADVANTAGE

North American manufucating gives Flex Technologies the ability to offer competitive manufacturing economics while supporting North American customers with improved communication, shorter logistics chains, and stronger regional sourcing alignment.

Mexico / North American Advantage	Customer Benefit
Near-shore manufacturing	Reduced lead times and improved responsiveness compared to long overseas supply chains.
USMCA benefits	Supports North American sourcing initiatives and helps reduce trade exposure.
Cost competitiveness	Competitive manufacturing economics without sacrificing quality system discipline.
Supply chain stability	Reduced geopolitical, ocean freight, and long-distance logistics risk.
Faster engineering response	Improved support for engineering changes, prototypes, launch activities, and urgent production needs.
California headquarters and distribution support	Strong customer interface, technical support, warehousing, and logistics coordination.

VALIDATION & TESTING

• Burst testing
• Hydrostatic testing
• Adhesion testing
• Hardness verification
• Dimensional analysis
• Material verification
• Statistical Process Control
• Production validation
• Incoming and final inspection support

WHY LEADING OEMS CHOOSE FLEX TECHNOLOGIES

What Flex Technologies Delivers	Customer Benefit
Engineering partnership	Better product performance and faster technical resolution.
APQP and PPAP expertise	Faster launch approval and reduced documentation risk.
IATF-compliant systems	Consistent quality and reduced supplier risk.
Mexico manufacturing	Lower total cost and competitive North American production.
North American supply chain	Improved reliability and communication.
Testing and validation	Faster development and reduced product risk.
Program management	Better execution from quote through launch.
20+ years of experience	Greater confidence in long-term supplier performance.