In critical industries like aerospace, defence, and industrial controls, legacy electronics aren’t just a matter of history they’re a matter of necessity. Systems designed decades ago still demand support today, and that includes reliable access to components that may no longer be manufactured. That’s where Force Technologies comes in.
With over 40 years of experience in custom IC assembly, Force is a proven partner for organisations navigating the challenges of obsolescence and sustainment especially when standard supply chains fall short.
Beyond Supply: A Complete Assembly Ecosystem
Force’s long-term assembly and storage programme isn’t just about keeping inventory on a shelf it’s about preserving complete build capability. That means storing not only bare die but also critical packages, lids, chemicals, and epoxies, many of which are themselves now obsolete or in limited production.
“We don’t just offer solutions for today,” explains Ben Savage, Application manager for Force Technologies. “We build a pathway for the next 10–15 years, ensuring that our customers will receive the exact same product tomorrow that they ordered yesterday.”
This philosophy of consistency is critical in regulated industries where component variance is not an option. That’s why Force invests in nitrogen storage facilities, adhering to leading standards such as J-STD-033, to maintain material integrity over time.
Custom and Off-the-Shelf Packaging Expertise
One of the lesser-discussed but increasingly urgent issues in obsolescence management is IC packaging. Packages like ceramic DIP, CQFP, and other legacy styles are often discontinued once volume drops. Recreating tooling or securing small-batch production can be prohibitively expensive.
At Force, the solution is proactive:
- Stocking hard-to-find packaging types before they go end-of-life
- Custom assembly services for devices requiring non-standard or bespoke packages
- Windowed EPROMs and frit-seal lids kept in inventory for future builds
Helping Engineers Think Ahead
One of the key roles Force plays is guiding customers to think holistically about their product lifecycle encouraging them to invest not just in die, but in every element required for future production. That includes epoxy compounds, lids, substrates, and niche packaging that can easily become a bottleneck.
“Customers are under pressure to think short-term. But if they want reliable production five or ten years down the line, they need to consider the whole ecosystem now.”
Summary: Why Force Technologies?
If you’re facing the reality of an obsolete IC with years of production still ahead, you need more than just a supply partner you need a build partner.
Force Technologies offers:
- Decades of IC assembly experience
- Onsite nitrogen storage following J-STD-033
- Custom and off-the-shelf packaging options
- Legacy die and packaging material management
- AS9100 compliance and traceability
Need to extend the life of your critical systems?
Talk to our team today about long-term IC assembly and how we can future-proof your projects.
Written by
Charlotte HughesCommercial Director, Force Technologies
Charlotte Hughes is Commercial Director at Force Technologies with a degree and Masters in Psychology and is an accredited Applied Behaviour Analyst. She transitioned from internal sales and operations to managing sales, key accounts, and the distribution network. Charlotte actively participates in industry events and memberships, leveraging her expertise in sales, customer service, procurement, and product management within the electronics obsolescence sector.
Charlotte regularly engages with and attends events hosted by organisations Force Technologies is a member of, such as Joscar, Make UK Defence, Aerospace Wales and the International Institute of Obsolescence Management – all with the aim of networking, gaining and sharing industry knowledge and expertise.
Specialisms
Charlotte specialises in sales, customer service, product procurement, product management, and operations. She holds Associate Member status from the International Institute of Obsolescence Management.
Certifications
Charlotte holds Associate Member status from the International Institute of Obsolescence Management.