Summary. High-mix, low-volume (HMLV) manufacturing bridges the gap between one-off prototyping and high-volume OEM production, offering flexibility, speed, and customization for businesses needing short-run manufacturing. HMLV enables frequent product changeovers, small batch sizes, and rapid design iterations, making it ideal for industries like medical technology, bioscience, and mobile hydraulics where agility is key. It supports OEMs needing specialized subassemblies, engineers developing new products, and companies in the bridge phase between prototype and full-scale production. Unlike OEMs with large minimums or one-off shops lacking scalability, HMLV manufacturers offer quick turnarounds, lower order thresholds, and market responsiveness. Mathison Manufacturing excels in this space by combining scalable production, precision welding, and advanced engineering services like DFM and reverse engineering. Their customer-focused approach includes electromechanical assembly, rigorous quality testing, and end-to-end project management, making them a reliable partner for complex, short-run manufacturing needs.
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Many companies needing short-run production are discovering they don’t fit neatly into the world of high-volume OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) or one-off prototype shops.
High-mix, low-volume manufacturing (HMLV) fills that gap.
What is high-mix, low-volume manufacturing?
High-mix, low-volume manufacturing is exactly what it sounds like: a production process that handles a wide variety of products (the “high mix”) in smaller quantities (the “low volume”), without compromising quality.
HMLV allows for:
- Frequent product changeovers
- Shorter production runs
- Tight-forming tolerances and detailed customization
- Rapid prototyping and iterative design
- Scalability based on shifting demand
Why high-mix, low-volume manufacturing is in such high demand
Agility has always been a top priority for companies, and for many, maintaining agility is a leading competitive advantage. Whether it’s in medical equipment manufacturing, mobile hydraulics, food and beverage equipment, bioscience, or another industry that is always evolving, speed and supply chain responsiveness are critical.
While OEMs often require hundreds or even thousands of units to justify setup costs, and one-off job shops may lack the systems and scalability needed to handle electromechanical assemblies or complex, multi-part projects, HMLV fills several voids by offering:
- Custom production runs without long lead times
- Lower minimum order quantities
- Responsiveness to market changes or customer-specific configurations
- Faster time to market for new ideas
Who benefits most from high-mix, low-volume manufacturing?
High-mix, low-volume manufacturing helps organizations manage complex production needs without committing to large-scale runs. Here are some of the types of companies and teams that benefit most:
#1 OEMs outsourcing specialized subassemblies
OEMs often focus on core product lines produced at scale. However, components requiring precision fabrication, intricate assembly, or small-batch production often fall outside of their in-house capabilities. Outsourcing to a contract manufacturer offering high-mix, low-volume work allows OEMs to maintain quality while avoiding costly retooling.
#2 Product designers and engineering teams
Designers and engineers often need quick-turn production to test concepts, refine performance, or bring early-stage designs to market. HMLV manufacturing supports this with short runs, iterative changes, and prototyping. When paired with services like design for manufacturability (DFM) and reverse engineering, the path from concept to finished product becomes faster and more efficient.
#3 Industries with accelerated innovation cycles
Sectors like medical technology, bioscience, instrumentation, and mobile hydraulics experience rapid evolution due to new regulations, emerging technologies, and ever-changing market demands. HMLV supports these sectors with flexible design updates and small-batch runs that keep companies agile and competitive.
#4 Companies in need of bridge manufacturing
Between early-stage prototyping and full-scale production lies a critical phase. Companies often need a partner who can offer reliable, scalable support while continuing to refine products and designs. HMLV contract manufacturers fill this role nicely, helping their customers grow confidently into larger volume production runs.
Mathison Manufacturing’s high-mix, low-volume capabilities
Mathison Manufacturing specializes in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing, serving that high-demand gap between large-scale OEM production and one-off prototyping. Our HMLV contract manufacturing services are driven and supported by:
Flexible, scalable production
- Rapid prototyping and short-run production
- Tight-tolerance precision welding and assembly
- End-to-end project management
Engineering and technical services
- Design for manufacturability (DFM)
- Reverse engineering and redesign support
- Advanced engineering collaboration
Value-added assembly services
- Electromechanical assemblies
- Final product assembly and integration
- Quality assurance and testing
A solutions-focused mindset
- Fast turnarounds without sacrificing quality
- Customer-centric service
- Adaptable to unique project requirements
Ready to bridge the gap?
If you’re in that middle ground—needing more than a prototype but less than a full OEM run—we welcome the opportunity to consult with you on your next project, no matter how simple or complex.
Call or email us today: 262-542-7296 | info@mathisonmfg.com
Better yet, visit our facility to see how Mathison Manufacturing brings high-mix, low-volume manufacturing to life.
About Mathison Manufacturing
Founded in 1959, Mathison Manufacturing is a trusted partner in precision contract manufacturing, specializing in tight-tolerance sheet metal fabrication, electromechanical assemblies, and complex, high-end solutions. Known for exceptional craftsmanship, responsive service, and a customer-first mindset, Mathison is dedicated to delivering quality products and building lasting partnerships that help customers grow.
Let’s work together on your next project! Contact us today!