Build production-representative hardware, evaluate the manufacturing approach, and resolve remaining build-level risks before production launch.
PEKO provides pilot production services for complex mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical products that have progressed beyond prototype development and are ready for more controlled pre-production builds.
Our engineering and manufacturing teams support the pilot build from preparation through assembly, inspection, testing, and documented follow-up so OEM teams can evaluate the hardware and manufacturing approach before advancing into production launch.
Pilot Production Services for Complex OEM Products
PEKO supports pilot programs when the product definition has matured enough to move into more controlled, production-representative manufacturing.
A PEKO pilot build can bring together production-intent components, manufacturing documentation, tooling and fixtures, assembly methods, inspection requirements, and test procedures within a single controlled build environment.
The goal is not simply to produce a small quantity of units. Pilot production gives the OEM and PEKO an opportunity to exercise the proposed manufacturing approach, identify issues in physical hardware, and determine what should be updated before the program advances.
For programs already working with PEKO through prototype development, the transition into pilot production can also preserve engineering decisions, build history, component knowledge, and test results already developed during earlier NPI stages.
Integrated Support for Pilot Manufacturing
Manufacturing Engineering & Build Preparation
PEKO works with the OEM team to translate the current product definition into an executable manufacturing plan for the pilot run. That may include process flow, assembly sequence, work instructions, manufacturing methods, tooling and fixtures, test fixtures, inspection plans, and test procedures appropriate to the build.
BOM, Components, & Configuration
Complex equipment often combines PEKO-manufactured parts with purchased hardware, electrical components, controls, motion products, and other supplier-sourced items. PEKO can support BOM management, coordinate the components required for the pilot production run, and manage approved substitutions or availability issues that affect the build configuration. Released drawings, specifications, BOMs, and other manufacturing documentation can be maintained under revision control so the physical hardware matches the intended configuration.
Complex Assembly & System Integration
PEKO supports the assembly and integration of complex mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical products. Building the integrated system under controlled pilot conditions can expose issues involving fit, wiring, routing, access, subsystem interfaces, assembly sequence, controls, or testability that may not be apparent when individual parts or subsystems are evaluated independently.
Inspection, Test & Build Findings
PEKO can support dimensional inspection, functional testing, build records, traceability, and other program-specific quality requirements during the pilot run.
Build observations and test results are reviewed with the OEM team and, when changes are approved, can be translated into updated drawings, BOMs, work instructions, tooling, inspection methods, or test documentation for the next controlled configuration.
Closing Pilot Findings Before Production Launch
Pilot production should leave the program with clearer information about the hardware and the manufacturing approach.
PEKO helps OEM teams work through build-level issues identified during the pilot, such as assembly conflicts, tooling or fixture changes, documentation gaps, component-interface issues, inspection findings, or test limitations.
As approved changes are incorporated, the product definition and manufacturing package can be updated to reflect what was learned during the physical build. This gives the OEM a stronger basis for determining whether the program is ready to move into production launch and manufacturing scale-up.
PEKO can then continue supporting qualified programs through production launch, ramp, and recurring contract manufacturing without requiring the product to be transferred to a new manufacturing organization.
Pilot Production FAQs
How is a pilot build different from a prototype build?
Prototype development is primarily used to build, evaluate, and refine the product while significant engineering questions are still being resolved. A pilot build uses a more mature product definition and introduces greater control around manufacturing documentation, assembly methods, tooling, inspection, testing, and configuration.
How many units are included in a pilot production run?
There is no standard quantity. The build size depends on product complexity, open technical and manufacturing risks, test requirements, and what the OEM team needs to learn before advancing.
Can PEKO continue into production after the pilot build?
Yes. PEKO can carry qualified programs from pilot production into production launch and scale-up, and then into recurring contract manufacturing as production requirements mature.
Discuss Your Pilot Production Program
If your product is ready for a more controlled, production-representative build before launch, PEKO can support the engineering, manufacturing, component coordination, assembly, inspection, and test activities required for the pilot program.
Use the form below to share your product, current design maturity, pilot requirements, and expected path toward production.