### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog Title: Resources for New Product Development | Hatch Meta Description: The Hatch team shares tips and insights on topics ranging from new product development to manufacturing in our blog. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog ## Headings Structure: H1: Resources H2: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H2: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H2: Hatch Named mHUB 2026 Fourth Revolution Awards Finalist for Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturer of the Year H2: Inside EVT: Engineering Verification Test Phase Done Right H2: What Are EVT, DVT, & PVT? Hatch’s Guide to Product Development and Manufacturing Verification H2: Join Us for “Tariff Therapy” with Addison Merchut, A Workshop at mHUB for Smarter Product Development H2: The Power of Our Manufacturing Plant Layout: Inside Hatchworx Cells H2: Q2 2025: What's Crackin H2: Hatch Product Development Ranks No. 21 in Manufacturing on the 2025 Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies H2: Hatch Sponsors Private Airport Hangar Pitch Competition at Tech Chicago Week H2: Hatch Named One of 25 Winners of the 2025 Chicago Inno Fire Awards H2: Hatch Licenses Advanced EV Charging Technology from Argonne National Laboratory H2: Q1 2025: What's Crackin H2: Switching Contract Manufacturers? Here’s What You Need To Know H2: How Tooling Manufacturers Support Low, Medium, and High-Volume Production H2: Common Product Manufacturing Challenges and How to Overcome Them H2: 2025 Tech Trends from CES H2: Q4 2024: What's Crackin H2: TAA Compliance: What It Is and How Hatch Contract Manufacturing Delivers H2: The Difference Between 3D Printing vs Injection Molding H2: Questions to Ask Your Tool Manufacturers H2: How Hatch Contract Manufacturing Is Navigating US Import Tariffs H2: Firmware vs Software vs Hardware: The Power of an All-in-One Development Approach H2: How to Transition Firmware from an Evaluation Kit to a Fully Customized PCB Prototype Board Assembly H2: Hatch Product Development Achieves Dual Certification in ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 H2: The Benefits of Partnering with a Consumer Electronics Contract Manufacturing Company H2: Q3 2024: What's Crackin H2: Why Contract Manufacturing Companies Are Key to Scalable Production H2: What is tooling in manufacturing? H2: Q2 2024: What's Crackin H2: Announcing Hatch CM's ISO 9001:2015 Certification H2: Q4 2023 & Q1 2024: What's Crackin H2: Navigating the Intricacies of FCC Testing H2: Q3 2023: What's Crackin H2: Hatch Featured on Company Week by Sustainment H2: Q2 2023: What's Crackin H2: What is Design for Manufacturing? H2: Q1 2023: What's Crackin H2: 8 Steps for the Most Effective Software Development Process H2: What You Should Know Before You Hire Mobile App Developers H2: Free Product Requirements Worksheet H2: 3 Traits Your New Product Development Partner Must Have H2: Things to Ask When Hiring a Product Design and Development Firm H2: The Requirement of Businesses, Teams and Product Development in 2021 H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Resources H2: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H2: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H2: Hatch Named mHUB 2026 Fourth Revolution Awards Finalist for Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturer of the Year H2: Inside EVT: Engineering Verification Test Phase Done Right H2: What Are EVT, DVT, & PVT? Hatch’s Guide to Product Development and Manufacturing Verification H2: Join Us for “Tariff Therapy” with Addison Merchut, A Workshop at mHUB for Smarter Product Development H2: The Power of Our Manufacturing Plant Layout: Inside Hatchworx Cells H2: Q2 2025: What's Crackin H2: Hatch Product Development Ranks No. 21 in Manufacturing on the 2025 Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies H2: Hatch Sponsors Private Airport Hangar Pitch Competition at Tech Chicago Week H2: Hatch Named One of 25 Winners of the 2025 Chicago Inno Fire Awards H2: Hatch Licenses Advanced EV Charging Technology from Argonne National Laboratory H2: Q1 2025: What's Crackin H2: Switching Contract Manufacturers? Here’s What You Need To Know H2: How Tooling Manufacturers Support Low, Medium, and High-Volume Production H2: Common Product Manufacturing Challenges and How to Overcome Them H2: 2025 Tech Trends from CES H2: Q4 2024: What's Crackin H2: TAA Compliance: What It Is and How Hatch Contract Manufacturing Delivers H2: The Difference Between 3D Printing vs Injection Molding H2: Questions to Ask Your Tool Manufacturers H2: How Hatch Contract Manufacturing Is Navigating US Import Tariffs H2: Firmware vs Software vs Hardware: The Power of an All-in-One Development Approach H2: How to Transition Firmware from an Evaluation Kit to a Fully Customized PCB Prototype Board Assembly H2: Hatch Product Development Achieves Dual Certification in ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 H2: The Benefits of Partnering with a Consumer Electronics Contract Manufacturing Company H2: Q3 2024: What's Crackin H2: Why Contract Manufacturing Companies Are Key to Scalable Production H2: What is tooling in manufacturing? H2: Q2 2024: What's Crackin H2: Announcing Hatch CM's ISO 9001:2015 Certification H2: Q4 2023 & Q1 2024: What's Crackin H2: Navigating the Intricacies of FCC Testing H2: Q3 2023: What's Crackin H2: Hatch Featured on Company Week by Sustainment H2: Q2 2023: What's Crackin H2: What is Design for Manufacturing? H2: Q1 2023: What's Crackin H2: 8 Steps for the Most Effective Software Development Process H2: What You Should Know Before You Hire Mobile App Developers H2: Free Product Requirements Worksheet H2: 3 Traits Your New Product Development Partner Must Have H2: Things to Ask When Hiring a Product Design and Development Firm H2: The Requirement of Businesses, Teams and Product Development in 2021 Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing is named a 2026 mHUB Fourth Revolution Awards finalist for Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturer of the Year. Understand what to expect during the EVT (Engineering Verification Test) phase of product development from first functional builds to validation testing and early design refinements. Learn what EVT, DVT, & PVT mean in product development, what happens in each verification phase, and how they lead to reliable, scalable manufacturing. Learn practical strategies to reduce costs and optimize your supply chain through smart product development, engineering, and strategic sourcing decisions. Discover how Hatch’s unique manufacturing plant layout, powered by modular Hatchworx cells, enables unmatched flexibility, scalability, and efficiency for both startups and established companies. Read the Q2 2025 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features the FOX Touchpoint, licensed EV charging technology from Argonne National Laboratory, switching contract manufacturers, and more. With three-year revenue growth of 724%, this marks Hatch Product Development’s first time on the Inc 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America. Hatch is proud to sponsor a highly anticipated event of Tech Chicago Week, the Private Airport Hangar Pitch Competition, taking place Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 7:30 to 10:30 PM in Chicago’s only private airport hangar. Hatch Product Development has been named one of 25 winners of the 2025 Chicago Inno Fire Awards by Chicago Inno and the Chicago Business Journal, recognizing its role in transforming U.S. manufacturing and driving innovation across the Midwest. Hatch licenses EV charging tech from Argonne National Laboratory, advancing smart grid integration and U.S. manufacturing in the electric mobility space. Read the Q1 2025 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features articles on product manufacturing challenges, tooling for different volume productions, and more. Thinking about switching contract manufacturers? Learn more about what to consider before making the move. Learn how Hatch works with tooling manufacturers to support low, medium, and high-volume production to achieve cost-effective and scalable solutions. Discover common product manufacturing challenges and how to overcome them from supply chain disruptions to TAA compliance, FCC testing, and US import tariffs. Explore the top 2025 tech trends from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), including AI, EVs, smart energy ecosystems, robotics, and AR/VR innovations. Read the Q4 2024 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features an article on TAA Compliance, Hatch's dual certification in ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 and more. Learn how Hatch is able to offer TAA compliant solutions to provide customers with the highest quality products while meeting sourcing needs. Understanding the differences between 3D printing vs injection molding can help you make the right choice for your project, whether you're prototyping or preparing for mass production. When evaluating tool manufacturers, it’s important to consider how quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness are assessed. At Hatch, a US-based contract manufacturer, we take a results-driven approach to tooling, material selection, and quality assurance. US import tariffs have become a tool used by governments for political clout. Hatch Contract Manufacturing remains unfazed due to a proactive approach in mitigating supply chain risk. In product development, the lines between firmware vs software vs hardware are increasingly intertwined. Understand the differences and how our all-in-one approach is critical to deliver a smooth and reliable user experience. Explore the critical steps to transition from an off-the-shelf evaluation kit (EVK) to a fully customized PCB prototype board assembly with insights into Hatch’s firmware development and advanced prototyping. Hatch Product Development, a product development engineering and contract manufacturing firm, has earned dual certification in ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016. Partnering with a consumer electronics contract manufacturing company can be a game-changer. By leveraging the expertise, resources, and scalability of Hatch’s contract manufacturing services, businesses can streamline their production processes, reduce costs, and focus on what they do best—innovation. Read the Q3 2024 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features a product spotlight on SimPull from The Patient Company and recent ongoings at Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing. By partnering with contract manufacturing companies such as Hatch, businesses can leverage the expertise, resources, and scalability needed to meet market demands without the overhead and complexity of in-house production. Learn what tooling in manufacturing is and why it's critical for efficient production processes. From vacuum cleaners to kitchen gadgets, many items you likely use on a daily basis began their journey to your home with a process called tooling. Read the Q2 2024 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features a product spotlight on OptiQ EVSE and recent ongoings at Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing. As Hatch Contract Manufacturing has grown, we've strived to continuously improve our processes and elevate our commitment to excellence. That's why we're thrilled to announce a significant milestone: achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification! Read the Q4 2023 & Q1 2024 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features a product spotlight on Ovie LightTags and recent ongoings at Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing. In the world of product development and manufacturing, ensuring compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) standards is not just a best practice – it’s a legal requirement. The FCC mandates specific tests to guarantee that electronic devices function safely without causing or succumbing to electronic interference. Read the Q3 2023 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features a product spotlight on TegoTech and recent ongoings at Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing. Company Week by Sustainment recently interviewed Mark Schwartz and published a profile on Hatch Product Development. In the interview, Schwartz discusses how he and the team at Hatch Product Development have embraced the principle of client defined manufacturing, which involves understanding customers' specific needs and desires when sourcing materials for their products. Read the Q2 2023 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features a product spotlight on Mammoth Products and recent ongoings at Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing. Design for Manufacturing (DFM) focuses on optimizing a product design for the process of manufacturing. When a product is designed with manufacturing in mind, steps are made early in the development process to reduce waste, optimize cost, and improve quality. Read the Q1 2023 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features a product spotlight on SHREDmill and recent ongoings at Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing. The software development process is an iterative cycle that is structured to deliver the best quality product that meets the needs of the customer. Once you’ve made the decision to create an app, one of the first questions you’ll need to answer is how you plan to develop the product. In this blog, we’ve outlined three ways to hire mobile app developers, and what you should know about each option. Our free downloadable Product Requirements Document worksheet will help you get your product development team aligned around the features and purpose of your new product or solution. Product development is a complex process that requires a strong product development team. Here are three traits to look for in your new partner. This free downloadable worksheet can be used as a guide for hiring a PD firm to help improve your product development process. On what I hope is the tail-end of one of the most unpredictable 14 months in recent history, I’ve reflected on what is required in 2021. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/careers Title: Careers | Open Positions at Hatch Meta Description: If you're looking for a challenging, yet rewarding career in product development and contract manufacturing, Hatch has open positions. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/careers ## Headings Structure: H1: Careers H2: Join our team of creators and problem solvers H2: Build the future with us H2: Why Hatch? H3: Innovative Environment H3: Collaborative Culture H3: Real-World Impact H3: Work with Industry Veterans H2: Open Positions H2: Employee Benefits H2: Don't see your perfect fit? H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Careers H2: Join our team of creators and problem solvers H2: Build the future with us H2: Why Hatch? H3: Innovative Environment H3: Collaborative Culture H3: Real-World Impact H3: Work with Industry Veterans H2: Open Positions H2: Employee Benefits H2: Don't see your perfect fit? At Hatch, we don’t just develop products; we create possibilities. As a leading contract manufacturing firm specializing in hardware, software, and firmware solutions, we bring innovative ideas to life with precision, efficiency, and a commitment to excellence. But what truly sets us apart is our people. Our team of industry veterans is dedicated to improving practices, fostering creativity, and working collaboratively to deliver exceptional results. When you join Hatch, you’re becoming part of a culture that thrives on innovation and teamwork. We believe in empowering our team members to grow both personally and professionally. Work alongside some of the best minds in the industry to solve complex challenges and redefine what’s possible. At Hatch, every voice matters. We foster an open, inclusive atmosphere where ideas are celebrated and teamwork drives success. Contribute to projects for cutting-edge companies, from startups to industry giants. Learn from a team with decades of experience delivering world-class solutions across hardware, software, and manufacturing. At Hatch, we're always looking for talented individuals who share our passion for innovation and excellence. If you don't see a current opportunity that matches your skills, we'd still love to hear from you! --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/contact Title: Contact Hatch | Product Development Services Meta Description: If you'd like to discuss product development services and contract manufacturing at Hatch, please send us a message. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/contact ## Headings Structure: H1: Let's Talk H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Let's Talk Get in touch with our team today to discuss product development and contract manufacturing services. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/work/speede-fitness-equipment Title: Speede Fitness | Built by Hatch Meta Description: Hatch worked with Speede Fitness to develop a device that builds strength in a fraction of the time it takes lifting with traditional weights in the gym. Hatch's agile product development capabilities, including engineering and prototyping, enabled a high quality final product. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/work/speede-fitness-equipment ## Headings Structure: H1: Revolutionizing Fitness with the Speede Fitness Strength-Building Equipment H2: The Challenge H2: Development H3: Assembly H2: Speede Fitness Alpha Launch H3: Render H3: Reality H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Revolutionizing Fitness with the Speede Fitness Strength-Building Equipment H2: The Challenge H2: Development H3: Assembly H2: Speede Fitness Alpha Launch H3: Render H3: Reality Speede had a vision for a fitness device that builds strength in a fraction of the time it takes lifting with traditional weights in the gym. They had a tight deadline of just three and a half months to build a finished prototype, which is why they turned to Hatch to deliver their product requirements quickly and expertly. The Hatch team went to work with both quality and efficiency in mind. "I had an idea and a vision for what I wanted, and Hatch quickly turned it into a reality. I am blown away by how efficiently they were able to build a fully functional alpha prototype. People are speechless when I tell them that it's just the prototype. Using the machine for the first time is something I've been envisioning for years and will never forget. I don't think there's any other design firm that could have delivered this high quality of a device while meeting ambitious deadlines. they are tremendous at what they do and have been a pleasure to work with." Daniel Mooney | Co-Founder + President of Speede Fitness Hatch worked hand in hand with the Speede Fitness team through the process of bringing their product to life, which included mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, user interface design, industrial design, and software development. The aggressive timeline was made possible by the hardworking, agile team at Hatch. The client's dream quickly evolved from sketches and renders to a developed product. Staying organized and efficient was key to ensuring that this product would hit startup milestones. The team began designing and engineering the device while also building out multiple benchtop prototypes focusing on different functionality of the device. Once the design was complete, Hatch built a working alpha prototype of the unit to prove out the functionality and usability. Since the prototype was intended to be used at a launch event for athletes and potential investors to test out the unit, Hatch created a prototype that was more than a typical engineering alpha prototype. This is a high-end prototype, which is why the team put extra attention and care into creating a device that would be ready to show off to potential customers and investors at the event. The final alpha prototype was built with extreme attention to branding design and details. It is both sleek and functional, and was ready to be shown off at the customer's launch event where pro athletes and investors came to test it out. The device was able to handle over 1100 pounds of workout force from world-renowned athletes. "I just could not believe that I did five reps of curls, and I felt like I'd been doing curls for two and a half hours." Michael Chandler | MMA Fighter after using the Speede alpha prototype A weightless workout is smarter, more efficient, and more effective. Isokinetic training allows improved performance & strength during workouts. Safely build strength faster to accelerate results. "You're cutting your lifting time in half just by doing those reps [with this device]." Terrell Owens | Pro Football Hall of Fame Pro athletes, investors, and clients attended the launch, and provided extremely positive feedback, thus validating Speede's product and Hatch's design and prototype build. The technology-driven equipment was created successfully in the aggressive three and a half month timeline, and allows the user to workout safely, effectively, and efficiently. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team Title: About Hatch | Contract Manufacturer | Product Development Meta Description: Meet the team at Hatch, a product development firm and contract manufacturer located near Chicago, Illinois. We have a diverse team of domestic and overseas product designers and engineers. Together, we deliver next-generation products. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team ## Headings Structure: H2: About Hatch H1: Meet your product design team & trusted contract manufacturer H2: A Global Team H2: What we value H3: Pragmatic H3: Radical Transparency H3: Growth & Learning H3: Entrepreneurial H2: The People Who Power Every Product H2: Investors H2: Certifications & Awards H2: Recognized & Certified for Excellence in Product Design and as a Trusted Contract Manufacturer H2: Partners H2: Help shape the products of tomorrow H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H2: About Hatch H1: Meet your product design team & trusted contract manufacturer H2: A Global Team H2: What we value H3: Pragmatic H3: Radical Transparency H3: Growth & Learning H3: Entrepreneurial H2: The People Who Power Every Product H2: Investors H2: Certifications & Awards H2: Recognized & Certified for Excellence in Product Design and as a Trusted Contract Manufacturer H2: Partners H2: Help shape the products of tomorrow Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing is a global product development firm and contract manufacturer with the business acumen, industry network, and combined engineering expertise to product products for a wide variety of highly regulated industries in accelerated timelines. Headquartered just outside of Chicago with an international team, Hatch is a full-service product development firm and contract manufacturer that brings your product vision to life. Whether you're an early-stage startup or an established brand ready to scale, we help you move with purpose through every stage of development: from concept and prototyping to tooling and contract manufacturing. At Hatch, our values guide how we work, how we solve problems, and how we show up for our partners. These principles keep us focused, honest, and continually evolving. We don't over-engineer or chase complexity for its own sake. We focus on what works, what moves the needle, and what gets products into the real world. We believe trust is built through openness. We're direct about tradeoffs, honest about risks, and clear about what it takes to deliver. We're obsessed with improvement of our systems, our skills, and ourselves. Every project is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and get better. At Hatch, our values guide how we work, how we solve problems, and how we show up for our partners. These principles keep us focused, honest, and continually evolving. Hatch has partnered with companies who provide additional support to our clients. Get in touch with the Hatch team to learn more. If this sounds like the kind of product development and contract manufacturer team you want to be part of, explore our open roles at Hatch. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/manufacturing Title: Contract Manufacturing | Hatch CM Meta Description: Hatch Contract Manufacturing (Hatch CM) work with clients to provide US-based contract manufacturing for products. We bring a fresh approach to stateside manufacturing. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/manufacturing ## Headings Structure: H2: Hatch CM: Domestic Contract Manufacturing Simplified H1: Hatch Contract Manufacturing Services H3: Mass Production H3: Environmental Stress Screening H3: Manufacturing Test H3: Cable Assembly H3: Low Volume Manufacturing H3: Engineering Pilot Build H3: Product Certification Testing H3: Manufacturing Tooling H3: Supply Chain Management H3: Sustaining Engineering H2: Design/Build: The Process H2: US-Based Contract Manufacturing Facility H2: Come Visit Us H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H2: Hatch CM: Domestic Contract Manufacturing Simplified H1: Hatch Contract Manufacturing Services H3: Mass Production H3: Environmental Stress Screening H3: Manufacturing Test H3: Cable Assembly H3: Low Volume Manufacturing H3: Engineering Pilot Build H3: Product Certification Testing H3: Manufacturing Tooling H3: Supply Chain Management H3: Sustaining Engineering H2: Design/Build: The Process H2: US-Based Contract Manufacturing Facility H2: Come Visit Us The Hatch team works with you to provide US-based contract manufacturing for your product. Our team has over 20 years of experience in market-leading product engineering, innovation, and design for manufacturing. We have a proven design-build model for efficient production. Our nimble, fresh approach allows adaptability to supply chain changes. By beginning contract manufacturing planning during design phases, Hatch is involved with every element of your product's design and suppliers. We offer comprehensive contract manufacturing services for your product. Our full-service production facility is located in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. We work closely with you to deliver high-quality manufacturing and sourcing services based on transparent operations. The Hatch CM manufacturing facility is located in a northern suburb of Chicago: Waukegan, Illinois. Get in touch with our team to learn more.2330 Ernie Krueger CircleWaukegan, IL 60087 --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/work/shredmill Title: SHREDmill | Designing for Manufacturability | Built by Hatch Meta Description: Hatch worked with SHREDmill to build a unique training "treadmill" designed to maximize an athlete's speed potential. By designing for manufacturability, Hatch prepared the device for production. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/work/shredmill ## Headings Structure: H1: SHREDmill: Designing for Manufacturability H2: The Challenge H2: Development H3: Prototyping H2: Manufacturing H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: SHREDmill: Designing for Manufacturability H2: The Challenge H2: Development H3: Prototyping H2: Manufacturing SHREDmill is a unique training “treadmill” that is designed to maximize an athlete’s speed potential. The team at SHREDmill came to Hatch with an existing product design that needed to be manufactured. Although the proof of concept prototype was able to prove the initial idea, it was not yet ready to be mass produced. The device was heavy, expensive, and inconsistent in its design. Additionally, the client wanted to incorporate an IoT sensor into the product to enable connectivity with a new app. The Hatch team started working with the existing CAD data to review design processes and manufacturability. The team did a gap analysis study based on customer feedback of the current design. Using this information, the Hatch team redesigned the components in a streamlined way that also reduced the BOM and shipping costs. Lastly, the team improved the drawings in such a way that they communicated critical information to Hatch’s partnered vendors. In parallel, the team incorporated an IoT sensor into the device that connects with a new mobile app, designed by Hatch. This enables SHREDmill users to record workouts and view their progress and results via the app. In order to prepare for manufacturing SHREDmill at Hatch CM, the team built prototypes for design verification. By prototyping a small quantity, the team was able to assess the quality of the components ahead of manufacturing. Using Hatch’s existing relationships with trusted vendors, the team improved the parts to ensure a high quality manufactured product. This also allowed line workers to be trained ahead of large scale manufacturing. “Hatch’s pragmatic approach to the DFM and design verification process led to the absolute best manufacturable version of our product.” By using both Hatch’s in-house design and manufacturing teams, the transition to building the product was seamless. The engineers who worked on the product designs also assisted with creating a smooth final-assembly manufacturing line. The Hatch team procured material and managed inventory using cost effective oversea partners. Once the parts were delivered to Hatch, the previously trained line workers were able to expertly assemble the units. Finally, the quality control team ensured the delivery of a high quality, American manufactured product. “The SHREDmill has helped me tremendously. Just from the technique of having to run correctly, you can see how people’s stride length and power improve.” Anquan Boldin | Former NFL Player SHREDmill has been highly acclaimed by elite athletes ranging from the NFL to MMA and more. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/work Title: Featured Work | Built by Hatch Meta Description: The Hatch team has designed and built a variety of products ranging from consumer products, IoT, connectivity, and more. We work with passionate entrepreneurs and visionary leaders to deliver next-generation products. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/work ## Headings Structure: H1: Our Work H2: Driving Forward FOX's Suspension Control System with the Touchpoint H2: Manufacturing the RugGear RG540 Industrial Phone for Mission-Critical Communications H2: Streamlining Lateral Patient Transfers with SimPull from The Patient Company H2: Building OptiQ, a Next Gen Smart EV Charger, with Argonne National Laboratory H2: Bringing Smart Food Storage to Fruition with Ovie LightTags H2: Tego Safety Outlet Plugs H2: LORE Products Offroading Doors for Jeeps H2: SHREDmill: Designing for Manufacturability H2: Revolutionizing Fitness with the Speede Fitness Strength-Building Equipment H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Our Work H2: Driving Forward FOX's Suspension Control System with the Touchpoint H2: Manufacturing the RugGear RG540 Industrial Phone for Mission-Critical Communications H2: Streamlining Lateral Patient Transfers with SimPull from The Patient Company H2: Building OptiQ, a Next Gen Smart EV Charger, with Argonne National Laboratory H2: Bringing Smart Food Storage to Fruition with Ovie LightTags H2: Tego Safety Outlet Plugs H2: LORE Products Offroading Doors for Jeeps H2: SHREDmill: Designing for Manufacturability H2: Revolutionizing Fitness with the Speede Fitness Strength-Building Equipment --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/work/lore-products Title: LORE Products Doors for Jeep | Built by Hatch Meta Description: Hatch worked with LORE Products to create the Wild Door, a "ten-second" offroading door for Jeeps. With five configurations, the doors for Jeeps can deliver a completely open-air experience or adjusted for complete coverage. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/work/lore-products ## Headings Structure: H1: LORE Products Offroading Doors for Jeeps H2: The Challenge H2: Development H2: Alpha Prototype of Doors for Jeeps H2: Feedback H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: LORE Products Offroading Doors for Jeeps H2: The Challenge H2: Development H2: Alpha Prototype of Doors for Jeeps H2: Feedback The LORE Products Wild Door is a “ten-second” offroading door for Jeeps. This tube door has five configurations that can be achieved in mere seconds. The door can be a completely open-air door, but as soon as unexpected weather conditions hit, the door can be reconfigured for complete coverage. The family behind LORE Products has been dreaming of this product for years. They saw a clear market need and decided to pursue making it a reality. To do this, they were looking for a partner who could take their initial prototype and iterate on it to refine the design, build more prototypes for testing and marketing, and ultimately manufacture the product. The team started with LORE Products’ existing design and prototype. The design needed refinement to make it a lightweight, sleek product that fits on a Jeep JL. The center console was designed in a way that it could be quickly attached to the tubular frame. This center console houses two independent retractable covers: a clear cover for the top half and an opaque fabric for the bottom half. Both covers attach via Velcro to the door frame to keep the fabric in place. The team used the new design to create an Alpha Prototype of the Wild Door. The Alpha Prototype served two main purposes. First, it enabled testing of the product to ensure how it fits on a Jeep and its performance. Second, it served as a working prototype for the LORE Products team to debut at their first event, Jeep Beach 2023 in Daytona Beach, Florida. The initial feedback of the Alpha Prototype was fantastic. Attendees at Jeep Beach 2023 were thrilled to learn about the Wild Door’s existence, and the comments on social media have been extremely positive. “Definitely a game changer for sure.” “Yes! Love this new tube door concept by [LORE] Products! Can’t wait for them to be put in production!!!” “I think you’ve got a hit on your hands and we’re anxiously following your progress toward production!” “This design is so cool!” “Hatch’s expertise and attention to detail resulted in an Alpha prototype that was incredibly well-received by the Jeep community. Their execution has laid a solid foundation for our company's success.” James Bell | Co-Founder of LORE Products --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/work/tego Title: Tego Safety Outlet Plugs | Built by Hatch Meta Description: The Hatch team worked with Tego to refine the design of their innovative safety outlet plugs. The team then built an alpha prototype which was used to test the design and share the product concept with potential investors and future customers. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/work/tego ## Headings Structure: H1: Tego Safety Outlet Plugs H2: The Challenge H2: Development H2: Alpha Prototype of TegoTech Safety Outlet Plugs H2: Accomplishments H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Tego Safety Outlet Plugs H2: The Challenge H2: Development H2: Alpha Prototype of TegoTech Safety Outlet Plugs H2: Accomplishments The TegoTech magnetic wall outlet is a groundbreaking solution designed to prioritize the safety of your loved ones. The patent-pending technology is engineered to safeguard against electrical injuries and deaths by effectively blocking the insertion of foreign objects into the socket. Additionally, the innovative device is useful for those with mobility limitations, poor dexterity, or visual impairments to easily plug and unplug items. The TegoTech team consists of more than a dozen Northwestern University students who took what started out as a project from The Garage at Northwestern to new heights. The group connected with Hatch to take their existing proof of concept and refine the design before building an Alpha prototype. The Hatch team started with TegoTech's existing proof of concept and meticulously refined the design, addressing existing challenges and introducing innovative features. The mechanical and electrical engineering teams at Hatch were able to design a new clever rotating protection cover into the device while also making the product much thinner. The team’s dedication to improving the magnetic wall outlet from TegoTech has resulted in a sleeker, more efficient, and safer solution that sets a new standard in electrical socket protection. Once the design phase was completed and approved, Hatch began work to create TegoTech’s functional Alpha prototype. An Alpha prototype is a vital tool in the product development process to ensure product feasibility and functionality. The housing prototype was 3D printed, which kept costs low while still providing full device functionality. Since the tolerance of 3D printing material is less exact than CNC or plastic injection molding, the team refined the printed prototype to ensure structural integrity. The Alpha prototype has allowed TegoTech to test the design in real-world conditions while sharing their innovation with potential investors and future customers. The TegoTech team, led by Chirag Goel, won second place in the Social Impact Track of VentureCat 2023! The team used their fully functional Alpha prototype as part of their pitch at this competition hosted at Northwestern University. As a result, the team received funding to continue on the path of bringing their product to market. Follow TegoTech on LinkedIn and Instagram to keep in touch. “Working with the Hatch team was an absolute game-changer for our start-up. Their engineering expertise and dedication were instrumental in transforming our magnetic wall outlet proof of concept into a fully functional prototype. This prototype is not only paving the way for securing the necessary funds to continue our mission but, more importantly, it brings us one step closer towards preventing childhood electrocution injuries from wall outlets and making the ubiquitous household item more accessible to use. With Hatch's support, TegoTech has the potential to make countless homes safer for children and families alike. We couldn't be more grateful for their partnership and contributions to this vital cause.” Chirag Goel | Founder & CEO of TegoTech --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/thank-you Title: Thank You Meta Description: If you'd like to discuss product development services and contract manufacturing at Hatch, please send us a message. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/thank-you ## Headings Structure: H1: Your message has been successfully submitted. We will be in touch with you shortly. H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Your message has been successfully submitted. We will be in touch with you shortly. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/work/ovie-lighttags Title: Ovie LightTags Smart Food Storage | Built by Hatch Meta Description: Hatch worked with Ovie Smarterware to produce LightTags which enable smart food storage by connecting to any food storage container in your refrigerator. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/work/ovie-lighttags ## Headings Structure: H1: Bringing Smart Food Storage to Fruition with Ovie LightTags H2: The Challenge H2: Development H2: Production Validation Testing (PVT) H2: Manufacturing Ovie LightTags for Smart Food Storage H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Bringing Smart Food Storage to Fruition with Ovie LightTags H2: The Challenge H2: Development H2: Production Validation Testing (PVT) H2: Manufacturing Ovie LightTags for Smart Food Storage Ovie Smarterware has developed a product line of LightTags that connect to any food storage container in your refrigerator. LightTags reduce food waste by enabling consumers to quickly see what food is in the fridge and how long until it expires, thus enabling smart food storage. The product has received recognition from Huffpost, CNET, Built In Chicago, and many more!The Ovie team approached Hatch looking for a domestic partner who could produce their existing product design while delivering a high quality product that has already received significant interest. With some successful prototypes under their belt, Ovie wanted Hatch to finalize some design elements and make improvements for large scale production. The Hatch team started with the existing CAD data to review the design and its manufacturability. Hatch was able to improve the tactile feel of the buttons and also improve the LED brightness. Furthermore, by finding streamlined ways to design the parts, the team was able to simplify the steps needed to manufacture the small device. Once the design was set for manufacturing, the engineering team did a production validation test (PVT) build of units. This phase enabled the engineering team to prove out the manufacturability of the product while also optimizing the assembly process. The team completed this build in Hatch’s Contract Manufacturing space so that the factory would be prepared for a larger manufacturing phase in parallel with the prototyping phase. “The Hatch Team has delivered our dream product. This has been our passion for years, and we are thrilled that the team was able to efficiently refine the design while preparing to mass produce Ovie LightTags.” Dave Joseph | Co-Founder & CDO of Ovie The PVT build was critical to set Ovie up for success in manufacturing in three ways. During this build, acceptance test procedures were implemented, tested, and reviewed for the first time. This phase also allowed the team to optimize processes by creating fixtures that simplify the assembly process. For example, Hatch developed a custom fixture for applying a food safe adhesive pad, saving on labor costs. Finally, the PVT build gave the team an opportunity to ensure excellent quality control during the assembly process. The design/build process from Hatch’s cross-disciplinary team makes for a seamless transition between the design and production phases. By optimizing the processes for building a small device in the PVT build, the overall manufacturing cost can be reduced while delivering a high quality product. “I’m ashamed to admit that these leftover minefields in my fridge lead to way too much food waste on my part. Which is why I’m intrigued by the Ovie food tags. Mike Wolf describes Ovie’s tech pretty accurately as ‘Tile for food.’” Chris Albrecht | The Spoon --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/privacy-policy Title: Privacy Policy | Hatch Meta Description: This privacy policy will explain how Hatch uses the personal data we collect from you when you use our website. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/privacy-policy ## Headings Structure: H1: Privacy Policy H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Privacy Policy This privacy policy will explain how Hatch Product Development, LLC (“Hatch”, “our”, ”we”, ”us”) uses the personal data we collect from you when you use our website. This policy may be updated and revised at our sole discretion.  All updates will be posted to our website and will be effective immediately. Your continued access and use of our website is deemed to be an acceptance of any updates.DO NOT ACCESS HATCH’S WEBSITE IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THE TERMS OF THIS PRIVACY POLICY.Topics: What data do we collect? How do we collect your data? How will we use your data? How do we store your data? What are your data protection rights? How do we use cookies? What types of cookies do we use? How to manage your cookies Children's Online Privacy Privacy policies of other websites Changes to our privacy policy How to contact the appropriate authorities ‍‍What data do we collect?Hatch collects the following data: Personal identification information (Name, email address, phone number, etc.) ‍How do we collect your data?‍You directly provide Hatch with most of the data we collect. We collect data and process data when you: Register online or place an order for any of our products or services. Voluntarily complete a customer survey or provide feedback on any of our message boards or via email. Use or view our website via your browser’s cookies. ‍‍How will we use your data?‍Hatch collects your data so that we can: Respond to inquiries you submit. Email you with special offers on other products and services we think you might like. We do not sell data collected to third parties. We may use third-party service providers and vendors to utilize the collected data. Among services, we may use Google Analytics to better understand how visitors use our website. For more information on Google Analytics, please review their information here: How Google uses information from sites or apps that use our services – Privacy & Terms – GoogleData collected may be transferred, shared, or sold, should Hatch be part of a corporate sale, merger, or reorganization. Share or use of data may be required to comply with legal obligations or to protect the rights of Hatch. How do we store your data?‍Hatch secures and stores data consistent with the security standards used to protect its own information. This includes the use of confidential passwords and confidentiality requirements to our employees and/or certain service providers.  Unfortunately, no information is always 100% secure, therefore, we cannot and do not guarantee security of the data collected.Hatch will keep your data for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purpose(s) for which it was collected and/or to comply with legal obligations.  Hatch may retain data for backup, archive purposes, analytics, or for any legitimate reason to do so. MarketingHatch would like to send you information about products and services of ours that we think you might like, as well as those of our partner companies.‍If you have agreed to receive marketing, you may always opt out at a later date.‍You have the right at any time to stop Hatch from contacting you for marketing purposes or giving your data to other members of Hatch.‍What are your data protection rights?‍Hatch would like to make sure you are fully aware of all of your data protection rights. Every user is entitled to the following:‍The right to access – You have the right to request Hatch for copies of your personal data. We may charge you a small fee for this service.‍The right to rectification – You have the right to request that Hatch correct any information you believe is inaccurate. You also have the right to request Hatch to complete the information you believe is incomplete.‍The right to erasure – You have the right to request that Hatch erase your personal data, under certain conditions.‍The right to restrict processing – You have the right to request that Hatch restrict the processing of your personal data, under certain conditions.‍The right to object to processing – You have the right to object to Hatch’s processing of your personal data, under certain conditions.‍The right to data portability – You have the right to request that Hatch transfer the data that we have collected to another organization, or directly to you, under certain conditions.If you make a request, we have one month to respond to you. If you would like to exercise any of these rights, please contact us at our email: hello@hatch-pd.com ‍Cookies‍Cookies are text files placed on your computer to collect standard Internet log information and visitor behavior information. When you visit our websites, we may collect information from you automatically through cookies or similar technology.For further information, visit allaboutcookies.org.‍How do we use cookies?Hatch uses cookies in a range of ways to improve your experience on our website, including: Keep track of your preferences while you use our site Understanding how you use our website ‍‍What types of cookies do we use?‍There are a number of different types of cookies, however, our website uses: Functionality – Hatch uses these cookies so that we recognize you on our website and remember your previously selected preferences. These could include what language you prefer and location you are in. A mix of first-party and third-party cookies are used. Advertising – Hatch uses these cookies to collect information about your visit to our website, the content you viewed, the links you followed and information about your browser, device, and your IP address. Hatch sometimes shares some limited aspects of this data with third parties for advertising purposes. We may also share online data collected through cookies with our advertising partners. This means that when you visit another website, you may be shown advertising based on your browsing patterns on our website. ‍‍How to manage cookies‍You can set your browser not to accept cookies, and the above website tells you how to remove cookies from your browser. However, in a few cases, some of our website features may not function as a result.Location‍Hatch is located in the United States and operates its website in the United States.  Our service providers may store information on servers outside of the United States.  Visitors from other jurisdictions should use our website at their own choice and risk.If you are not located in the United States, you acknowledge and agree that Hatch may collect personal information and store it in the United States or elsewhere.  Your home country may have more stringent privacy standards than available in the United States.If you are a California resident you may be protected by the California Consumer Privacy Act.  Hatch is not currently subject to the California Consumer Privacy Act, however we also do not share your data with third parties for their own marketing purposes. Children’s Online Privacy Protection‍Hatch does not intend to provide any online service to or collect any data from anyone under the age of 13. If you have further questions about our policy, please contact us using the information below.‍Privacy policies of other websites‍The Hatch website contains links to other websites. Our privacy policy applies only to our website, so if you click on a link to another website, you should read their privacy policy.‍Changes to our privacy policy‍Hatch keeps its privacy policy under regular review and places any updates on this web page. This privacy policy was last updated on February 27, 2024.‍How to contact us‍If you have any questions about Hatch’s privacy policy, the data we hold on you, or you would like to exercise one of your data protection rights, please do not hesitate to contact us.Email us at: hello@hatch-pd.com --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/work/optiq-evse Title: Argonne National Laboratory OptiQ EVSE | Built by Hatch Meta Description: Hatch worked with Argonne National Laboratory to build OptiQ EVSE, a Next Gen Smart EV Charger. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/work/optiq-evse ## Headings Structure: H1: Building OptiQ, a Next Gen Smart EV Charger, with Argonne National Laboratory H2: The Challenge H2: Designing the Smart EV Charger’s Housing H2: Enhancing the Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) H2: Building a Prototype H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Building OptiQ, a Next Gen Smart EV Charger, with Argonne National Laboratory H2: The Challenge H2: Designing the Smart EV Charger’s Housing H2: Enhancing the Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) H2: Building a Prototype Argonne National Laboratory developed OptiQ EVSE, a smart L2 charging station. OptiQ EVSE is unique in that it combines multiple modes of communication for charging into a single Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), including both digital and analog based communication. This means that the charger works with all US-based Electric Vehicles (EVs). Argonne sought out a product development engineering partner for OptiQ EVSE. Hatch was awarded the project after a competitive selection process. The Hatch team demonstrated strong knowledge of the EV charging space. It was an honor to be selected by the government lab to refine some of the existing designed elements, design the housing, and build component prototypes. The development of OptiQ EVSE’s housing was a comprehensive project aimed at creating a showcase product from the ground up. The product had no pre-existing housing to work from, so the Hatch team began with a thorough competitive analysis of similar products on the market, current design trends, and themes from other industries. The industrial design of the product needed to capture a cutting-edge design while considering internal components, cable management, and a wall mount. Particular attention was paid to how the cable and the J1772 plug would integrate with the charger to ensure both functionality and aesthetic appeal in a residential and small commercial setting. As the team moved through the process, they meticulously refined the product design. A number of elements were considered to enhance the product’s usability and appearance including lighting, cable management, and an LED display. The mechanical design aspects, such as the harness for mounting the housing and the internal component placement were carefully planned to align with engineering constraints to give a seamless blend of form and function. Early design concepts for OptiQ The mechanical design phase also entailed preparing to build a prototype of the housing. The team focused on the wall thickness to provide sufficient durability and strategically placed ribs and bosses for structural integrity. The light pipe design emerged as a key feature, enhancing the product’s visual appeal and functionality by using colored light to indicate information from the smart EV charger to the user. Additionally, the team planned the general assembly process and servicing requirements, ensuring that the product could be easily installed and maintained. This included developing a mounting solution that was both secure and straightforward for a hassle-free connection to the wall. Hatch also spent time enhancing the PCBA, the brain of the smart EV charger. Hatch worked with the existing detailed schematic and layout files to fix identified bugs and developed system diagrams and wiring diagrams to more fully design the product. In this phase, the team scrutinized the PCBA design, reviewing areas for optimization. Hatch’s efforts in enhancing the PCBA included adding new features to the board, addressing critical bug fixes, and ensuring the board’s design was up-to-date with the latest technology. A significant update was the proper integration of the 500 MHz ARM Cortex-A5 CPU, which served as the heart of the main controller PCBA, offering robust processing capabilities that were essential for smart functionality of the EVSE. Another objective during this phase included a thorough Bill of Materials (BOM) scrub to ensure cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality. The team updated the schematic design based on identified gap analysis, followed by adjustments to the PCB layout design to address these updates. This included schematic and board layout reviews, ensuring that the PCBA was optimized for performance and manufacturability. Debugging work on the boards was extensive, and necessitated an engagement with MicroChip, the manufacturer of the CPU. This collaboration was vital in resolving software and electrical issues, particularly during the electrical debug bring-up work. Engaging with MicroChip allowed Hatch to leverage the manufacturer’s expertise in addressing specific challenges related to the CPU and ensuring that the Linux-based system operated seamlessly. Upon finalizing the housing design, the Hatch team moved forward with building an alpha prototype. Building a prototype allows for an extensive evaluation and refinement of the design before entering mass production. The housing was 3D printed, and a full BOM was prepared, including both off-the-shelf components and custom-fabricated parts. The housing was professionally finished and painted to give the alpha prototype a production quality look and feel. Once the PCBA design was finalized, Hatch proceeded with final assembly of all electrical and mechanical components of OptiQ EVSE. Following the assembly, Hatch dedicated a full day on-site at Argonne’s Smart Energy Plaza for an extensive testing session. This collaboration allowed both Hatch and Argonne National Laboratory to rigorously evaluate the unit’s performance in a real-world setting, ensuring its readiness for market introduction. Argonne is actively seeking a commercialization partner. This search for a strategic partnership aims to leverage the innovative capabilities of the OptiQ EVSE, transitioning it from a successful prototype to a commercially viable product. “The Hatch team demonstrated expertise and commitment throughout the process, making them an exceptional partner for Argonne’s commercialization effort of OptiQ EVSE.” Jason Harper | Principal Electrical Engineer, Argonne National Laboratory --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com Title: Product Design and Development | USA Contract Manufacturing | Hatch Meta Description: Hatch is a product design and development firm with USA contract manufacturing built to efficiently deliver inspired product development services for those who are ready to hatch new innovations. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com ## Headings Structure: H1: Product Design and Development // Contract Manufacturing H2: From concept to consumer, let’s Hatch your success. H2: At Hatch, we’re focused on leveraging our team of experts to ensure efficient, optimal outcomes H2: What we do H3: Product Design & Development H3: Full Stack Software Development H3: Prototyping H3: Contract Manuacturing H2: Our Work H3: Driving Forward FOX's Suspension Control System with the Touchpoint H3: Manufacturing the RugGear RG540 Industrial Phone for Mission-Critical Communications H3: Streamlining Lateral Patient Transfers with SimPull from The Patient Company H3: Building OptiQ, a Next Gen Smart EV Charger, with Argonne National Laboratory H3: Bringing Smart Food Storage to Fruition with Ovie LightTags H2: What our clients have to say H2: Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H2: Ready to get started? H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Product Design and Development // Contract Manufacturing H2: From concept to consumer, let’s Hatch your success. H2: At Hatch, we’re focused on leveraging our team of experts to ensure efficient, optimal outcomes H2: What we do H3: Product Design & Development H3: Full Stack Software Development H3: Prototyping H3: Contract Manuacturing H2: Our Work H3: Driving Forward FOX's Suspension Control System with the Touchpoint H3: Manufacturing the RugGear RG540 Industrial Phone for Mission-Critical Communications H3: Streamlining Lateral Patient Transfers with SimPull from The Patient Company H3: Building OptiQ, a Next Gen Smart EV Charger, with Argonne National Laboratory H3: Bringing Smart Food Storage to Fruition with Ovie LightTags H2: What our clients have to say H2: Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H2: Ready to get started? When developing an innovative product, you need a skilled team without the ego.We have extensive vendor connections and deep product design and development knowledge. We have experience planning and executing complex manufacturing products.We’re ready to help you. We transform innovative ideas into tangible realities We craft seamless product experiences from back-end to front-end We create prototypes, bringing concepts to life through detailed and functional models Our USA contract manufacturing facility enables solutions for businesses seeking quality and efficiencyISO 9001:2015 CertifiedISO 13485:2016 Certified Hatch’s pragmatic approach to the DFM and design verification process led to the absolute best manufacturable version of our product. Working with the Hatch team was an absolute game-changer for our startup. I don't think there's any other design firm that could have delivered this high quality of a device while meeting ambitious deadlines. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. By clicking "Ok, got it", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/lp/switchgear-manufacturing Title: Switchgear Manufacturing | Hatch Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Located in Waukegan, Illinois, Hatch Contract Manufacturing is proud to be among the leading switchgear manufacturers, offering custom solutions for your electrical distribution needs. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/lp/switchgear-manufacturing ## Headings Structure: H1: Switchgear Manufacturing H2: Custom Manufacturing of Electrical Distribution Products H2: What we do H2: What our clients have to say H2: Ready to get started? H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Switchgear Manufacturing H2: Custom Manufacturing of Electrical Distribution Products H2: What we do H2: What our clients have to say H2: Ready to get started? Located in Waukegan, Illinois, we are proud to be among the leading switchgear manufacturers, offering custom solutions for your electrical distribution needs. Our services include full cabinet builds, custom cable and wire harness assemblies, and complete in-house design and manufacturing. With a dedicated team of over 40 engineers specializing in electrical, firmware, and mechanical design, we ensure every project is crafted to perfection. Plus, we offer convenient pick-up and delivery services to streamline the process for our clients, making us a trusted partner in custom electrical distribution manufacturing. We design and manufacture cable & wire harness assemblies to meet custom specifications. We have a team of over 40 engineers for design and build. We offer custom-engineered full cabinet builds tailored to meet specific electrical distribution needs. Hatch’s pragmatic approach to the DFM and design verification process led to the absolute best manufacturable version of our product. Working with the Hatch team was an absolute game-changer for our startup. I don't think there's any other design firm that could have delivered this high quality of a device while meeting ambitious deadlines. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/work/the-patient-company-simpull Title: The Patient Company SimPull | Built by Hatch Meta Description: Hatch worked with The Patient Company to build SimPull, a lateral patient transfer device used to transfer patients safely and respectfully between hospital beds. SimPull eliminates the need for staff members to lift or produce force to move patients, instead enabling the staff members to move patients safely. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/work/the-patient-company-simpull ## Headings Structure: H1: Streamlining Lateral Patient Transfers with SimPull from The Patient Company H3: The Challenge H2: Cost Analysis H2: Design for Manufacturing H2: Adding Functionality H2: Gamma Build of Prototypes H2: Production Ramp Up H2: Contract Manufacturing & Quality Control H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Streamlining Lateral Patient Transfers with SimPull from The Patient Company H3: The Challenge H2: Cost Analysis H2: Design for Manufacturing H2: Adding Functionality H2: Gamma Build of Prototypes H2: Production Ramp Up H2: Contract Manufacturing & Quality Control The Patient Company designed SimPull, a lateral patient transfer device used to transfer patients safely and respectfully between hospital beds. SimPull eliminates the need for staff members to lift or produce force to move patients, instead enabling the staff members to move patients safely.The Patient Company approached Hatch with pre-production prototypes that they needed to source and manufacture. Hatch’s task was to review and refine the design for mass production, develop the supply chain, reduce the Bill of Materials (BOM) cost, and ultimately began manufacturing units to meet sales demands. This was made all the more delicate as The Patient Company was in the middle of FDA testing for the product. Upon receiving the design documents, Hatch conducted a BOM teardown analysis, evaluating vendor pricing, tooling vs. COTS, sourcing options, design, and assembly costs. The analysis identified opportunities to cut costs and improve manufacturing efficiency, aiming to save up to 25% on large orders. After a competitive review, The Patient Company chose Hatch for the project based on its cost analysis and practical Design for Manufacturing approach. The Design for Manufacturing phase balanced achieving critical ROIs with ongoing FDA registration testing. Hatch meticulously reviewed over 200 BOM components to optimize material usage, production time, and tooling, which led to significant cost reductions.Notable improvements included redesigning components for better tooling, which reduced costs and enhanced production quality and efficiency. The Hatch team also took a holistic approach to supply chain optimization, developing a strategic international sourcing and logistics plan.The redesign resulted in a comprehensive 200+ page document detailing all changes and achieved a 25% reduction in BOM costs during the low-volume pilot build. Ahead of schedule, The Patient Company requested three additional features. First, the device’s bumper was redesigned to extend and lock for better compatibility with diagnostic beds. Second, the braking lever was converted to a foot pedal for easier use by hospital staff. Third, the firmware was enhanced to include monitoring logs, and a PC App was developed for improved serviceability while maintaining FDA compliance.The added functions allow SimPull to provide multi-function patient movements. The device can be leveraged for lateral patient transfer, supine to sitting adjustments, patient boosting, and precise positioning for imaging procedures. These updates also enable future upgrades, including accessory mounting and cloud-based dashboard integration. Hatch kept the production BOM within the initial cost goals throughout this process. The Gamma Build of SimPull tested the new tools and supply chain, allowing for final debugging and adjustments to near-production parts, minimizing errors and delays.Units made with final tools provided a near-final product representation. Hatch then conducted Design Verification Testing (DVT) to assess performance against specifications and ensure durability.Simultaneously, Hatch performed a First Article Inspection (FAI) to verify that initial production parts met design requirements, ensuring quality and consistent production capability. The Gamma Build verifies the Assembly Work Instructions and Acceptance Test Procedures.Assembly Work Instructions detail the steps, tools, materials, and quality checks for error-free production, while Acceptance Test Procedures outline tests and inspections to ensure product specifications are met.Both documents are reviewed and approved by Hatch engineers and specialists before use. They also guide assembly line setup, optimized for workflow and equipment, and are verified through a production time study reviewed by Hatch and The Patient Company teams. After the Gamma Build, Hatch released the manufacturing documents for The Patient Company’s first Engineering Change Notice (ECN) in March 2024.The initial 100 units were split into a 10-unit batch for early issue detection and a 90-unit batch for cost-effective sea shipping of subassemblies. Final device assembly is then completed at Hatch’s US manufacturing facility. This approach reduced waste and ensured a smooth transition to full-scale production.The pilot build also supports Hatch’s ISO13485 certification efforts, crucial for ensuring quality in medical device manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/lp/instagram Title: Hatch | Instagram Link In Bio Meta Description: Located in Waukegan, Illinois, Hatch provides product development and contract manufacturing services to both startups & established companies. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/lp/instagram ## Headings Structure: H1: Hi, we're Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing H2: Recent Work H2: Recent Blogs H2: Ready to get started? H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Hi, we're Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing H2: Recent Work H2: Recent Blogs H2: Ready to get started? Located in Waukegan, Illinois, we provide product development and contract manufacturing services to both startups & established companies. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/work/ruggear-rg540-industrial-phone Title: Manufacturing RugGear RG540 Industrial Phone | Built by Hatch Meta Description: Hatch worked with RugGear to manufacture the RG540 industrial phone at Hatch's US manufacturing facility. This enabled cost reduction for tariffs among other benefits of US-based assembly. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/work/ruggear-rg540-industrial-phone ## Headings Structure: H1: Manufacturing the RugGear RG540 Industrial Phone for Mission-Critical Communications H3: The Challenge H2: Designing for US Manufacturing H2: Manufacturing the Industrial Phone H2: The Result H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Manufacturing the RugGear RG540 Industrial Phone for Mission-Critical Communications H3: The Challenge H2: Designing for US Manufacturing H2: Manufacturing the Industrial Phone H2: The Result RugGear, a leading cell phone and technology manufacturer with roots in Germany and China, has been known for years for producing and distributing high-quality communication devices to customers worldwide, including the USA. Historically, the company relied on completed goods being exported from its facilities in China. However, changing market conditions and customer demands prompted RugGear to explore new strategies. A portion of its customer base began pushing for final assembly of products within the USA to address multiple critical objectives: Cost Reduction for Tariffs: The tariffs on imported goods from China significantly impacted pricing, leading RugGear to seek solutions that would mitigate these expenses. US Manufacturing Preference: Increasingly, customers valued products that had U.S.-based manufacturing, both for perceived quality and supporting domestic production. Enhanced Quality Control: Assembling products in the USA allowed RugGear to maintain stringent quality practices tailored to their clients’ needs. Domestic Programming: U.S.-based assembly provided more flexibility in incorporating custom software configurations aligned with specific customer requirements. Supply Chain Risk Mitigation: Diversifying manufacturing locations helped reduce the risks associated with a concentrated supply chain, bolstering reliability for end customers. To achieve these goals, RugGear sought a partner that could manage the complexities of U.S.-based assembly of an industrial phone while ensuring the same high standards and efficiency their global operations were known for. Hatch stepped in to help meet these objectives with their advanced manufacturing capabilities and strategic insights. Hatch began by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the manufacturing process, which they termed "tariff engineering." This ensured the product’s Harmonized System (HS) code classification was accurate for customs and regulatory compliance, streamlining the import process and minimizing duties. This strategic approach allowed Hatch to craft an efficient manufacturing plan for the industrial phone tailored to RugGear’s financial and operational needs. Hatch quickly replicated a segment of RugGear’s original production line in the US, establishing a manufacturing environment that mirrored proven overseas processes. This rapid setup maintained continuity and quality, ensuring a seamless transition to US-based assembly. Additionally, Hatch implemented optimizations specific to the US manufacturing environment, improving productivity and maintaining high standards.These efforts culminated in the efficient and high-quality production of the RugGear RG540 industrial smartphone, a device designed for mission-critical communications and industrial environments. Hatch’s agile and strategic approach allowed RugGear to meet its goal of US assembly, positioning the RG540 as a competitive, domestically produced solution. This collaboration underscores Hatch’s capability as a responsive and skilled US manufacturing partner, adept at adapting complex processes to meet the specialized needs of clients. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/lp/ces-startups Title: New Product Introduction for Startups | Hatch Meta Description: Startups like yours are shaping the future with groundbreaking ideas. At Hatch, we specialize in transforming those ideas into real-world products with new product introduction. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/lp/ces-startups ## Headings Structure: H2: Product design and Development // Contract Manufacturing H1: New Product Introduction H2: What we do H3: Product Design & Development H3: Prototyping H3: Tooling H3: Contract Manuacturing H2: Tooling processes we support H2: Our Work H3: Driving Forward FOX's Suspension Control System with the Touchpoint H3: Manufacturing the RugGear RG540 Industrial Phone for Mission-Critical Communications H3: Streamlining Lateral Patient Transfers with SimPull from The Patient Company H3: Building OptiQ, a Next Gen Smart EV Charger, with Argonne National Laboratory H3: Bringing Smart Food Storage to Fruition with Ovie LightTags H2: Why Hatch? H2: Let's talk H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H2: Product design and Development // Contract Manufacturing H1: New Product Introduction H2: What we do H3: Product Design & Development H3: Prototyping H3: Tooling H3: Contract Manuacturing H2: Tooling processes we support H2: Our Work H3: Driving Forward FOX's Suspension Control System with the Touchpoint H3: Manufacturing the RugGear RG540 Industrial Phone for Mission-Critical Communications H3: Streamlining Lateral Patient Transfers with SimPull from The Patient Company H3: Building OptiQ, a Next Gen Smart EV Charger, with Argonne National Laboratory H3: Bringing Smart Food Storage to Fruition with Ovie LightTags H2: Why Hatch? H2: Let's talk Businesses like yours are shaping the future with groundbreaking ideas. At Hatch, we specialize in transforming those ideas into real-world products. From concept to mass production, we’re your trusted partner at every step of the new product introduction journey. We transform innovative ideas into tangible realities. We bring concepts to life through detailed & functional models. We source precision tooling for reliable manufacturing. We provide manufacturing solutions for businesses seeking quality & efficiency Tooling is a critical step in ensuring your product’s success. Hatch works with expert partners to source the right tools for your goals and needs. Each process is tailored to match your product’s material, design, and production requirements. Injection Molding Tooling For high-volume plastic parts with intricate designs For durable metal components For precision sheet metal forming For plastic and aluminum parts Get in touch with our team today to talk more about how we can support your new product introduction journey. Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch with you! --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/lp/d2p Title: New Product Introduction | Hatch Meta Description: Companies like yours are shaping the future with groundbreaking ideas. At Hatch, we specialize in transforming those ideas into real-world products with new product introduction. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/lp/d2p ## Headings Structure: H2: Product design and Development // Contract Manufacturing H1: New Product Introduction H2: What we do H3: Product Design & Development H3: Prototyping H3: Tooling H3: Contract Manuacturing H2: Tooling processes we support H2: Our Work H3: Driving Forward FOX's Suspension Control System with the Touchpoint H3: Manufacturing the RugGear RG540 Industrial Phone for Mission-Critical Communications H3: Streamlining Lateral Patient Transfers with SimPull from The Patient Company H3: Building OptiQ, a Next Gen Smart EV Charger, with Argonne National Laboratory H3: Bringing Smart Food Storage to Fruition with Ovie LightTags H2: Why Hatch? H2: Resources H3: How Tooling Manufacturers Support Low, Medium, and High-Volume Production H3: The Difference Between 3D Printing vs Injection Molding H2: Let's talk H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H2: Product design and Development // Contract Manufacturing H1: New Product Introduction H2: What we do H3: Product Design & Development H3: Prototyping H3: Tooling H3: Contract Manuacturing H2: Tooling processes we support H2: Our Work H3: Driving Forward FOX's Suspension Control System with the Touchpoint H3: Manufacturing the RugGear RG540 Industrial Phone for Mission-Critical Communications H3: Streamlining Lateral Patient Transfers with SimPull from The Patient Company H3: Building OptiQ, a Next Gen Smart EV Charger, with Argonne National Laboratory H3: Bringing Smart Food Storage to Fruition with Ovie LightTags H2: Why Hatch? H2: Resources H3: How Tooling Manufacturers Support Low, Medium, and High-Volume Production H3: The Difference Between 3D Printing vs Injection Molding H2: Let's talk Companies like yours are shaping the future with groundbreaking ideas. At Hatch, we specialize in transforming those ideas into real-world products. From concept to mass production, we’re your trusted partner at every step of the new product introduction journey. We transform innovative ideas into tangible realities. We bring concepts to life through detailed & functional models. We source precision tooling for reliable manufacturing. We provide manufacturing solutions for businesses seeking quality & efficiency Tooling is a critical step in ensuring your product’s success. Hatch works with expert partners to source the right tools for your goals and needs. Each process is tailored to match your product’s material, design, and production requirements. Injection Molding Tooling For high-volume plastic parts with intricate designs For durable metal components For precision sheet metal forming For plastic and aluminum parts Learn how Hatch works with tooling manufacturers to support low, medium, and high-volume production to achieve cost-effective and scalable solutions. Understanding the differences between 3D printing vs injection molding can help you make the right choice for your project, whether you're prototyping or preparing for mass production. Get in touch with our team today to talk more about how we can support your new product introduction journey. Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch with you! --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/work/fox-touchpoint Title: FOX Touchpoint Suspension Control System | Built by Hatch Meta Description: Hatch worked with FOX to refine and manufacture the FOX Touchpoint, a suspension control system for off-road performance. The product needed to meet ingress protection (IP) standards, adding additional complexity to commercialize the product. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/work/fox-touchpoint ## Headings Structure: H1: Driving Forward FOX's Suspension Control System with the Touchpoint H3: The Challenge H2: Development of FOX's Touchpoint H2: Sourcing Unique Parts and Premium Materials for the Suspension Control System H2: Testing and Building Custom Jigs, Fixtures and Test Equipment H2: Companion Cradle Integration H2: The Result H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Driving Forward FOX's Suspension Control System with the Touchpoint H3: The Challenge H2: Development of FOX's Touchpoint H2: Sourcing Unique Parts and Premium Materials for the Suspension Control System H2: Testing and Building Custom Jigs, Fixtures and Test Equipment H2: Companion Cradle Integration H2: The Result FOX approached Hatch for assistance with a critical project involving the development of the FOX Touchpoint, an advanced suspension and ride control system. FOX required the product to meet strict standards for off-road performance and attention to detail in a thin, compact device.  Additionally, the spring-loaded toggle paddles required a design and manufacturing partner capable of ensuring exceptional precision and quality. Ingress protection (IP) standards added another layer of complexity, necessitating Hatch’s specialized expertise to commercialize and refine the product effectively. FOX came to Hatch with an early prototype and appearance model that helped Hatch identify opportunities for improvement both mechanically and electrically and establish a concrete set of product requirements.  This exercise enabled Hatch to assemble and accelerate their team in providing a comprehensive mechanical and electrical design while ensuring design for quality and manufacturability.  In addition, Hatch supported low-level firmware development for the hardware and manufacturing end of line test.  FOX provided the application-level firmware and worked closely with Hatch’s team, ensuring seamless integration for the final product. To meet the high standards for this automotive-grade product, Hatch meticulously sourced each component, selecting materials that ensure both durability and a refined user experience. The product incorporates stainless steel, chosen for its exceptional strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring longevity in demanding automotive environments. Aluminum was utilized for its lightweight properties, allowing for precision machining while maintaining structural integrity. For the paddle mechanisms, the team leveraged cold-forged tooling, followed by an anodization process, enhancing both durability and aesthetics with a sleek, high-end finish. Panda Double Tempered glass was integrated for its scratch resistance and clarity, reinforcing the premium nature of the device. Each material was carefully selected not only to meet stringent performance requirements but to provide a premium, tactile experience, elevating the interaction between the user and the suspension control system. Hatch conducted extensive testing during Engineering Verification Testing (EVT) and Design Verification Testing (DVT) which included FCC, IC, and Bluetooth certifications. The environmental testing adhered to IEC standards, and particular attention was given to components like hinges and LED systems to ensure durability and compliance. Setting up the production line was a pivotal phase. Hatch designed and implemented custom jigs and fixtures to optimize manufacturing efficiency and quality. Hatch also has a fully custom bed of nails fixture to test and program each PCBA to ensure all electrical connections are sound and functioning correctly. Ingress protection checks were conducted on the production line to guarantee the reliability of each unit. This stage also included the execution of Production Verification Testing (PVT) builds, maintaining rigorous standards for automotive-grade quality. A standout feature of this project was the companion cradle that Hatch developed to enable seamless dashboard integration for the FOX Touchpoint. This cradle required careful consideration, including injection molding techniques and the use of carbon parts to achieve the required strength and aesthetics. The Touchpoint allows for easy adjustments to the semi-active FOX dampers, adapting to various terrains. Using the Live Valve suspension management system, it processes real-time data from sensors and adjusts shock settings in milliseconds for optimal performance. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/engineering-services Title: Engineering and Design Services | Hatch Meta Description: From concept to production, Hatch's engineering and design services combine creative design thinking with engineering precision to bring innovative products to life. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/engineering-services ## Headings Structure: H2: Hatch PD H1: Engineering and Design Services H3: Our Engineering and Design Services H2: At Hatch, we provide integrated engineering and design services to help visionary teams move ideas from concept through production. H3: Design Services H3: Engineering Services H2: From Idea to In-House Manufacturing H2: Certifications & Awards H2: Recognized & Certified for Excellence in Product Design and as a Trusted Contract Manufacturer H2: Our Work H3: Driving Forward FOX's Suspension Control System with the Touchpoint H3: Manufacturing the RugGear RG540 Industrial Phone for Mission-Critical Communications H3: Streamlining Lateral Patient Transfers with SimPull from The Patient Company H3: Building OptiQ, a Next Gen Smart EV Charger, with Argonne National Laboratory H3: Bringing Smart Food Storage to Fruition with Ovie LightTags H2: Ready to get started? H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H2: Hatch PD H1: Engineering and Design Services H3: Our Engineering and Design Services H2: At Hatch, we provide integrated engineering and design services to help visionary teams move ideas from concept through production. H3: Design Services H3: Engineering Services H2: From Idea to In-House Manufacturing H2: Certifications & Awards H2: Recognized & Certified for Excellence in Product Design and as a Trusted Contract Manufacturer H2: Our Work H3: Driving Forward FOX's Suspension Control System with the Touchpoint H3: Manufacturing the RugGear RG540 Industrial Phone for Mission-Critical Communications H3: Streamlining Lateral Patient Transfers with SimPull from The Patient Company H3: Building OptiQ, a Next Gen Smart EV Charger, with Argonne National Laboratory H3: Bringing Smart Food Storage to Fruition with Ovie LightTags H2: Ready to get started? From concept to production, Hatch combines creative design thinking with engineering precision to engineering and design services to bring innovative products to life. Our design team turns ideas into elegant, manufacturable products through creative exploration and practical expertise. User Experience Design Our engineering team transforms design intent into detailed, production-ready solutions through deep technical expertise and practical manufacturing insight. Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering At Hatch, engineering and design services flow seamlessly into in-house contract manufacturing, creating a direct path from concept to production. Our team manages tooling, assembly, testing, and quality processes under one roof, maintaining tight control over timelines, cost, and quality. This integrated approach means fewer handoffs, faster validation, and complete alignment between design intent and the finished product. Whether you need low-volume pilot builds or full-scale production, Hatch ensures that every part reflects the same level of craftsmanship and technical precision established at the start. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/2025-tech-trends-from-ces Title: 2025 Tech Trends from CES | Hatch Meta Description: Explore the top 2025 tech trends from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), including AI, EVs, smart energy ecosystems, robotics, and AR/VR innovations. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/2025-tech-trends-from-ces ## Headings Structure: H1: 2025 Tech Trends from CES H2: Top 2025 Tech Trends H3: 1. AI Everywhere: From Practical to Pure Hype H3: 2. EVs and the Connected Energy Ecosystem H3: 3. Robotics on the Rise H3: 4. AR/VR Is Maturing H2: Looking Ahead H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: 2025 Tech Trends from CES H2: Top 2025 Tech Trends H3: 1. AI Everywhere: From Practical to Pure Hype H3: 2. EVs and the Connected Energy Ecosystem H3: 3. Robotics on the Rise H3: 4. AR/VR Is Maturing H2: Looking Ahead H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) always serves as a glimpse into the future of technology, and 2025 was no exception. This year, we were blown away not just by the new products on the main floor but the fresh and innovative ideas coming out of Eureka Park, the scrappy yet impressive startup area. Many companies just launched this week, bringing new ideas and bold solutions to life. Here’s what caught our eye this year. Artificial Intelligence was everywhere. If you’ve imagined an AI assistant for just about anything, it probably existed at CES. Some of the standouts included: Of course, with any tech boom, there’s bound to be some noise. For every groundbreaking AI solution, there was another that seemed, well, less grounded in reality. Still, the sheer scope of AI’s presence underscored how deeply it’s becoming embedded in daily life and business operations. One of the most exciting 2025 tech trends was the focus on electric vehicles (EVs) and the connected energy ecosystem. EVs dominated the automotive space, outnumbering internal combustion engines (ICE) significantly. We spotted only one hybrid vehicle among the sea of electric offerings. But the story wasn’t just about the cars themselves. The big-picture focus was on how EVs connect to the broader smart energy ecosystem: This convergence of smart home tech with EV infrastructure is something we’ve been watching closely and something we’ve had hands-on experience with. Seeing the industry move further in this direction at CES reaffirmed just how critical smart energy solutions will be in the years ahead. Beyond consumer EVs, the electric vehicles category extended into commercial applications with innovations in logistics vehicles, garbage trucks, and even a USPS delivery vehicle. If there’s one thing CES never fails to deliver, it’s robots. This year, they were everywhere - from household helpers to industrial solutions. Robotics innovation is advancing rapidly, with many startups offering practical applications for tasks that once seemed like science fiction. Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) continues to grow, moving beyond niche gaming into more mainstream applications. We tested a pair of AR glasses from a startup, and to our surprise, they weren’t bad. While some of the AR/VR tech is still finding its footing, it’s clear the industry is evolving and pushing closer to everyday adoption. CES 2025 confirmed that the future of technology is more connected than ever, blending AI, EVs, smart grids, robotics, and AR/VR into our ecosystem. For startups and established players alike, the opportunity lies in finding ways to build real value into these solutions and avoid the pitfalls of tech for tech’s sake. Hatch remains at the forefront of product development and manufacturing, excited to help bring many of these 2025 tech trends and innovations to life. Whether you’re a startup with a brand new concept or a company looking to scale, our team is here to help you navigate the product development journey. Author: Elizabeth Merchut Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/3-traits-your-new-product-development-partner-must-have Title: 3 Traits Your New Product Development Partner Must Have | Hatch Meta Description: Product development is a complex process that requires a strong product development team. Here are three traits to look for in your new partner. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/3-traits-your-new-product-development-partner-must-have ## Headings Structure: H1: 3 Traits Your New Product Development Partner Must Have H2: Problem Solving Skills H2: A Wide, Trusted Network H2: Trustworthiness H3: Get Started Developing H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: 3 Traits Your New Product Development Partner Must Have H2: Problem Solving Skills H2: A Wide, Trusted Network H2: Trustworthiness H3: Get Started Developing H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away You find yourself needing help with new product development. Now what? Because of the complex nature of product design and development, this can be a daunting situation, especially for startups who may be finding themselves on the development journey for the first time. Since the Hatch team has been through the process time and again, we’ve outlined three things we recommend evaluating when assessing a new partner. Whether large or small scale, there will be challenges along the road to product commercialization. Technical challenges with material selection, software frameworks compatibility, delays with suppliers, edge case certifications, and manufacturing hurdles all throw a development team into a tailspin if there isn’t an expert problem solver at the helm. While the need to have someone who can work through problems may seem obvious on its face, it may be less obvious how to assess whether or not your new product development firm or consultant is a problem solver. A good way to analyze whether the product development firm is a problem solver is to understand the projects they’ve worked on --and not just designed, but have taken all the way to production. Furthermore, the experience doesn’t have to be in the same industry, but it should be a product of similar complexity to prove that the firm can navigate similar sized problems they may encounter on your budding product. For example, if the product you’re working to commercialize is a connected IoT household product, look for experience with other connected products. It really doesn’t matter whether it’s a medical device that connects to a mobile phone or a toy that connects to an online game. The fact that your product development expert can show that they’ve successfully completed a program that has an analogous technology signals that you have a problem solver on your hands. Make sure the scope of the programs your potential partner is showing you goes beyond slick industrial design- ask if they saw the product through to commercialization. Sometimes a product is so unique and innovative that a product development firm may not have implemented the technology before. Obviously, this why you’re building a new product right? Maybe your product is dealing with 5g, human capture motion vision, UV disinfection, smart DC electric vehicle charging. Besides confirming your new partner has sharp problem-solving skills, they should also have relationships with a wide range of vendors all over the world. These relationships are established over time and tested throughout the years during different projects. Trying to find reliable vendors by yourself through out the product development process with no help or prior experience would be impossible. The value in a well-connected expert is immeasurable. When trying to judge whether your new product development team has the network you’ll need, ask them at what points along the process they anticipate needing to leverage a vendor. Ask them to talk through these points along the project map or Gantt chart (and make sure they deliver you a Gantt Chart before your first contract is signed!). Inquire about their experience with specific vendors. For example: “What are some cost-effective options for plastic parts and who have you worked with in the past?” Or “How many PCBA vendors do you expect to get quotes from?” “Do you have any quick turn manufacturing houses (beyond 3D printing) that you have a close relationship with?” If your product development pro can answer these questions, you can feel more confident in their ability to bring you through the process successfully. This is probably the most difficult trait to assess, when searching for a new product development partner. Trustworthiness is paramount to success of your product. You have to be confident that your new partner will see the program through, even during challenges that may rise from technical obstacles, external factors and other situations. Ask your new product development partners to walk you through a couple case studies of programs they’ve successfully run. Ask to talk to someone who has worked with them. Get a feel for their reliability in your interactions before the program. And in the end, go with your gut. If you’re working to bring a product through to commercialization, drop us a note. Our team has decades of experience in new product development. Our method of product planning and deep technical expertise has been forged throughout our team’s time developing high-tech, connected, market capturing solutions. Give us a call and we can show you more. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/8-steps-for-the-most-effective-software-development-process Title: 8 Steps for the Most Effective Software Development Process | Hatch Meta Description: The software development process is an iterative cycle that is structured to deliver the best quality product that meets the needs of the customer. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/8-steps-for-the-most-effective-software-development-process ## Headings Structure: H1: 8 Steps for the Most Effective Software Development Process H2: Software Development Process H3: 1. Know your problem and solution H3: 2. Define the product and plan for launch H3: 3. Have clear requirements and a product roadmap H3: 4. Design the product H3: 5. Development & coding of the product H3: 6. Integration and testing H3: 7. Implementation and deployment H3: 8. Operations and maintenance H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: 8 Steps for the Most Effective Software Development Process H2: Software Development Process H3: 1. Know your problem and solution H3: 2. Define the product and plan for launch H3: 3. Have clear requirements and a product roadmap H3: 4. Design the product H3: 5. Development & coding of the product H3: 6. Integration and testing H3: 7. Implementation and deployment H3: 8. Operations and maintenance H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Developing a software product is no simple task. According to the 2021 Software Products Global Market Report, the global software products market is rapidly growing. If you’re considering beginning the software development process, take a look at the steps we’ve outlined below. Taking your time to know and understand the process is key to successful product development. The first step in the software development process is to know the problem you are solving and what your solution entails. This also includes determining who your audience is and validating both the problem and solution with a sample of that audience. Once you’re certain of your problem and solution, it’s time to define the product. The first version of this will be a minimum viable product (MVP), which will have only the most basic features of the solution. The feature list will need to be enough to get the attention of consumers, but simple enough to keep development costs low while you are in the early stages of product development. In parallel, you’ll want to build a website to gather initial marketing traction. On a landing page, capture contact information of potential customers who are interested in your product. This is also when you’ll want to set KPIs to determine success of your product. You will certainly have features in mind that go beyond the scope of your MVP. You’ll want to write these down features down, define them, and prioritize them. Each new version of your product will have added functionality. You’ll want to consider which items bring in the most value for your users as well as how much development effort is needed to create the function. There are a number of methods that people use to create a product roadmap, and we have a free product requirement worksheet to help you get started. Now that you have a clearly defined product and a roadmap, it’s time to conceptualize the solution. At this stage, you’ll want to define the software architecture to ensure that the project requirement (including future roadmap items) will be achievable. This is also when you’ll want to create a user experience and translate that into user interface designs. Patience is key during the development and coding stage of the product, as this is the longest phase in the cycle. This includes writing code and converting design documentation into actual software. At this point, a software engineering team works to ensure their code meets the software requirements specifications. The release cycle begins with alpha, then beta before it is production-ready. Once software is released, it may need to be integrated. This will vary based on the product requirements. Once it is integrated, Quality Assurance engineers will conduct a series of tests including functionality testing, systems integration, and interoperability. The purpose of this is to ensure that the code is bug-free, working as expected, and that the business goals are met. At this point, the newly built and tested application is moved to production to deploy. End-users can see and tryout the application. Software development is an ongoing process. Per the product roadmap, the software is upgraded with added features and functionality. If any issues arise, the product is polished. Enhancements can also be made based on real-world feedback from users. The software development process is an iterative cycle that is structured to deliver the best quality product that meets the needs of customers. The process can be adjusted to meet the needs of each product to ensure that the defined goals are achieved. The development process is a foundation model to equip team members to deliver a high-quality product. Hatch Product Development offers established practices of the software development process. This has proved to be a successful way to deliver high quality software solutions that meet business needs. So, if you are looking to hire a software development team, get in touch with our team. ‍Author: Dave Carlson, Co-Founder and Software Project Manager at Hatch Product Development Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/announcing-hatch-cms-iso-9001-certification Title: Announcing Hatch CM's ISO 9001:2015 Certification | Hatch Meta Description: As Hatch Contract Manufacturing has grown, we've strived to continuously improve our processes and elevate our commitment to excellence. That's why we're thrilled to announce a significant milestone: achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification! Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/announcing-hatch-cms-iso-9001-certification ## Headings Structure: H1: Announcing Hatch CM's ISO 9001:2015 Certification H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Announcing Hatch CM's ISO 9001:2015 Certification H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away At Hatch Contract Manufacturing, we've prided ourselves on delivering high-quality contract manufacturing services. We started small, focusing on building strong relationships with our clients and meticulously fulfilling their needs. As we've grown, we've strived to continuously improve our processes and elevate our commitment to excellence. That's why we're thrilled to announce a significant milestone: achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification! ISO 9001 is the internationally recognized standard for quality management systems. “Earning this certification demonstrates our dedication to meeting the highest standards in our operations,” said Dan Fiscus, VP of Operations at Hatch CM. ”It signifies a robust quality management system in place, ensuring consistent quality and customer satisfaction.” The road to ISO 9001 demanded a company-wide commitment, meticulous documentation, and a continuous improvement mindset. Our team underwent rigorous training to understand the details of the standard and implement its principles across all departments. This resulted in streamlined production processes and the implementation of stricter quality control measures. The benefits of achieving this certification translates into several tangible advantages for both us and our valued clients: We are confident that this achievement will further solidify our position as a trusted partner for your contract manufacturing needs. We look forward to continuing to building even stronger relationships in the years to come. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/ces-2026-trends-that-arent-going-away Title: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away | Hatch Meta Description: Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/ces-2026-trends-that-arent-going-away ## Headings Structure: H1: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H2: Top CES 2026 Trends: H3: 1. Everything Must Be Smarter Now: The LEGO Block Metaphor H3: 2. If It Moves, Cleans, Feeds, or Plays, It Probably Has a Camera H3: 3. Robotics Is Ready. Design Is Still Catching Up. H3: 4. Motors Improved. Sensors Got Cheaper. Haptics Had to Follow. H3: 5. Wearables, Gestures, and the Evolution of Input H3: 6. Wireless Power as an Enabling Layer H3: 7. E-Ink's Expanding Role H3: 8. Makers, Lasers, CNCs, and a Shifting Manufacturing Landscape H3: 9. Additive Manufacturing Expectations Have Shifted H3: 10. Gaming Hardware and a Generation Raised on Phones H3: 11. Drones as a Normalized Skill H2: What the CES 2026 Trends Ultimately Reveal H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: Hatch Named mHUB 2026 Fourth Revolution Awards Finalist for Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturer of the Year H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H2: Top CES 2026 Trends: H3: 1. Everything Must Be Smarter Now: The LEGO Block Metaphor H3: 2. If It Moves, Cleans, Feeds, or Plays, It Probably Has a Camera H3: 3. Robotics Is Ready. Design Is Still Catching Up. H4: The Robot Face Problem H3: 4. Motors Improved. Sensors Got Cheaper. Haptics Had to Follow. H3: 5. Wearables, Gestures, and the Evolution of Input H3: 6. Wireless Power as an Enabling Layer H3: 7. E-Ink's Expanding Role H3: 8. Makers, Lasers, CNCs, and a Shifting Manufacturing Landscape H3: 9. Additive Manufacturing Expectations Have Shifted H3: 10. Gaming Hardware and a Generation Raised on Phones H3: 11. Drones as a Normalized Skill H2: What the CES 2026 Trends Ultimately Reveal H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: Hatch Named mHUB 2026 Fourth Revolution Awards Finalist for Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturer of the Year Every year, CES delivers genuine breakthroughs, half-formed experiments, concept products that may never ship, and polished versions of technologies we have been watching mature for years. All of that exists simultaneously on the floor, often within the same hall. Any attempt to declare CES a success or failure, revolutionary or incremental, usually misses the point. The value of CES 2026 was not in any one big product announcement or breakthrough BUT CES also didn’t disappoint. CES 2026 was a series of trends that in themselves show some interesting roads ahead for products.  Whether it be consumer devices, industrial equipment, or connected systems, what follows is our deep dive on the most persistent trends we saw at CES 2026, and what they suggest for the next several years of product development and manufacturing. One of the most consistent patterns across the CES 2026 show floor was expansion of intelligent products and systems. Gone are the days of the IoT joke about “why do I need a smart toaster?”, and we’ve entered the consumer space where everything is “smart”. But how did we get here? And how truly “smart” are these products? One of the more interesting signals at CES 2026 came from a company that has been building systems out of small pieces for decades. LEGO Group announced smart LEGO bricks this year, and the direction is worth paying attention to. LEGO has always been about small, simple building blocks that scale into complex worlds. The brilliance was never in any single brick; it’s in how the bricks work together. LEGO SMART PlayTM follows the same logic. Advances in component miniaturization, including sensors, cameras, connectivity, and low-power compute, have made it possible to embed intelligence directly into individual blocks. What used to require bulky electronics can now live inside something small, modular, and repeatable. Addison Merchut, Hatch Product Development Co-President & Co-Founder This mirrors what we have seen across product categories more broadly. Over time, components shrink. Sensors get cheaper. IoT chips get smaller and more capable. Intelligence moves closer to the edge. Individually, these components do not make a product smart. They make it capable. LEGO’s move highlights an important distinction. A product is not truly smart just because it contains sensors, cameras, or connectivity. Smartness emerges when those components operate as part of a coordinated ecosystem. Smart LEGO bricks are interesting because they are designed to work together, enabling larger behaviors, interactions, and outcomes that no single block could achieve on its own. That idea is the real takeaway. Whether LEGO’s specific execution takes off is almost beside the point. Their direction is a useful metaphor for where many smart products need to go. Intelligence at the component level only becomes meaningful when products are designed as modular systems that assemble into a truly smart, cohesive ecosystem. Over the past decade, products have been evolving from standalone devices to connected platforms, and then to software-driven systems capable of learning and adapting over time. At CES 2026, the next layer of that evolution was clear. Vision has become a default input. Cameras have been implanted in everything from home robotics, to home automation, to pet care, to fitness gyms, to outdoor equipment, and even your appliances. From AI-enabled basketball training systems and robotic pool cleaners to lawn mowers, smart litter boxes, bird feeders, and social robots, vision is increasingly how products perceive, adapt, and act in the real world. In many cases, this shift makes sense. Cameras enable autonomy, situational awareness, safety features, and richer interaction in ways that other sensors cannot. As component costs fall and on-device processing improves, adding vision is no longer experimental. It is often the most efficient way to unlock potential meaningful functionality. ‍Below: Lumistar Basketball AI | Yonbo X1 Robot At the same time, cameras are not passive components. Incorporating vision brings additional considerations, including how image data is stored or processed, how firmware is maintained over the product’s lifetime, and how privacy expectations are addressed as devices become more capable. As intelligence increases, product teams are expected to think beyond individual features and take a more holistic approach to hardware, firmware, software, and user trust. CES 2026 reflected an industry that is actively navigating that balance, using vision not as a novelty, but as a foundational building block in smarter, more adaptive systems. Robotics appeared everywhere at CES 2026, and for good reason. Motors are cheaper. Sensors are more precise. Control systems are mature enough to support real tasks, not just demos. Across industries, robotics is crossing a threshold where the economics finally make sense. What stood out was not whether robotics is viable technology, but how differently companies are choosing to apply it. The show revealed a clear split between task-specific robots designed to solve defined problems and more general-purpose, humanoid systems intended to, hopefully, do a little of everything. The task-driven robots felt grounded and purposeful, whether folding laundry, cleaning, drawing, navigating environments, or demonstrating dexterity. The humanoid systems were often impressive, but their role was less clear beyond showcasing what is technically possible. That tension showed up repeatedly in how robots were designed to interact with people. ‍Below: DYNA Robot Folding Laundry | Sherpa robot with human dexterity Many robots at CES shared a common design choice: faces. Blinking eyes, animated expressions, and digital personalities were everywhere, clearly intended to convey trust. In practice, the effect was mixed. Visual friendliness does not always translate to user comfort, and in some cases it moved products closer to the uncanny valley than away from it. The challenge is not whether robots should look friendly. It is whether appearance is being used as a substitute for clarity of purpose. Long-term trust in robotic systems is earned through reliability, safety, predictability, and usefulness. Design plays a critical role in communicating those qualities, but it cannot compensate for ambiguity about what a robot is meant to do, how it behaves, or when it should be relied upon. Expressive faces may help signal intent, but they do not replace thoughtful interaction design, clear task boundaries, and consistent performance. CES 2026 showed an industry still experimenting with how robots should look, act, and relate to people. The technology is ready. The open question is which design approaches will scale beyond fascination and novelty into everyday use. One of the more technical but important trends at CES was the convergence of motion, sensing, and feedback. Motors and sensors are now sensitive and affordable enough to support fine motor control, not just basic or industrial movement. To take advantage of that precision, users need feedback. Haptics, including vibration, resistance, and tactile response, appeared across robotics, wearables, and advanced control systems. As systems become more capable, feedback becomes essential for control, confidence, and performance. Input methods are continuing to evolve beyond keyboards and mice. CES featured a range of wearable and gesture-based controls, including rings, wrist-mounted systems, and EMG-driven interfaces. These approaches are particularly relevant for mobile, AR, and hands-busy environments where traditional input devices are limiting. While gesture-based interaction still faces adoption and social-norm hurdles, the underlying technology is improving quickly. The mouse is not disappearing, but it is no longer the only serious option. Wireless power appeared quietly but consistently across CES 2026. From wearables and AR devices to sensors and robotics, wireless power is increasingly used to reduce friction in industrial design. Eliminating ports improves sealing, simplifies assembly, and enables new form factors. Like many enabling technologies, its impact is felt early in the design process, long before users notice it as a feature. E-ink appeared in more places at CES 2026 than many people expected. While digital picture frames are nothing new, several manufacturers using E-ink technology were advertising battery life measured at one to two years. In a landscape where most connected devices require frequent charging, that level of efficiency stood out. More revealing were applications that pointed beyond traditional displays. One example was e-ink used in consumer products like iPOLISH’s digital color-changing press-on acrylic nails, where users can digitally change nail colors. While playful, this use case highlights meaningful advances in color quality, curvature, and consumer-grade durability, and shows how e-ink is moving into categories that were not previously viable. Low power consumption, strong readability across lighting conditions, and long operational life make e-ink well suited for applications where persistence matters more than refresh rate. That is why we expect to see this technology expand into areas where energy savings and scalability become increasingly important. CES 2026 suggested that e-ink is no longer confined to niche displays. It is becoming a practical option for a growing range of real-world applications. Another repeated signal was accessibility to fabrication tools. Lasers and CNC machines are increasingly affordable and user-friendly, opening advanced manufacturing capabilities to small businesses, independent makers, and early-stage product teams. This shift supports more distributed production models and shortens the path from idea to physical product. In additive manufacturing conversations, one expectation surfaced repeatedly. Multi-material and multi-filament printing is quickly becoming a baseline requirement. As the technology matures, users expect more flexibility, better finishes, and greater functional integration from their tools. The bar has moved, and product offerings are adjusting accordingly. Gaming hardware at CES 2026 was immersive, technically impressive, and unapologetically large. Full haptic feedback, oversized displays, dedicated rigs, and environments designed to pull players completely into the experience were everywhere. The open question is not whether these systems work. They clearly do. The question is who they are being built for? A growing generation of gamers has been raised primarily on phones and handheld devices. For many younger users, gaming has always been portable, casual, and integrated into daily life rather than tied to a fixed physical space. That generational context matters. Large-scale immersive rigs assume a willingness to commit space, time, and attention in ways that may not align with how younger players naturally engage with games. While there will always be demand for high-fidelity, deeply immersive experiences, it remains an open question whether those setups represent the future of mainstream gaming or a more specialized segment within it. Drones continue to shift from novelty to infrastructure. At CES, drone operation was frequently discussed in practical terms, including education and workforce development. As drone use becomes more common and automated, supporting ecosystems are adapting to treat flight and control as standard technical skills. CES 2026 did not point to a single future. It revealed many trajectories at different stages of maturity. Some of the technologies on display will accelerate quickly. Others will evolve more slowly. A few will likely fade. What made these worth attention was not novelty, but what they collectively revealed when viewed together. By reading between the lines of CES 2026, we see clear technology trends emerging, pointing to where product teams are likely to focus over the next several years. At Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing, this is where we focus. The intersection of design ambition, engineering reality, and manufacturing feasibility is where products succeed or fail. CES remains valuable not because it predicts the future, but because it shows which parts of it are starting to solidify. Reach out to the Hatch team if you have a product idea you’d like to discuss or want to explore how these technologies could be applied to your next program. Curious about CES from last year? Read up on the 2025 Tech Trends from CES. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing is named a 2026 mHUB Fourth Revolution Awards finalist for Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturer of the Year. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/common-product-manufacturing-challenges-and-how-to-overcome-them Title: Common Product Manufacturing Challenges and How to Overcome Them | Hatch Meta Description: Discover common product manufacturing challenges and how to overcome them from supply chain disruptions to TAA compliance, FCC testing, and US import tariffs. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/common-product-manufacturing-challenges-and-how-to-overcome-them ## Headings Structure: H1: Common Product Manufacturing Challenges and How to Overcome Them H2: ‍Common Product Manufacturing Challenges H3: ‍1. Supply Chain Disruptions and Material Shortages in Product Manufacturing H3: ‍2. Ensuring Regulatory Compliance H3: ‍3. Navigating US Import Tariffs H3: ‍4. Scaling from Prototype to Full-Scale Production H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Common Product Manufacturing Challenges and How to Overcome Them H2: ‍Common Product Manufacturing Challenges H3: ‍1. Supply Chain Disruptions and Material Shortages in Product Manufacturing H3: ‍2. Ensuring Regulatory Compliance H4: TAA Compliance in Product Manufacturing H4: ‍FCC Testing & Certification H4: ‍ISO Certifications & Quality Assurance H3: ‍3. Navigating US Import Tariffs H3: ‍4. Scaling from Prototype to Full-Scale Production H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Bringing a product from concept to market is a complex process, and product manufacturing comes with its fair share of challenges. From supply chain disruptions to regulatory compliance, companies have to navigate a variety of obstacles to ensure a smooth production process. At Hatch, we specialize in solving these challenges with our expertise in product design, engineering, prototyping, and contract manufacturing. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common product manufacturing challenges and how to overcome them all while ensuring compliance (TAA, ISO, FCC, and other regulatory requirements) as well as managing US import tariffs effectively. Global supply chain disruptions have become a major concern for companies. Whether it’s raw material shortages, transportation delays, or geopolitical factors, these issues can significantly impact production timelines. We work with clients to overcome these potential issues in a number of ways: If your product is being sold to the US government or federal agencies, it must comply with the Trade Agreements Act (TAA). This means the product must be manufactured in the United States or a TAA-compliant country. We covered TAA compliance in our recent blog, discussing what it is and how Hatch Contract Manufacturing partners with companies to meet TAA requirements. In summary, Hatch has sourcing strategies to ensure that components and manufacturing align with TAA regulations. For electronic products, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) compliance is required to ensure the product does not interfere with radio frequencies. Hatch has extensive experience in helping clients meet these requirements. Check out our blog, Navigating the Intricacies of FCC Testing, to learn more about the process. At Hatch, we uphold the highest quality standards in manufacturing, demonstrated by our ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 certifications: Companies that manufacture overseas must carefully navigate import tariffs, which can significantly impact pricing and profitability. Many businesses struggle with unexpected costs due to shifting trade policies and tariffs on raw materials or finished products. Clients choose Hatch as their product manufacturing partner for several reasons: Read our recent blog about our 4-part Tariff Engineering Strategy to learn more about how we are doing this. A common hurdle for startups and product innovators is the transition from a prototype or low-volume production to high-volume manufacturing without compromising quality. At Hatch we overcome this by: Product manufacturing is filled with challenges, but with the right expertise, strategy, and compliance measures in place, companies can overcome these obstacles and bring high-quality products to market efficiently. Hatch helps clients navigate supply chain complexities, regulatory compliance, import tariffs, and scaling production, ensuring a product development journey that gets you from concept to commercialization. Need help overcoming your product manufacturing challenges? Get in touch with our team today. Author: Elizabeth Merchut Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/dvt-engineering-explained-turning-prototypes-into-production-ready-designs Title: DVT Engineering Explained | Hatch Meta Description: Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/dvt-engineering-explained-turning-prototypes-into-production-ready-designs ## Headings Structure: H1: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H2: What Is DVT Engineering? H2: ‍What Happens During the DVT Phase‍ H3: Stage 1: Production Vendor Engagement H3: ‍Stage 2: Verification and Validation Testing H3: ‍Stage 3: Production Readiness H2: The Role of Tooling in DVT Engineering H2: ‍Why DVT Engineering Matters H3: This article is part of Hatch’s blog series on the EVT/DVT/PVT process. Explore the full series: H2: More Resources H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Hatch Named mHUB 2026 Fourth Revolution Awards Finalist for Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturer of the Year H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H2: What Is DVT Engineering? H2: ‍What Happens During the DVT Phase‍ H3: Stage 1: Production Vendor Engagement H3: ‍Stage 2: Verification and Validation Testing H3: ‍Stage 3: Production Readiness H2: The Role of Tooling in DVT Engineering H2: ‍Why DVT Engineering Matters H3: This article is part of Hatch’s blog series on the EVT/DVT/PVT process. Explore the full series: H2: More Resources H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Hatch Named mHUB 2026 Fourth Revolution Awards Finalist for Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturer of the Year Once a product’s design is fully working as intended (see Engineering Verification Test (EVT)), the next milestone in the development journey is DVT Engineering, or Design Verification Testing. This is where engineering verification transitions to production vendors and the product is tested, refined, and built with near-production quality parts for the first time. At Hatch, we view DVT as the critical bridge between engineering and manufacturing. It’s the point where product designs mature, suppliers are engaged, tooling begins, and every element is pushed closer to the standards and reliability required for mass production. This is the phase where the most issues are found and solved. DVT Engineering is focused on confirming that the product design, materials, and components all meet performance, reliability, and regulatory requirements. Unlike EVT, which validates that the design works, DVT verifies that it can be reliably reproduced using production manufacturing processes. This phase typically involves producing a build of near-production-quality units using the same processes, materials, and tools that will be used in full-scale manufacturing. The goal is to test not only how the product functions, but also how it performs when built under production-like conditions with the entire supply chain. During the DVT phase, teams move from engineering experiments to controlled production validation. It’s a highly collaborative phase involving engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain management. Here’s what typically happens during DVT Engineering: While the product at this stage is made with production manufacturing processes, it’s still considered a prototype build. Multiple units are typically built, broken, and thrown away across these stages to support testing and iteration. Tooling is one of the most critical components of DVT. It’s the first time parts are produced using the actual manufacturing tools that will support volume production. At Hatch, we provide comprehensive tooling management services, from Design for Manufacturing (DFM) review and material selection to tool qualification and process validation. Our team oversees all stages of the tooling cycle, including First Off Tool (FOT), T1/T2 iterations, and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) sign-off, ensuring each part meets required tolerances and finish standards. We also manage Color, Material, and Finish (CMF) and Visual Inspection Guidelines (VIG) documentation to ensure every component meets aesthetic and functional expectations. By working closely with production vendors, Hatch ensures tooling aligns with both performance and cost targets, offering various grades and production options to fit the needs and budgets of each project. You can learn more in our related blog: What is tooling in manufacturing? ‍DVT Output: A small batch of validated, near-production prototypes, complete with finalized design documentation, tooling updates, quality standards, and a detailed gap analysis to prepare for the PVT phase. The DVT phase is where a product transitions from working prototype to a repeatable, certifiable design ready for scale. It reduces risk before significant manufacturing investment and validates that suppliers, materials, and processes can meet expectations. By the end of DVT, teams should have: At Hatch Product Development, we guide products through DVT with a focus on precision, documentation, and manufacturability. Our integrated engineering and manufacturing teams work side by side to ensure your product leaves DVT ready for production, certification, and launch. If your team is entering the DVT Engineering phase and needs a partner to bridge design and production with confidence, contact Hatch to learn how we can help you build a smoother path to market. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing is named a 2026 mHUB Fourth Revolution Awards finalist for Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturer of the Year. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/firmware-vs-software-vs-hardware-the-power-of-an-all-in-one-development-approach Title: Firmware vs Software vs Hardware: An All-in-One Development Approach | Hatch Meta Description: In product development, the lines between firmware vs software vs hardware are increasingly intertwined. Understand the differences and how our all-in-one approach is critical to deliver a smooth and reliable user experience. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/firmware-vs-software-vs-hardware-the-power-of-an-all-in-one-development-approach ## Headings Structure: H1: Firmware vs Software vs Hardware: The Power of an All-in-One Development Approach H2: 1. Understanding the Differences Between Firmware vs Software vs Hardware H2: 2. Hatch’s All-in-One Development Approach H2: 3. Simulating Hardware for Efficient Development H2: 4. The Importance of Hardware-Aware Firmware and Software Teams H2: 5. Reducing Risk and Time to Market H2: 6. Delivering High-Quality Products H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Firmware vs Software vs Hardware: The Power of an All-in-One Development Approach H2: 1. Understanding the Differences Between Firmware vs Software vs Hardware H2: 2. Hatch’s All-in-One Development Approach H2: 3. Simulating Hardware for Efficient Development H2: 4. The Importance of Hardware-Aware Firmware and Software Teams H2: 5. Reducing Risk and Time to Market H2: 6. Delivering High-Quality Products H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away In the modern era of product development, the lines between firmware, software, and hardware are increasingly intertwined. Products that succeed in today’s competitive market require seamless integration between all three components to deliver a smooth and reliable user experience. At Hatch, we understand the critical importance of this synergy, which is why we’ve built an all-in-one approach that combines software, firmware, and hardware development under one roof. By offering comprehensive expertise in all three areas, our teams work collaboratively to create efficient, high-quality solutions that streamline the development process. Our holistic approach allows us to simulate hardware during software and firmware development, helping to eliminate bottlenecks, anticipate hardware challenges, and ensure a smoother path to production. Before diving into the advantages of an all-in-one approach, it’s important to clarify the roles of firmware, software, and hardware in a product development context: This triad of components must work in harmony for any product to function properly, and miscommunication or delays between the development teams responsible for each can lead to costly setbacks. At Hatch, we eliminate the silos traditionally seen in product development by bringing together hardware, software, and firmware expertise in one place. This integrated model fosters collaboration between teams and ensures that every aspect of development is aligned from the start. Our all-in-one approach offers several key advantages: One of the biggest hurdles in product development is waiting for hardware prototypes to be ready before testing software and firmware. This can lead to bottlenecks and delays that slow down the entire process. At Hatch, we’ve developed strategies to simulate hardware environments, allowing us to start software and firmware development even before the physical prototypes are complete. Here’s how our hardware simulation process works: One of the distinguishing factors in Hatch’s development process is that our software and firmware teams are hardware-aware. This means they have deep experience working directly with hardware, understanding its limitations, and anticipating the challenges that come with integrating it with firmware and software. By uniting software, firmware, and hardware development under one roof, Hatch reduces the risk of miscommunication, delays, and unexpected challenges. The ability to simulate hardware environments and work collaboratively across all three areas minimizes downtime and ensures that our clients’ products are ready to hit the market faster. At Hatch, we’re committed to delivering high-quality products that combine the best in hardware, software, and firmware development. Our all-in-one approach ensures that every product we develop is tested thoroughly, with an emphasis on seamless integration between all three components. The result is a robust, reliable product that’s ready to meet the demands of today’s market. In today’s competitive product landscape, the ability to integrate hardware, software, and firmware development is crucial to success. At Hatch, we take a comprehensive, all-in-one approach that allows us to deliver high-quality products more efficiently and with fewer setbacks. We have expertise in simulating hardware environments and bring a deep understanding of both software and hardware to each project we take on. By streamlining collaboration between our teams, we can reduce time to market, minimize risk, and create products that meet high standards of performance and reliability. Get in touch with the Hatch team today to learn how our integrated approach can help bring your next product to life. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/free-product-requirements-worksheet Title: Free Product Requirements Worksheet | Hatch Meta Description: Our free downloadable Product Requirements Document worksheet will help you get your product development team aligned around the features and purpose of your new product or solution. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/free-product-requirements-worksheet ## Headings Structure: H1: Free Product Requirements Worksheet H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Free Product Requirements Worksheet H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away A product requirements document (PRD) is an essential document for any company and outlines its product's purpose, features, functionalities, and behavior. It serves as a guide for launch and beyond and is an indispensable tool for uniting all stakeholders over a common vision for the product. The PRD should ideally communicate the overall vision of what is to be accomplished, and connect company initiatives to each step of your journey. To build your product requirements document, complete each section of the worksheet (objective, release, features, user flow and design, analytics, and future work) keeping in mind the overall vision and values of your company. The PRD is a continually maturing document that has the capacity for growth as you evolve. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/hatch-featured-on-company-week-by-sustainment Title: Hatch Featured on Company Week by Sustainment | Hatch Meta Description: Company Week by Sustainment recently interviewed Mark Schwartz and published a profile on Hatch Product Development. In the interview, Schwartz discusses how he and the team at Hatch Product Development have embraced the principle of client defined manufacturing, which involves understanding customers' specific needs and desires when sourcing materials for their products. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/hatch-featured-on-company-week-by-sustainment ## Headings Structure: H1: Hatch Featured on Company Week by Sustainment H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Hatch Featured on Company Week by Sustainment H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Company Week by Sustainment recently interviewed Mark Schwartz and published a profile on Hatch Product Development. In the interview, Schwartz discusses how he and the team at Hatch Product Development have embraced the principle of client defined manufacturing, which involves understanding customers' specific needs and desires when sourcing materials for their products. Schwartz emphasizes flexibility and transparency in working closely with customers to achieve their product development goals. Unlike many manufacturers, Hatch combines engineering product development and USA manufacturing in-house, allowing for lifelong support and a deeper understanding of the design and efficiency in the production processes. Hatch applies a pragmatic approach to open book pricing, providing transparency and avoiding unexpected surprises for their customers. Ultimately, this results in a mutually beneficial relationship between Hatch and its customers. Hatch serves diverse markets such as medical, military, public safety, industrial, and consumer products, which helps mitigate fluctuations in manufacturing due to economic forces and changing consumer preferences. Unlike many manufacturers struggling to find skilled workers, Hatch has not faced significant challenges in this area, thanks to its location north of Chicago, where employees can afford to live and work. The company has a strong sales backlog and anticipates long-term contracts which provides stability and contributes to the company's overall health. Hatch is also exploring opportunities for automation and has plans to expand operations. Click here to read the article. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/hatch-licenses-advanced-ev-charging-technology-from-argonne-national-laboratory Title: Hatch Licenses EV Charging Technology from Argonne National Laboratory | Hatch Meta Description: Hatch licenses EV charging tech from Argonne National Laboratory, advancing smart grid integration and U.S. manufacturing in the electric mobility space. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/hatch-licenses-advanced-ev-charging-technology-from-argonne-national-laboratory ## Headings Structure: H1: Hatch Licenses Advanced EV Charging Technology from Argonne National Laboratory H3: About Hatch Product Development H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Hatch Licenses Advanced EV Charging Technology from Argonne National Laboratory H3: About Hatch Product Development H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing has licensed advanced Electric Vehicle (EV) charging technology from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory. This is a major step forward in Hatch’s continued investment in U.S. manufacturing and the future of electric mobility. The platform functions as a powerful EV communication computer and enables seamless coordination between electric vehicles, charging stations, and the power grid. This versatile solution supports bidirectional charging (vehicle-to-grid), multi-device charger control, remote diagnostics, and more. Hatch will manufacture and further develop the technology designed to accelerate innovation in the EV and energy distribution industries. “This reinforces our long-standing relationship with Argonne and our commitment to advancing electric vehicle charging technology,” said Addison Merchut, Co-President of Hatch. “We’ve worked closely with Argonne on this technology for years and believe it has the potential to upgrade how charging infrastructure operates from individual smart chargers to nationwide grid integration.” This all-in-one platform provides a robust foundation for OEMs, charger manufacturers, and infrastructure developers looking to rapidly deploy intelligent charging solutions. The platform enables constant digital communication between EVs and EVSE for AC charging. This includes protocols ISO 15118 and SWCAN (Tesla SAE J2411). “We designed this platform to be flexible, secure, and scalable, enabling the next generation of charging technologies to integrate more intelligently with the grid,” said Jason Harper, Principal Electrical Engineer at Argonne National Laboratory. “We’re excited to see Hatch take this into the market with a focus on U.S. manufacturing and high-quality deployment.” The platform will be manufactured at Hatch’s facility in Waukegan, Illinois. Hatch’s decision to bring this platform in-house underscores its growing leadership in the EV space and its commitment to supporting domestic innovation and energy resiliency. Hatch Product Development is a global product development and manufacturing firm with the business acumen, industry network, and combined engineering experience to produce products for a wide variety of highly-regulated industries in accelerated timelines. Located just outside of Chicago with an international team, Hatch offers a full range of services to bring your product from concept to production. Comprised of a team who has over 25 years of product development and manufacturing experience and a modern top-tier vendor network, Hatch is passionate about efficiently hatching new products with passionate entrepreneurs and visionary leaders. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/hatch-named-mhub-2026-fourth-revolution-awards-finalist-for-small-and-medium-sized-manufacturer-of-the-year Title: Hatch Named Fourth Revolution Awards Finalist | Hatch Meta Description: Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing is named a 2026 mHUB Fourth Revolution Awards finalist for Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturer of the Year. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/hatch-named-mhub-2026-fourth-revolution-awards-finalist-for-small-and-medium-sized-manufacturer-of-the-year ## Headings Structure: H1: Hatch Named mHUB 2026 Fourth Revolution Awards Finalist for Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturer of the Year H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Hatch Named mHUB 2026 Fourth Revolution Awards Finalist for Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturer of the Year H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing has been named a finalist for the 2026 Fourth Revolution Awards presented by mHUB. Hatch was selected as one of five finalists in the Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturer of the Year category, which recognizes manufacturers demonstrating excellence in business practices, innovative processes, productivity enhancements, support for emerging technologies, and contributions to their local communities. Founded in 2021, Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing was built to integrate product development and U.S. contract manufacturing under one roof, enabling faster execution, greater transparency, and scalable production for complex and regulated products. Led by a team with decades of experience, Hatch has grown to more than 100 professionals supporting dozens of active programs for clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. “mHUB and Hatch share a common belief in how modern manufacturing actually gets done,” said Addison Merchut, Co-President and Co-Founder of Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing. “Our team is focused on building practical systems, strong partnerships, and technology-forward manufacturing solutions that scale. Being named a finalist is a testament to the people behind the work and the discipline they bring to solving hard problems every day.” A key driver of Hatch’s manufacturing approach is Hatchworx, the company’s proprietary modular production system. Hatchworx cells combine standardized layouts, digital work instructions, and integrated data capture to improve repeatability, accelerate training, and support rapid production scale while maintaining quality. These capabilities are supported by in-house mechanical and electrical engineering labs, advanced prototyping resources, and a modern factory floor designed for fast iteration and consistent execution. Hatch’s commitment to operational excellence is reinforced through ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 certifications, embedding continuous improvement across development and manufacturing processes. Technology also enables seamless collaboration across Hatch’s global team through digital design tools, AI-enabled research and communication, and the company’s proprietary Project Playbook, which supports real-time project and supply chain decision-making. In addition to its manufacturing operations, Hatch actively contributes to the Chicago innovation ecosystem through workforce development, university partnerships, industry education, and community engagement initiatives. As an active member of mHUB, Hatch supports the advancement of hardtech innovation and emerging manufacturing technologies across the region. The mHUB Fourth Revolution Awards celebrate manufacturers and innovators advancing the future of Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing. Award recipients will be announced at the 2026 Fourth Revolution Awards ceremony hosted by mHUB on March 5, 2026 at Venue West in Chicago. About Hatch Product Development Hatch Product Development is a global product development and manufacturing firm with the business acumen, industry network, and combined engineering experience to produce products for a wide variety of highly-regulated industries in accelerated timelines. Located just outside of Chicago with an international team, Hatch offers a full range of services to bring your product from concept to production. Comprised of a team who has over 25 years of product development and manufacturing experience and a modern top-tier vendor network, Hatch is passionate about efficiently hatching new products with passionate entrepreneurs and visionary leaders. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/hatch-named-one-of-25-winners-of-the-2025-chicago-inno-fire-awards Title: Hatch Named One of 25 Winners of the 2025 Chicago Inno Fire Awards | Hatch Meta Description: Hatch Product Development has been named one of 25 winners of the 2025 Chicago Inno Fire Awards by Chicago Inno and the Chicago Business Journal, recognizing its role in transforming U.S. manufacturing and driving innovation across the Midwest. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/hatch-named-one-of-25-winners-of-the-2025-chicago-inno-fire-awards ## Headings Structure: H1: Hatch Named One of 25 Winners of the 2025 Chicago Inno Fire Awards H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Hatch Named One of 25 Winners of the 2025 Chicago Inno Fire Awards H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing has been named one of the 25 winners of the 2025 Chicago Inno Fire Awards, presented by Chicago Inno and the Chicago Business Journal. The annual list recognizes 25 companies that are setting Chicago’s startup scene on fire through innovation, momentum, and impact. Selected by the editorial teams of both publications, the list spans industries from AI and quantum tech to biotech and manufacturing. Hatch was featured in the “Biologists” category, which honors startups driving progress in life sciences, biotech, and climate tech. Headquartered just outside Chicago in Waukegan, Illinois, Hatch is transforming U.S. manufacturing by embedding product and design engineers directly into the manufacturing process, bridging the gap between prototyping and production with speed and precision. Hatch is certified in ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016. Over the past year, Hatch opened a new office in Shenzhen, China, expanded its international vendor network, and supported dozens of engineering projects across highly regulated industries. The team has helped clients secure patents, bring new products to market, and navigate complex product development cycles from concept through full-scale manufacturing. In May, Hatch announced a technology licensing deal with Argonne National Laboratory for next-generation electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, reinforcing its commitment to U.S. innovation and sustainable mobility. With plans to double its manufacturing output in 2025, Hatch continues to scale globally while staying deeply rooted in the Midwest innovation ecosystem. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/hatch-product-development-achieves-dual-certification-in-iso-9001-2015-and-iso-13485-2016 Title: Hatch Product Development Achieves Dual Certification in ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 | Hatch Meta Description: Hatch Product Development, a product development engineering and contract manufacturing firm, has earned dual certification in ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/hatch-product-development-achieves-dual-certification-in-iso-9001-2015-and-iso-13485-2016 ## Headings Structure: H1: Hatch Product Development Achieves Dual Certification in ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 H3: About Hatch Product Development H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Hatch Product Development Achieves Dual Certification in ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 H3: About Hatch Product Development H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Hatch Product Development, a product development and contract manufacturing firm, has earned dual certification in ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016. This is a huge milestone for the company and highlights Hatch’s dedication to upholding top-notch quality standards, both in overall operations and specifically within the medical device sector. ISO 9001:2015 is the globally recognized standard for quality management systems, and ISO 13485:2016 sets the bar for quality management specifically within the medical device sector. Achieving these certifications is a testament to Hatch's dedication to quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. "We are thoroughly impressed by Hatch's sophisticated procedures and the rapid growth they have achieved in just three years,” stated Renee Wott, Senior Northeast Regional Manager, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. “Their commitment to excellence is evident in their certification achievements, and it's exciting to see such a promising company excel." Mark Schwartz, CEO of Hatch, added, "Securing both ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 certifications is a remarkable achievement for us. It reflects our continuous drive to improve our processes and exceed our clients' expectations." “These certifications validate our quality management practices and our ability to consistently deliver,” said Brad Teck, Quality Assurance Manager at Hatch. “Our expertise has empowered us to provide top-notch product development and contract manufacturing services.” Hatch Product Development remains dedicated to upholding these high standards as it continues to grow and serve its clients with excellence. Hatch Product Development is a global product development and manufacturing firm with the business acumen, industry network, and combined engineering experience to produce products for a wide variety of highly-regulated industries in accelerated timelines. Located just outside of Chicago with an international team, Hatch offers a full range of services to bring your product from concept to production. Comprised of a team who has over 25 years of product development and manufacturing experience and a modern top-tier vendor network, Hatch is passionate about efficiently hatching new products with passionate entrepreneurs and visionary leaders. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/hatch-product-development-ranks-no-21-in-manufacturing-on-the-2025-inc-5000-list Title: Hatch Product Development Ranks No. 21 in Manufacturing on the 2025 Inc. 5000 List | Hatch Meta Description: With three-year revenue growth of 724%, this marks Hatch Product Development’s first time on the Inc 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/hatch-product-development-ranks-no-21-in-manufacturing-on-the-2025-inc-5000-list ## Headings Structure: H1: Hatch Product Development Ranks No. 21 in Manufacturing on the 2025 Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Hatch Product Development Ranks No. 21 in Manufacturing on the 2025 Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Inc., the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future, today announced that Hatch Product Development is No. 21 in Manufacturing and No. 570 overall on the annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list provides a data-driven snapshot of the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Past honorees include companies such as Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Under Armour, Timberland, Oracle, and Patagonia. “Manufacturing in the USA isn’t just about a single manufacturing process or hand assembling components together. It’s about designing and engineering new innovative products for the entire world that have unique technologies and supply chains and leverage modern techniques in all stages of their production. Hatch was built around the principle of design and build, to be the go-to partner for turning complex ideas into real, manufacturable products,” said Addison Merchut, Co-President at Hatch Product Development. “Being named one of the fastest-growing manufacturing companies in America validates the mission we set out on in 2021. This milestone reflects the passion and grit of our team, and the trust our clients place in us to help bring the next generation of products to market.” This year’s Inc. 5000 honorees have demonstrated exceptional growth while navigating economic uncertainty, inflationary pressure, and a fluctuating labor market. Among the top 500 companies on the list, the median three-year revenue growth rate reached 1,552 percent, and those companies have collectively added more than 48,678 jobs to the U.S. economy over the past three years. For the full list, company profiles, and a searchable database by industry and location, visit: www.inc.com/inc5000. “Making the Inc. 5000 is always a remarkable achievement, but earning a spot this year speaks volumes about a company’s tenacity and clarity of vision,” says Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. “These businesses have thrived amid rising costs, shifting global dynamics, and constant change. They didn’t just weather the storm—they grew through it, and their stories are a powerful reminder that the entrepreneurial spirit is the engine of the U.S. economy.” Founded in 2021, Hatch Product Development has quickly established itself as a rising force in US manufacturing. In just three years, the company has grown revenue by 724% by helping clients across industries turn bold ideas into manufacturable, market-ready products. With capabilities spanning product development, prototyping, and contract manufacturing, Hatch has supported over 100 clients on projects ranging from connected consumer devices to complex medical and industrial systems. The team’s momentum was further recognized this year with a Chicago Inno Fire Award, and Hatch recently licensed advanced EV charging technology from Argonne National Laboratory to support the future of electric mobility. Inc. will celebrate the honorees at the 2025 Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, taking place October 22-24 in Phoenix, and the top 500 will be listed in the Fall issue of Inc. magazine. Companies on the 2025 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2021 to 2024. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2021. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2024. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2021 is $100,000; the minimum for 2024 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com. About Hatch Product Development Hatch Product Development is a global product development and manufacturing firm with the business acumen, industry network, and combined engineering experience to produce products for a wide variety of highly-regulated industries in accelerated timelines. Located just outside of Chicago with an international team, Hatch offers a full range of services to bring your product from concept to production. Comprised of a team who has over 25 years of product development and manufacturing experience and a modern top-tier vendor network, Hatch is passionate about efficiently hatching new products with passionate entrepreneurs and visionary leaders. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/hatch-sponsors-private-airport-hangar-pitch-competition-at-tech-chicago-week Title: Hatch Sponsors Pitch Competition at Tech Chicago Week | Hatch Meta Description: Hatch is proud to sponsor a highly anticipated event of Tech Chicago Week, the Private Airport Hangar Pitch Competition, taking place Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 7:30 to 10:30 PM in Chicago’s only private airport hangar. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/hatch-sponsors-private-airport-hangar-pitch-competition-at-tech-chicago-week ## Headings Structure: H1: Hatch Sponsors Private Airport Hangar Pitch Competition at Tech Chicago Week H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Hatch Sponsors Private Airport Hangar Pitch Competition at Tech Chicago Week H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Hatch is proud to sponsor a highly anticipated event of Tech Chicago Week, the Private Airport Hangar Pitch Competition, taking place Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 7:30 to 10:30 PM in Chicago’s only private airport hangar. This exclusive event is bringing together bold startups and top-tier investors for a high-stakes pitch competition. Only six startups will be selected to pitch in front of a live panel for a chance to win the pitch of a lifetime including a helicopter tour around Chicago with a VC. Attendees can expect a curated crowd of founders, investors, angels, LPs, and VCs, plus access to an exclusive Investors Lounge. At Hatch, we know what it takes to turn an idea into a reality. From product design and development to local contract manufacturing, we’re proud to support the next generation of startup innovation right here in Chicago. Buy tickets and learn more: https://lu.ma/1ef1vvh4 Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/how-hatch-contract-manufacturing-is-navigating-us-import-tariffs Title: How Hatch Contract Manufacturing Is Navigating US Import Tariffs | Hatch Meta Description: US import tariffs have become a tool used by governments for political clout. Hatch Contract Manufacturing remains unfazed due to a proactive approach in mitigating supply chain risk. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/how-hatch-contract-manufacturing-is-navigating-us-import-tariffs ## Headings Structure: H1: How Hatch Contract Manufacturing Is Navigating US Import Tariffs H2: Why We're Not Worried About US Import Tariffs H2: Understanding the Nature of Tariffs H2: Hatch's Proactive Approach to Mitigating Supply Chain Risk H3: 1. Strong, Long-Term Partnerships: H3: 2. Optimizing Order Quantities: H3: 3. Strategic Supply Chain Management: H3: 4. Design for Manufacturing Excellence: H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: How Hatch Contract Manufacturing Is Navigating US Import Tariffs H2: Why We're Not Worried About US Import Tariffs H2: Understanding the Nature of Tariffs H2: Hatch's Proactive Approach to Mitigating Supply Chain Risk H3: 1. Strong, Long-Term Partnerships: H3: 2. Optimizing Order Quantities: H3: 3. Strategic Supply Chain Management: H3: 4. Design for Manufacturing Excellence: H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away In today's globalized economy, import tariffs have become a frequent tool used by governments to influence political clout or even non-economic talking points. While tariffs seem as though they can significantly impact your businesses, Hatch Contract Manufacturing remains unfazed. Let's delve into the reasons why. While tariffs grab news headlines, it's crucial to remember they're primarily political maneuvers, not sound economic strategy. Often used as bargaining chips in other international policies, tariffs rarely cause lasting disruptions to savvy businesses. In fact, the fear of tariffs often causes more damage than the tariffs themselves. Knee-jerk reactions to potential tariff changes can trigger costly supply chain disruptions that outweigh the actual impact of the US import tariffs. Smart businesses understand this and build resilience into their strategies. Instead of panicking, they focus on long-term solutions and strategic partnerships to mitigate any potential cost increases. Ultimately, tariffs are rarely a justifiable reason to overhaul an established well-planned supply chain. At Hatch, we've always prioritized supply chain risk mitigation. This proactive approach has equipped us to navigate challenges like tariffs with ease. Here's a breakdown of Hatch’s four-tiered "Tariff Engineering" strategy: While tariffs may pose challenges for some businesses, Hatch Contract Manufacturing is well-positioned to navigate this complex landscape. Our long-standing partnerships, strategic supply chain management, and commitment to design excellence allow us to minimize the impact of tariffs and deliver exceptional value to our customers. By understanding the true nature of US import tariffs and implementing proactive strategies, we can continue to thrive in a globalized economy. In short, our engineering and manufacturing processes enable our team to navigate tariff changes to deliver a cost effective product. If you're interested in learning more about how Hatch's approach to US import tariffs could help you, get in touch with our team. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/how-to-transition-firmware-from-an-evaluation-kit-to-a-fully-customized-pcb-prototype-board-assembly Title: How to Transition Firmware from an Evaluation Kit to a Fully Customized PCB Prototype Board Assembly | Hatch Meta Description: Explore the critical steps to transition from an off-the-shelf evaluation kit (EVK) to a fully customized PCB prototype board assembly with insights into Hatch’s firmware development and advanced prototyping. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/how-to-transition-firmware-from-an-evaluation-kit-to-a-fully-customized-pcb-prototype-board-assembly ## Headings Structure: H1: How to Transition Firmware from an Evaluation Kit to a Fully Customized PCB Prototype Board Assembly H2: 1. Leveraging EVKs for Firmware Development H2: 2. Ensuring Feature Completeness in Software H2: ‍3. Designing Your Custom PCB Prototype Board Assembly H2: 4. Testing: The Key to a Reliable PCB Prototype Assemblies H2: ‍5. Integrating Firmware with Custom Hardware H2: 6. Scaling from Prototype to Production H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: How to Transition Firmware from an Evaluation Kit to a Fully Customized PCB Prototype Board Assembly H2: 1. Leveraging EVKs for Firmware Development H2: 2. Ensuring Feature Completeness in Software H2: ‍3. Designing Your Custom PCB Prototype Board Assembly H2: 4. Testing: The Key to a Reliable PCB Prototype Assemblies H2: ‍5. Integrating Firmware with Custom Hardware H2: 6. Scaling from Prototype to Production H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away In the fast-paced world of product development, bridging the gap between off-the-shelf evaluation kits (EVKs) and fully customized Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) prototypes is critical. At Hatch, we specialize in product development and contract manufacturing, offering robust prototyping capabilities that empower businesses to evolve their ideas from evaluation kits into complete, functional hardware. This blog will guide you through the process of transitioning from an EVK to a fully customized PCB prototype board assembly, focusing on both the firmware development process and the prototyping expertise we bring to the table. We'll also explore the importance of testing, fixturing, and automated board checks in ensuring quality and efficiency. Evaluation kits are an essential tool during the early stages of product development. These kits provide pre-configured hardware and software platforms that allow developers to quickly test and validate firmware and software features before committing to a custom hardware solution. EVKs accelerate the initial development process, helping to refine algorithms, user interfaces, and functionalities in a controlled environment. However, while EVKs offer a flexible starting point, they often come with limitations in terms of scalability and hardware customization. As your product grows in complexity or moves towards market readiness, you’ll eventually need to move beyond the EVK and design a custom PCB assembly that’s tailored to your specific application requirements. As you develop your software on an EVK, it’s important to ensure that all critical features are thoroughly tested and validated. EVKs allow for a controlled environment where you can experiment with different configurations, sensors, and modules to confirm functionality. Hatch’s experience in software development allows us to optimize this process, ensuring that the software is robust and feature-complete before transitioning to custom hardware. During this phase, it's crucial to focus on compatibility, performance, and integration with the hardware you intend to build. Making the software modular and adaptable will ease the transition to a custom PCB assembly later on. Once you’re confident that the software meets your needs, it’s time to transition from the evaluation kit to a custom PCB prototype assembly. This step is where Hatch’s advanced prototyping and manufacturing capabilities shine. Our team works closely with you to design a PCB assembly that meets your exact specifications—whether it’s miniaturization, power efficiency, or additional functionalities. Custom PCB assembly prototyping at Hatch is a collaborative process, which includes: The transition from an EVK to a custom PCBA prototype isn’t just about assembling components—rigorous testing is crucial to ensure the design’s functionality and reliability. At Hatch, we offer a range of testing capabilities that streamline the validation of your custom PCB Assemblies. By combining manual and automated testing processes, we ensure that your PCB prototype assemblies function as intended in various conditions. This reduces the likelihood of issues later in production and in the field, saving time and resources in the long run. As the custom PCB assembly moves through the prototyping phase, the next challenge is ensuring seamless software integration. Since the firmware has been developed on an EVK, there may be slight adjustments needed to accommodate the differences between the EVK’s hardware and the custom PCB assembly. Hatch’s engineering team supports this transition by: Once your custom PCB prototype assembly has been fully validated, the next step is scaling for production. Hatch’s contract manufacturing services are equipped to handle this process seamlessly. From low volume manufacturing to mass production, we optimize every step for efficiency and quality. Our integrated approach ensures that the final product maintains the high standards established during the prototyping phase. The journey from an evaluation kit to a fully customized PCBA prototype board involves careful planning, collaboration, and rigorous testing. At Hatch, we bring decades of experience in product development, prototyping, and contract manufacturing to ensure a smooth transition. Our software and hardware expertise, combined with our manufacturing capabilities, make us the ideal partner for transforming your EVK-based concepts into fully realized, market-ready products. Let Hatch guide you through the prototyping process and beyond—get in touch with our team today to learn how we can help bring your ideas to life. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/how-tooling-manufacturers-support-low-medium-and-high-volume-production Title: How Tooling Manufacturers Support Low, Medium, and High-Volume Production | Hatch Meta Description: Learn how Hatch works with tooling manufacturers to support low, medium, and high-volume production to achieve cost-effective and scalable solutions. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/how-tooling-manufacturers-support-low-medium-and-high-volume-production ## Headings Structure: H1: How Tooling Manufacturers Support Low, Medium, and High-Volume Production H2: Low-Volume Production: Flexibility & Speed H2: ‍Medium-Volume Production: Balancing Cost & Durability H2: ‍High-Volume Production: Durability & Efficiency H2: ‍Selecting the Right Strategy with Tooling Manufacturers for Every Stage of Production H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: How Tooling Manufacturers Support Low, Medium, and High-Volume Production H2: Low-Volume Production: Flexibility & Speed H2: ‍Medium-Volume Production: Balancing Cost & Durability H2: ‍High-Volume Production: Durability & Efficiency H2: ‍Selecting the Right Strategy with Tooling Manufacturers for Every Stage of Production H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Choosing the right tooling strategy is critical for efficient and cost-effective manufacturing. Whether you’re producing a small batch of prototypes or scaling up to mass production, tooling manufacturers play a crucial role in determining quality, efficiency, and overall production costs. At Hatch, we work with top-tier tooling manufacturers to provide the best solutions for low, medium, and high-volume production, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards. Low-volume production typically involves prototyping, early-stage product launches, and custom or niche-market products. Since the goal is to test and refine designs before committing to large-scale production, tooling strategies must be cost-effective and adaptable. Tooling Options for Low-Volume Manufacturing: The benefits of these options are that there are lower initial costs, faster turnaround times, and greater flexibility for design changes. For companies looking for prototypes and low-volume manufacturing, Hatch can find a solution for a small-batch production run without excessive tooling costs. Medium-volume production bridges the gap between small-run prototyping and full-scale manufacturing. This range typically includes pilot production runs, limited-edition products, or growing product lines that haven’t yet reached mass-market demand. Tooling Options for Medium-Volume Manufacturing: These options provide a balance between cost and durability and are ideal for refining designs before mass production. High-volume production demands long-lasting, high-precision tooling that can withstand thousands or even millions of cycles. Tooling decisions at this stage have a direct impact on product cost, lead times, and overall manufacturing efficiency. Tooling Options for High-Volume Manufacturing: These methods are cost-effective for large-scale production, provide high durability and minimal maintenance, and are optimized for efficiency and precision. Hatch works with tooling manufacturers to ensure our clients receive the highest quality, production-ready tooling. Our experience in contract manufacturing allows us to help businesses transition smoothly from mid-range to full-scale production. Tooling manufacturers play a critical role in bringing products to market efficiently, whether you’re producing a small prototype batch, a limited run, or scaling to high-volume production. At Hatch, we ensure our clients get the right tooling solutions for their specific production needs, helping them achieve cost efficiency, quality, and scalability. Are you in need of guidance on your tooling and production strategy? Get in touch with Hatch today to discuss your project. Author: Elizabeth Merchut Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/inside-evt-engineering-verification-test-phase-done-right Title: Inside EVT: Engineering Verification Test Phase Done Right | Hatch Meta Description: Understand what to expect during the EVT (Engineering Verification Test) phase of product development from first functional builds to validation testing and early design refinements. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/inside-evt-engineering-verification-test-phase-done-right ## Headings Structure: H1: Inside EVT: Engineering Verification Test Phase Done Right H2: Pre-EVT (Alpha Prototype): Building the Foundation H2: EVT (Beta Prototype): Validating Design and Functionality H2: Why EVT (Engineering Verification Test) Matters H3: This article is part of Hatch’s blog series on the EVT/DVT/PVT process. Explore the full series: H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Inside EVT: Engineering Verification Test Phase Done Right H2: Pre-EVT (Alpha Prototype): Building the Foundation H2: EVT (Beta Prototype): Validating Design and Functionality H2: Why EVT (Engineering Verification Test) Matters H3: This article is part of Hatch’s blog series on the EVT/DVT/PVT process. Explore the full series: H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away The EVT (Engineering Verification Test) phase marks the first time a product transitions from concept to a functional, testable prototype that reflects both its design intent and performance goals. In other words, this is the first time the full product has been designed by trained product development engineers. At Hatch Product Development, we treat the EVT phase not as a single milestone, but as a carefully planned progression from early engineering exploration to verified functionality and design integrity. This approach ensures that by the time a product reaches EVT, it’s both functional and ready for the next stage of validation as well as eventual certification. However, to reach this EVT stage for ground breaking or innovative products, sometimes the Hatch engineering team will start with a critical phase, known as pre-EVT or Alpha prototype, sets the stage for success. In the pre-EVT phase, the engineering teams focus on developing a functional, non-cosmetic prototype. This stage allows teams to validate early assumptions, evaluate system architecture, and identify design gaps that could affect later performance. This is critical when the product is using unique technology or highly novel approaches because early prototypes help uncover technical risks before they become costly design or manufacturing issues. This prototype is strictly built for engineering validation, not for customer demonstrations. It may lack cosmetic finish or full feature functionality, but it delivers critical engineering and product data about what works, what doesn’t, and what must change before EVT. Pre-EVT Output: One functional Alpha prototype, complete with gap analysis and recommendations for design updates before EVT. Once the Alpha prototype phase identifies and resolves key gaps, the project advances into the EVT phase, often referred to as the Beta prototype. This is where the engineering and product teams align to verify that the product performs as designed while meeting the desired cosmetic and user-facing requirements. In this phase, teams typically: The EVT prototype is often used for performance testing, preliminary regulatory assessments, and sometimes internal demos. It’s a tangible representation of the product’s true potential and is robust enough for testing but still flexible for refinement. EVT Output: The Beta prototype verifies design performance, and solutions to issues are resolved then a detailed gap analysis will lead to updated vendor and manufacturing documents to guide the next phase (Design Validation Testing). The EVT phase is more than a proof of concept; it’s a confidence checkpoint. It ensures that the product’s design can be built, tested, and iterated effectively before investing in tooling or mass production. A well-executed EVT (Engineering Verification Test) phase reduces downstream risk, shortens timelines, and gives engineering teams the data they need to refine performance, safety, and manufacturability. At Hatch Product Development, we manage EVT with precision, integrating mechanical, electrical, and firmware disciplines under one roof. Our hands-on testing and in-house assembly capabilities ensure that every prototype from Alpha to Beta advances with purpose toward production readiness. If your team is preparing for the EVT phase and needs an experienced partner to bring engineering rigor and manufacturability insight to your prototype, talk to Hatch about how we can help. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/navigating-the-intricacies-of-fcc-testing Title: Navigating the Intricacies of FCC Testing | Hatch Meta Description: In the world of product development and manufacturing, ensuring compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) standards is not just a best practice – it’s a legal requirement. The FCC mandates specific tests to guarantee that electronic devices function safely without causing or succumbing to electronic interference. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/navigating-the-intricacies-of-fcc-testing ## Headings Structure: H1: Navigating the Intricacies of FCC Testing H2: ‍The Crucial First Step: Pre-Scan Testing H2: ‍Refinement: The Heart of Compliance H2: ‍The Pinnacle of Testing: FCC Certification H2: ‍Beyond Testing: Final Tweaks and Mass Manufacturing H2: ‍Power Source and Usage Considerations H2: ‍The Challenge of FCC Testing: A Symphony of Complexities H2: ‍Why Partnering with Hatch Makes the Difference H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Navigating the Intricacies of FCC Testing H2: ‍The Crucial First Step: Pre-Scan Testing H2: ‍Refinement: The Heart of Compliance H2: ‍The Pinnacle of Testing: FCC Certification H2: ‍Beyond Testing: Final Tweaks and Mass Manufacturing H2: ‍Power Source and Usage Considerations H2: ‍The Challenge of FCC Testing: A Symphony of Complexities H2: ‍Why Partnering with Hatch Makes the Difference H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away In the world of product development and manufacturing, ensuring compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) standards is not just a best practice – it’s a legal requirement. The FCC mandates specific tests, primarily Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), to guarantee that electronic devices function safely without causing or succumbing to electronic interference. These tests are critical in our increasingly connected world, where electronic noise and interference can significantly impact both device performance and user safety. FCC testing is necessary for selling or manufacturing an electronic device in the United States, and the Hatch team is here to walk you through the process with a hands-on approach. The journey towards FCC compliance begins with Pre-Scan Testing; an essential diagnostic step that helps identify potential EMI/EMC issues at an early stage. At Hatch, we pride ourselves on our ability to perform these pre-scans in-house on a wide range of consumer products, effectively setting the stage for successful compliance. For products that require deeper analysis, our network of institutional partnerships enables us to delve further. We look at components, functions, and circuits to see how they react to different tests that are run. For example, RF emissions is one of the most common tests run for FCC testing. It’s not enough to only watch the frequency levels; it is critical for us to check the energy levels in parallel to ensure that both are running at safe levels. Following the initial Pre-Scan Testing, products enter the refinement phase. This crucial stage involves detailed electrical and mechanical adjustments, tailored to mitigate any identified EMI/EMC concerns. Our team at Hatch approaches this phase with a blend of technical expertise and creative problem-solving, ensuring that every product not only meets but exceeds FCC standards. The culmination of this rigorous process is the FCC testing itself, conducted in a certified lab. Hatch’s team members are actively involved on-site, facilitating the process and providing real-time troubleshooting. This hands-on approach allows us to address and resolve any issues that may arise during testing, ensuring a smooth path to compliance. Passing the FCC test is a significant milestone, but the work doesn’t stop there. Any necessary design modifications or minor tweaks are seamlessly incorporated into the product design before it moves into New Product Introduction and Mass Manufacturing. This holistic approach ensures that the final product is not just compliant but also optimally designed for its intended market. In FCC testing, the nuances of power source (battery-powered versus wall-powered) and intended use (residential versus commercial) play pivotal roles. These factors influence the testing parameters and standards that a product must meet, underscoring the need for a tailored approach to each product’s unique characteristics. Achieving FCC compliance is often likened to navigating a labyrinth of technical intricacies - it's a complex and sometimes daunting task. We’re dealing with the unpredictability of electronic noise, which can be particularly challenging for unique, innovative, or high-powered devices. For example, the Hatch team worked with a device that was generating internal system noise from the power supply, which wasn’t being filtered properly. The component at issue was off-the-shelf, meaning that the component itself could not be modified, so a creative software adjustment was required to lower the noise level. In the realm of FCC testing, solving one problem can inadvertently create another. This interconnected nature of electronic issues means that a comprehensive understanding and strategic approach are essential. This is where Hatch’s expertise becomes invaluable. With a team of seasoned engineers and specialists, we not only anticipate potential pitfalls but also construct effective solutions that ensure a smooth and successful compliance process. FCC testing is a journey filled with technical challenges and regulatory hurdles. At Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing, we understand the complexities involved and bring our extensive experience to bear on every project. Ideally, design work for FCC testing is considered at the beginning of a product’s development, which gives you a better chance of meeting the standards. If your product has already been designed without FCC testing considerations, FCC testing is possible, but may require adjustments to the design and additional time for the pre-scan analysis, product refinement, and testing before your product is deemed compliant. FCC compliance is a great achievement and necessary for market success. In the intricate dance of FCC compliance, having a partner like Hatch is not just an advantage – it’s a necessity. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/q1-2023-whats-crackin Title: Q1 2023: What's Crackin | Hatch Meta Description: Read the Q1 2023 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features a product spotlight on SHREDmill and recent ongoings at Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/q1-2023-whats-crackin ## Headings Structure: H1: Q1 2023: What's Crackin H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Q1 2023: What's Crackin H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Read the Q1 2023 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features the following: Read the full newsletter below to learn what we've been up to. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/q1-2025-whats-crackin Title: Q1 2025: What's Crackin | Hatch Meta Description: Read the Q1 2025 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features articles on product manufacturing challenges, tooling for different volume productions, and more. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/q1-2025-whats-crackin ## Headings Structure: H1: Q1 2025: What's Crackin H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Q1 2025: What's Crackin H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Read the Q1 2025 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features the following: Read the full newsletter below to learn what we've been up to. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/q2-2023-whats-crackin Title: Q2 2023: What's Crackin | Hatch Meta Description: Read the Q2 2023 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features a product spotlight on Mammoth Products and recent ongoings at Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/q2-2023-whats-crackin ## Headings Structure: H1: Q2 2023: What's Crackin H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Q2 2023: What's Crackin H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Read the Q2 2023 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features the following: Read the full newsletter below to learn what we've been up to. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/q2-2024-whats-crackin Title: Q2 2024: What's Crackin | Hatch Meta Description: Read the Q2 2024 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features a product spotlight on OptiQ EVSE and recent ongoings at Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/q2-2024-whats-crackin ## Headings Structure: H1: Q2 2024: What's Crackin H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Q2 2024: What's Crackin H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Read the Q2 2024 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features the following: Read the full newsletter below to learn what we've been up to. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/q2-2025-whats-crackin Title: Q2 2025: What's Crackin | Hatch Meta Description: Read the Q2 2025 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features the FOX Touchpoint, licensed EV charging technology from Argonne National Laboratory, switching contract manufacturers, and more. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/q2-2025-whats-crackin ## Headings Structure: H1: Q2 2025: What's Crackin H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Q2 2025: What's Crackin H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Read the Q2 2025 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features the following: Read the full newsletter below to learn what we've been up to. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/q3-2023-whats-crackin Title: Q3 2023: What's Crackin | Hatch Meta Description: Read the Q3 2023 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features a product spotlight on TegoTech and recent ongoings at Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/q3-2023-whats-crackin ## Headings Structure: H1: Q3 2023: What's Crackin H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Q3 2023: What's Crackin H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Read the Q3 2023 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features the following: Read the full newsletter below to learn what we've been up to this quarter. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/q3-2024-whats-crackin Title: Q3 2024: What's Crackin | Hatch Meta Description: Read the Q3 2024 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features a product spotlight on SimPull from The Patient Company and recent ongoings at Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/q3-2024-whats-crackin ## Headings Structure: H1: Q3 2024: What's Crackin H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Q3 2024: What's Crackin H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Read the Q3 2024 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features the following: Read the full newsletter below to learn what we've been up to. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/q4-2023-q1-2024-whats-crackin Title: Q4 2023 & Q1 2024: What's Crackin | Hatch Meta Description: Read the Q4 2023 & Q1 2024 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features a product spotlight on Ovie LightTags and recent ongoings at Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/q4-2023-q1-2024-whats-crackin ## Headings Structure: H1: Q4 2023 & Q1 2024: What's Crackin H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Q4 2023 & Q1 2024: What's Crackin H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Read the Q3 2024 & Q1 2024 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features the following: Read the full newsletter below to learn what we've been up to. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/q4-2024-whats-crackin Title: Q4 2024: What's Crackin | Hatch Meta Description: Read the Q4 2024 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features an article on TAA Compliance, Hatch's dual certification in ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 and more. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/q4-2024-whats-crackin ## Headings Structure: H1: Q4 2024: What's Crackin H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Q4 2024: What's Crackin H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Read the Q4 2024 edition of Hatch's newsletter, What's Crackin. This issue features the following: Read the full newsletter below to learn what we've been up to. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/questions-to-ask-your-tool-manufacturers Title: Questions to Ask Your Tool Manufacturers | Hatch Meta Description: When evaluating tool manufacturers, it’s important to consider how quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness are assessed. At Hatch, a US-based contract manufacturer, we take a results-driven approach to tooling, material selection, and quality assurance. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/questions-to-ask-your-tool-manufacturers ## Headings Structure: H1: Questions to Ask Your Tool Manufacturers H2: Questions to Ask Your Tool Manufacturers H3: 1. What Does the Manufacturing Process Look Like? H3: 2. How Do You Select the Material for the Tool? H3: 3. How Is the Material for the Product Selected? H3: 4. How Do You Select Your Part Production Vendor? H3: 5. What Is the First Step in Getting Parts Made? H3: 6. How Do You Evaluate Part Quality? H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Questions to Ask Your Tool Manufacturers H2: Questions to Ask Your Tool Manufacturers H3: 1. What Does the Manufacturing Process Look Like? H3: 2. How Do You Select the Material for the Tool? H3: 3. How Is the Material for the Product Selected? H3: 4. How Do You Select Your Part Production Vendor? H3: 5. What Is the First Step in Getting Parts Made? H3: 6. How Do You Evaluate Part Quality? H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away When embarking on a product development journey, choosing the right tool manufacturer is a critical decision that can significantly impact the success of your project. At Hatch, a US-based contract manufacturing firm, we understand the importance of asking the right questions to ensure your product is developed with the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Below are essential questions to ask your tool manufacturers, along with insights into how Hatch approaches these considerations. Understanding the manufacturing process from start to finish is crucial. At Hatch, we begin by preparing a Design for Manufacture (DFM) review, not only considering your project goals and outlining a plan that makes the most sense for achieving them but also looking at the manufacturability and process for each of your products parts. Knowing the steps involved, from tool creation to part production, helps you anticipate timelines and ensures you are prepared for each phase. Tooling material selection is vital because it directly affects cost, quality, schedule, and tool life. There are several tooling materials to choose from, each with its own set of trade-offs. At Hatch, we carefully consider these factors to select the most appropriate material, ensuring it aligns with your project’s budget and quality expectations. The material selection for your product is just as important as the tooling material. Careful consideration must be given of the product's function, environment, and desired appearance. Key material properties like strength, heat resistance, and chemical resistance must be evaluated alongside cost and availability. The tool is then built specifically to accommodate the chosen material, ensuring it meets the necessary standards and performance criteria. Choosing the right vendor for part production is a complex decision that involves balancing cost, quality, quantity, and logistics. At Hatch, we employ a blend of onshore and offshore vendors, strategically selected based on their ability to meet your project’s needs. Having select vendors in regions where we have local access to onsite support ensures smooth communication, quality control, and timely delivery. The journey from concept to production involves several critical steps. The first step is making the tool, which can be time-consuming. Once the tool is made, we produce the first-off-tool (FOT) parts. These initial parts are not expected to be perfect but are used to check and adjust the tooling. After refining the tool, T1 samples are made, followed by T2 approved parts that meet the final quality and finish standards. Quality assurance is a non-negotiable aspect of product development. At Hatch, we evaluate part quality by examining several factors, including Color, Materials & Finish (CMF) of individual parts. We also create a Visual Inspection Guide Document (VIG), which defines how each part will be reviewed and the quality standards it must meet for our vendors and for our QC team. After the T2 stage, we proceed with production once the parts pass our stringent quality checks. Selecting the right tool manufacturer involves asking the right questions to ensure that every aspect of the manufacturing process aligns with your project goals. At Hatch, we pride ourselves on our meticulous approach to tool and material selection, vendor management, and quality assurance. By partnering with a manufacturing firm that prioritizes these considerations, you can be confident that your product will be developed to the highest standards of excellence. Get in touch with our team today to learn how we can help you navigate this process for your next product. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/switching-contract-manufacturers-heres-what-you-need-to-know Title: Switching Contract Manufacturers? Here’s What You Need To Know | Hatch Meta Description: Thinking about switching contract manufacturers? Learn more about what to consider before making the move. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/switching-contract-manufacturers-heres-what-you-need-to-know ## Headings Structure: H1: Switching Contract Manufacturers? Here’s What You Need To Know H2: 1. Evaluate Why You're Switching Contract Manufacturers H2: 2. Look for a True Manufacturing Partner H2: 3. Plan Your Transition Carefully H2: 4. Consider Proximity and Responsiveness H2: 5. Think Long-Term H3: Ready to switch contract manufacturers? H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Switching Contract Manufacturers? Here’s What You Need To Know H2: 1. Evaluate Why You're Switching Contract Manufacturers H2: 2. Look for a True Manufacturing Partner H2: 3. Plan Your Transition Carefully H2: 4. Consider Proximity and Responsiveness H2: 5. Think Long-Term H3: Ready to switch contract manufacturers? H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away If you’re thinking about switching contract manufacturers, you’re not alone. Many companies reach a point where their current partner just isn't meeting expectations, whether that’s due to bad quality control, poor communication, rising costs, need to scale, or limitations in capability. Whatever the reason, making a switch is a big decision. And when you’re relying on a contract manufacturer to bring your product to life, every step counts. Here’s what you need to know before making the leap. Before looking at new contract manufacturers, take a close look at your current situation. Ask yourself: Clearly defining the “why” helps you avoid making the same mistake twice, and makes it easier to find a partner who better aligns with your goals. Not all contract manufacturers offer the same level of support. Some may seem like a quick, cost-effective way to get to market, but unexpected costs and limitations often show up down the line. Others, like Hatch, provide full support including design for manufacturability (DFM), prototyping, testing, and full-scale production. When evaluating new contract manufacturers, consider: Switching contract manufacturers isn’t as simple as handing off a file. There’s a knowledge transfer involved, one that can be either seamless or full of pitfalls. To ensure a smooth transition: At Hatch, we treat onboarding with precision leveraging our Hatchworx onboarding process. Our veteran team works to understand your product inside and out so we can hit the ground running without missed steps or surprises. While completely offshore contract manufacturers may offer appealing pricing, the tradeoffs in communication, lead times, and risk can be significant. US-based manufacturers like Hatch offer direct access to engineering teams, faster iterations, and clear accountability. You should be able to pick up the phone and talk to someone who knows your product, not wait 48 hours for a reply that doesn’t address your concerns. Switching contract manufacturers isn’t just about fixing a short-term issue; it’s about setting your product up for long-term success. The right partner will help you scale, innovate, and evolve your offering over time. At Hatch, we’re not just a vendor; we are an extension of your team. We help startups and established brands alike bring complex products to life with agile engineering, rapid prototyping, and scalable production solutions. If your current contract manufacturer isn’t delivering the quality, communication, or flexibility you need, it may be time to make a change. At Hatch, we specialize in helping companies transition smoothly and scale confidently. Whether you’re launching a new product or improving an existing one, we’re here to help. Let’s talk about how Hatch can support your next chapter. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/taa-compliance-what-it-is-and-how-hatch-contract-manufacturing-delivers Title: TAA Compliance: What It Is and How Hatch Contract Manufacturing Delivers | Hatch Meta Description: Learn how Hatch is able to offer TAA compliant solutions to provide customers with the highest quality products while meeting sourcing needs. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/taa-compliance-what-it-is-and-how-hatch-contract-manufacturing-delivers ## Headings Structure: H1: TAA Compliance: What It Is and How Hatch Contract Manufacturing Delivers H2: A Brief History of TAA H2: TAA Compliance: The Importance of Country of Origin and Substantial Transformation H2: Hatch Contract Manufacturing: Your Partner in TAA Compliance H2: Benefits for Hatch Customers H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: TAA Compliance: What It Is and How Hatch Contract Manufacturing Delivers H2: A Brief History of TAA H2: TAA Compliance: The Importance of Country of Origin and Substantial Transformation H2: Hatch Contract Manufacturing: Your Partner in TAA Compliance H2: Benefits for Hatch Customers H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away By: Rosario M. Spaccaferro, General Counsel In today's globalized economy, understanding the origin of your products is more critical than ever, especially when dealing with the US Federal Government. This is where the Trade Agreements Act (TAA) comes into play. This blog post will delve into the history of TAA, its importance, and how Hatch Contract Manufacturing is able to offer TAA compliant solutions to provide our customers with the highest quality products while meeting their sourcing needs. The Trade Agreements Act (TAA) of 1979 was enacted to foster fair and open international trade. It says that products purchased by the US Federal Government must originate from the United States or certain countries which have trade agreements with the US (“designated countries”). This legislation aims to: The legal test for TAA country of origin compliance hinges on two key concepts: To qualify for TAA compliance, the substantial transformation must occur in the US or a designated country. Hatch Contract Manufacturing is an Illinois-based provider of electronics manufacturing services with a strong commitment to TAA compliance. We understand the complex intricacies of sourcing and manufacturing, and we've implemented robust systems to ensure our customers can receive products that meet the stringent requirements of the TAA. Here's how we achieve this: By partnering with Hatch, our customers gain access to: TAA compliance is not just a regulatory hurdle; it's an opportunity to support fair trade, US manufacturing, and economic growth. Hatch Contract Manufacturing is dedicated to providing our customers with TAA-compliant products that meet the highest standards of quality and performance. Hatch is built for TAA compliant solutions through our USA manufacturing using a variety of domestic and international partners​. To learn more about how Hatch can work with you to produce TAA-compliant products, get in touch with our team today. Disclaimer: This blog published by Hatch Product Development, LLC and the author is for informational purposes only and shall not be considered legal advice on any subject matter. By viewing blog posts, the reader understands there is no attorney-client relationship between the reader and author. This blog shall not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the appropriate jurisdiction. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/tariff-therapy-with-addison-merchut-a-workshop-at-mhub-for-smarter-product-development Title: Join Us for “Tariff Therapy” with Addison Merchut, A Workshop at mHUB for Smarter Product Development | Hatch Meta Description: Learn practical strategies to reduce costs and optimize your supply chain through smart product development, engineering, and strategic sourcing decisions. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/tariff-therapy-with-addison-merchut-a-workshop-at-mhub-for-smarter-product-development ## Headings Structure: H1: Join Us for “Tariff Therapy” with Addison Merchut, A Workshop at mHUB for Smarter Product Development H2: Why Attend Tariff Therapy? H2: About the Speaker H2: ‍Event Details H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Join Us for “Tariff Therapy” with Addison Merchut, A Workshop at mHUB for Smarter Product Development H2: Why Attend Tariff Therapy? H2: About the Speaker H2: ‍Event Details H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away In today’s global economy, tariffs, sourcing, and freight costs are more than just line items on a spreadsheet; they’re engineering opportunities. Join us at mHUB Chicago on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025 for Tariff Therapy - Practical strategies to reduce costs and optimize your supply chain, a workshop led by Hatch Co-President and Co-Founder, Addison Merchut. This session is designed for hardware founders, product managers, engineers, product/supply chain teams, and anyone involved in launching or scaling physical products. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies to reduce costs and future-proof your product development process. Because every decision, from sourcing to design, impacts your landed cost. This workshop will show you how to: Addison Merchut has over a decade of experience in product development, manufacturing, and business strategy. As Co-President and Co-Founder of Hatch, Addison helps entrepreneurs and executives scale their physical product ideas from prototype to full production. At Hatch, he leads a team that: Addison also advises multiple startups on go-to-market strategy and product execution. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/the-benefits-of-partnering-with-a-consumer-electronics-contract-manufacturing-company Title: The Benefits of Partnering with a Consumer Electronics Contract Manufacturing Company | Hatch Meta Description: Partnering with a consumer electronics contract manufacturing company can be a game-changer. By leveraging the expertise, resources, and scalability of Hatch’s contract manufacturing services, businesses can streamline their production processes, reduce costs, and focus on what they do best—innovation. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/the-benefits-of-partnering-with-a-consumer-electronics-contract-manufacturing-company ## Headings Structure: H1: The Benefits of Partnering with a Consumer Electronics Contract Manufacturing Company H2: 1. Access to Specialized Expertise and Subject Matter Experts at Electronics Contract Manufacturing Company H2: 2. Cost Efficiency and Scalability H2: 3. Faster Time to Market H2: ‍4. Enhanced Quality Control H2: 5. Focus on Core Competencies H2: ‍6. Access to Advanced Technologies H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: The Benefits of Partnering with a Consumer Electronics Contract Manufacturing Company H2: 1. Access to Specialized Expertise and Subject Matter Experts at Electronics Contract Manufacturing Company H2: 2. Cost Efficiency and Scalability H2: 3. Faster Time to Market H2: ‍4. Enhanced Quality Control H2: 5. Focus on Core Competencies H2: ‍6. Access to Advanced Technologies H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away In the fast-paced world of electronics, staying ahead of the competition requires innovation, speed, and efficiency. Whether you're a startup launching a new product or an established company expanding your product line, the complexities of manufacturing electronic components can be overwhelming. This is where partnering with a consumer electronics contract manufacturing company can be a game-changer. By leveraging the expertise, resources, and scalability of Hatch’s contract manufacturing services, businesses can streamline their production processes, reduce costs, and focus on what they do best—innovation. As a consumer electronics contract manufacturing company, Hatch brings a plethora of specialized knowledge to the table. We have extensive experience in designing, assembling, and testing a wide range of electronic products, from simple circuit boards to complex computer-on-module (COM) boards and systems. Our expertise ensures that your product is built to the highest standards, with careful attention to detail in every aspect of the manufacturing process. Partnering with an experienced consumer electronics contract manufacturer means you have access to our team of engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians who understand the nuances of electronic product design and production. We can offer valuable insights during the development phase, helping you optimize your design for manufacturability, reduce potential issues, and improve overall product performance. One of the most significant advantages of partnering with a consumer electronics contract manufacturing company is cost efficiency. Building and maintaining an in-house manufacturing facility can be prohibitively expensive, especially when you factor in the costs of real estate, equipment, labor, and raw materials. Contract manufacturers, on the other hand, spread these costs across multiple clients, allowing us to offer competitive pricing. Additionally, Hatch can scale production up or down based on your needs. Whether you're in need of a low volume manufacturing run or preparing for a full-scale mass product launch, we have the flexibility to adjust production volumes quickly and efficiently. This scalability is particularly beneficial for companies that experience fluctuating demand or are entering new markets. In the electronics industry, speed is often a critical factor in a product's success. The faster you can bring your product to market, the better your chances of capturing market share and outpacing competitors. Electronics contract manufacturing companies are equipped to handle rapid production timelines, ensuring that your product is manufactured and delivered on schedule. Hatch has established relationships with global suppliers and access to advanced manufacturing technologies, which helps reduce lead times and streamline the production process. By partnering with Hatch as your contract manufacturer, you can accelerate your time to market, giving your product a competitive edge. Quality is paramount in electronics manufacturing. Even a minor defect in an electronic component can lead to significant issues, including product recalls, customer dissatisfaction, and damage to your brand’s reputation. At Hatch, we prioritize quality control at every stage of the production process, from sourcing materials to final assembly. These manufacturers typically have robust quality management systems in place, including rigorous testing and inspection procedures. By partnering with a contract manufacturer, you can be confident that your product will meet the highest quality standards, reducing the risk of defects and ensuring customer satisfaction. Outsourcing your consumer electronics manufacturing to Hatch allows your business to focus on its core competencies, such as product design, research and development, and marketing. Instead of getting bogged down in the complexities of manufacturing, you can allocate your resources to areas that directly impact your company’s growth and profitability. By letting Hatch handle the production details, you can concentrate on innovating and improving your product offerings. This focus on core competencies enables your business to stay agile and responsive in a competitive market. The electronics industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and manufacturing processes emerging regularly. Staying up-to-date with these advancements can be challenging, particularly for smaller companies with limited resources. Hatch and its network of partners and suppliers invest in the latest technologies and equipment, ensuring that your products are manufactured using cutting-edge techniques. By partnering with Hatch as your contract manufacturer, you gain access to advanced manufacturing capabilities without the need for significant capital investment. This access can be a game-changer, allowing you to incorporate the latest innovations into your products and stay ahead of the competition. Partnering with Hatch, a consumer electronics contract manufacturing company, offers numerous benefits, from cost efficiency and scalability to enhanced quality control and faster time to market. By leveraging the expertise and resources of our team, your business can focus on what it does best—driving innovation and delivering high-quality products to the market. At Hatch, we provide comprehensive electronics manufacturing solutions to fit your needs. Whether you're developing a new product or scaling up production, our team is here to help you navigate the complexities of electronics manufacturing with ease. By choosing Hatch as your manufacturing partner, you can have confidence that your products will be built to the highest standards, delivered on time, and ready to make an impact in the market. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/the-difference-between-3d-printing-vs-injection-molding Title: The Difference Between 3D Printing vs Injection Molding | Hatch Meta Description: Understanding the differences between 3D printing vs injection molding can help you make the right choice for your project, whether you're prototyping or preparing for mass production. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/the-difference-between-3d-printing-vs-injection-molding ## Headings Structure: H1: The Difference Between 3D Printing vs Injection Molding H2: 3D Printing: Ideal for Prototyping and Low-Volume Production H3: Key Benefits of 3D Printing: H3: Limitations of 3D Printing: H2: Injection Molding: The Go-To for Mass Production H3: Key Benefits of Injection Molding: H3: Limitations of Injection Molding: H2: 3D Printing vs Injection Molding: Choosing the Right Method for Your Project H2: Hatch’s Expertise in Contract Manufacturing H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: The Difference Between 3D Printing vs Injection Molding H2: 3D Printing: Ideal for Prototyping and Low-Volume Production H3: Key Benefits of 3D Printing: H3: Limitations of 3D Printing: H2: Injection Molding: The Go-To for Mass Production H3: Key Benefits of Injection Molding: H3: Limitations of Injection Molding: H2: 3D Printing vs Injection Molding: Choosing the Right Method for Your Project H2: Hatch’s Expertise in Contract Manufacturing H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away In the world of manufacturing, there are several methods to create parts and products, each with its own set of advantages and limitations. Two of the most commonly discussed methods are 3D printing and injection molding. While both processes are invaluable in their own right, they serve different purposes in the product development lifecycle. Understanding the differences between 3D printing and injection molding can help you make the right choice for your project, whether you’re prototyping or preparing for mass production. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has revolutionized the way we approach product development. This technology allows for the creation of parts layer by layer, directly from a digital model. One of the biggest advantages of 3D printing is its flexibility—it can produce complex geometries in a single step approach that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. Injection molding, or similar tooled manufacturing, is a very cost effective process that involves injecting molten material into a mold to create parts. This method is particularly well-suited for producing large quantities of parts with high precision and consistency. When deciding between 3D printing and injection molding, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your project. If you’re in the early stages of product development and need to quickly create and test prototypes, 3D printing is likely the best choice. It allows for rapid iteration and is perfect for refining your design before committing to mass production. However, if you’re ready to scale up production and require thousands or millions of parts, injection molding is the way to go. Despite the higher initial costs, injection molding will be more cost-effective in the long run and will provide the consistency and quality needed for mass-produced products. At Hatch, we understand the importance of choosing the right manufacturing process for your project. As a US-based contract manufacturer with a global network, we offer both prototyping services using 3D printing and mass production capabilities through injection molding. Our team is here to guide you through the process, helping you make informed decisions that align with your project goals and budget. Whether you’re at the prototyping stage or ready for mass production, Hatch is your partner in bringing your product to life with precision and efficiency. Get in touch with our team today to get started. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/the-power-of-our-manufacturing-plant-layout-inside-hatchworx-cells Title: The Power of Our Manufacturing Plant Layout: Inside Hatchworx Cells | Hatch Meta Description: Discover how Hatch’s unique manufacturing plant layout, powered by modular Hatchworx cells, enables unmatched flexibility, scalability, and efficiency for both startups and established companies. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/the-power-of-our-manufacturing-plant-layout-inside-hatchworx-cells ## Headings Structure: H1: The Power of Our Manufacturing Plant Layout: Inside Hatchworx Cells H2: What is a Hatchworx cell? H2: Tech-Forward Manufacturing with Digital Workflows H2: Why Manufacturing Plant Layout Matters H2: ‍Built for Startups and Established Companies Alike Who Are Ready to Grow H2: ‍Manufacturing the Hatch Way H2: ‍The Bottom Line H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: The Power of Our Manufacturing Plant Layout: Inside Hatchworx Cells H2: What is a Hatchworx cell? H2: Tech-Forward Manufacturing with Digital Workflows H2: Why Manufacturing Plant Layout Matters H2: ‍Built for Startups and Established Companies Alike Who Are Ready to Grow H2: ‍Manufacturing the Hatch Way H2: ‍The Bottom Line H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away In manufacturing, plant layout isn’t just about where machines and people go; it’s about how efficiently you can build, scale, and adapt. At Hatch, we’ve built our operations around that very principle. Our unique manufacturing plant layout, built around modular Hatchworx cells, gives us the flexibility to pivot between builds, scale up or down, and handle complex projects with agility and precision, be it manual tasks or fully integrated automated tasks. Here’s how our layout gives us (and our clients) a competitive edge. A Hatchworx cell is a self-contained, cross-functional manufacturing unit designed to handle a specific phase, or full span, of a product’s production. Each cell is modular and reconfigurable, allowing us to shift resources based on project needs in real time. Think of them like building blocks. When one product ramps down and another ramps up, we can shift the layout quickly without disrupting workflows or compromising quality. That’s the kind of agility that sets Hatch apart in the world of contract manufacturing. Each Hatchworx cell is equipped with digital touchscreens that deliver real-time work instructions to our production teams. This isn’t just about going paperless; it’s about enabling faster updates, fewer errors, and instant alignment across teams. Whether we’re switching product lines, onboarding a new build, or integrating late-stage design changes, the ability to update instructions on the fly helps us stay agile and accurate. And all of this is done through engineering change notices (ECN) sign offs. The digital backbone is a key part of our tech-forward approach in contract manufacturing. It allows us to reduce downtime, speed up training, and maintain consistent quality, no matter how often or how quickly things change. It’s one more way our manufacturing plant layout, powered by Hatchworx cells, is designed for the future of production. An optimized manufacturing plant layout reduces waste, improves lead times, and increases productivity. But more importantly, it enables flexibility and in today’s fast-moving product landscape, flexibility is everything. Traditional layouts are often rigid and product-specific. At Hatch, we serve a wide range of industries, product types, and production volumes, so our layout had to evolve. Hatchworx cells allow us to: Whether you’re a startup building your first prototype or an established company optimizing for the next mass production run, Hatchworx cells are built to flex with you. Our modular manufacturing plant layout makes it easy to adapt to your unique requirements, whether that means small-batch runs, rapid iterations, or scaling to meet increased demand. For startups, we offer the ability to start small. Often this means developing early prototypes, engineering validation units (EVTs), and pilot runs, without overcommitting to large-scale infrastructure. And when you’re ready to scale, our layout makes that transition seamless. For established companies, Hatchworx offers a responsive, collaborative alternative to rigid manufacturing systems. Need to introduce a new product variant? Increase output temporarily? Switch production lines without costly delays? Our layout is designed to make it happen, fast. No matter your size or stage, we meet you where you are and help you get to where you want to go. Our plant layout reflects the way our team works. Engineering, production, quality control, and testing are all closely integrated within each Hatchworx cell. This creates a fast feedback loop and ensures every product meets our high standards at every step. We also design our spaces to be transparent and collaborate. Clients can walk the floor, see progress in real time, and talk directly to the people building their product. Your product’s success shouldn’t be limited by your manufacturer’s layout. At Hatch, our dynamic manufacturing plant layout, powered by Hatchworx cells, helps us move faster, smarter, and more efficiently than traditional factories. Whether you’re a startup preparing for launch or a growing company looking to scale, our layout gives us the agility to meet your needs at any stage. Want to see Hatchworx in action? Get in touch with our team to schedule a tour or talk through your manufacturing goals. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/things-to-ask-when-hiring-a-product-design-and-development-firm Title: Things to Ask When Hiring a Product Design and Development Firm | Hatch Meta Description: This free downloadable worksheet can be used as a guide for hiring a PD firm to help improve your product development process. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/things-to-ask-when-hiring-a-product-design-and-development-firm ## Headings Structure: H1: Things to Ask When Hiring a Product Design and Development Firm H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Things to Ask When Hiring a Product Design and Development Firm H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Before you hire a product design firm, it is crucial to ask certain questions that will allow you to describe how you want your product development journey to look. That's why we've created a worksheet with questions for you to consider when assessing a new product development partner. This includes describing your product, budget, timing, and more. Download the worksheet now to define your journey. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/what-are-evt-dvt-pvt Title: What Are EVT, DVT, & PVT? | Hatch Meta Description: Learn what EVT, DVT, & PVT mean in product development, what happens in each verification phase, and how they lead to reliable, scalable manufacturing. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/what-are-evt-dvt-pvt ## Headings Structure: H1: What Are EVT, DVT, & PVT? Hatch’s Guide to Product Development and Manufacturing Verification H2: Understanding EVT, DVT, & PVT H3: EVT: Engineering Verification Testing — Proving the Design Works H3: DVT: Device Verification Testing — Proving the Parts Are Good H3: PVT: Production Verification Testing — Proving the Volume Is Good H2: The Path to Mass Production H3: This article is part of Hatch’s blog series on the EVT/DVT/PVT process. Explore the full series: H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: What Are EVT, DVT, & PVT? Hatch’s Guide to Product Development and Manufacturing Verification H2: Understanding EVT, DVT, & PVT H3: EVT: Engineering Verification Testing — Proving the Design Works H3: DVT: Device Verification Testing — Proving the Parts Are Good H3: PVT: Production Verification Testing — Proving the Volume Is Good H2: The Path to Mass Production H3: This article is part of Hatch’s blog series on the EVT/DVT/PVT process. Explore the full series: H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Achieving a successful product requires continuous testing and refinement prior to production release. Once a product’s design requirements are created and a proof of concept has been made, the productionization process really begins. This productionization process is a series of refinement stages and structured testing known as EVT, DVT, and PVT. Together, these three phases ensure that the product design works as intended, that components and assemblies meet specifications, and that production processes can reliably scale. Our engineering and manufacturing teams use these phases to bring products from first prototype to production-ready efficiently. At Hatch, production-ready means consistent parts and repeatable assembly with quality built into every step. But getting to production ready is a journey. Purpose: Confirm that the design functions as intended. The first step in this journey is the Engineering Verification Test (EVT) phase. The goal of this phase is to verify that the initial design has all the functionality of what will be produced and to identify any initial potential issues before moving forward. During this phase, the product is built using rapid prototyping processes to allow for fast iteration. This is where most engineering design firms stop, but at Hatch, this is where our magic is just getting started. Typical EVT builds include 2 to 50 units, and the iteration of prototypes is extensive. Mechanical components are built and tested multiple times. Electrical architecture and full PCBAs are prototyped for functionality and testing. The software and firmware for the product move from EVKs to running on the newly built prototype. The EVT build, sometimes called the Beta Build, is where Hatch’s engineers perform functional, and even pre-EMI/EMC testing to ensure the design meets performance expectations. A low yield is common and expected; this is the phase where design and functional issues are caught and corrected early as opposed to finding issues downstream in manufacturing. At Hatch, we like to say that prototypes teach us one thing: where all the issues are. EVT Output: A validated design that’s ready for Design for Manufacturing (DFM) refinement. Purpose: Confirm that the parts can be manufactured to meet the product specifications and standards. This is the first time the product is built using near-final manufacturing processes. Once the design is frozen, the Device Verification Test (DVT) phase focuses on: DVT builds (aka the Gamma Build) typically include 50 to 500 units. This quantity of units is important because the number of product development stakeholders increases drastically. These units are used for: All of these teams and steps are necessary to validate that the device can be manufactured correctly and meets industry requirements. During DVT, yield and quality control (QC) processes are refined. While a large number of parts are produced, the yield is still low as each stakeholder iterates on their individual manufacturing process. DVT Output: Supply chain setup, individual part manufacturing established, production procedures and equipment initially developed, and certification complete. Some units may even be suitable for limited sales or pilot deployment. Purpose: Confirm that the production line can build the product consistently and efficiently at scale. In the Production Verification Test (PVT) phase, the complete manufacturing chain is put to the test to build at volume for the first time. This is the first true production test run (aka the Pilot Build), often involving 100 to 1000 units. While the goal in DVT was to verify each part could be made correctly, the goal of PVT is to verify production consistency. In this phase, production volume verification is performed at every stage in the manufacturing chain, including: All steps are reviewed, validated, and optimized during the PVT phase to ensure consistency and efficiency at volume. Hatch also uses this phase to evaluate labor and test time studies, refine design or manufacturing processes with vendors for scale, and validate fixtures, jigs, programming, and testing stations. Work instructions (WI) are updated throughout the build for any inefficiencies or process bottlenecks by the Hatch engineering and production teams on the factory floor. Depending on the complexity of the product, PVT builds typically have yields between 75% and 95% and are customer-ready units. PVT Output: Every step of the production process has been optimized for mass manufacturing. Once a product passes PVT, it is ready for mass production. By this point, the design is locked, suppliers are qualified, and manufacturing processes are tuned for yield, quality, and efficiency. The EVT, DVT, & PVT structure not only reduces risk but also creates a repeatable framework for launching high-quality products on time and within budget. At Hatch, our integrated engineering and manufacturing teams manage this entire process from the first engineering designs all the way to launching a product into mass production. The same experts who design your product are responsible for building it which means decisions are more thoughtful, challenges are solved faster, and the entire process stays accountable from concept to commercialization. Let’s talk about how Hatch can help guide your next product through EVT, DVT, and PVT with precision and confidence. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/what-is-design-for-manufacturing Title: What is Design for Manufacturing? | Hatch Meta Description: Design for Manufacturing (DFM) focuses on optimizing a product design for the process of manufacturing. When a product is designed with manufacturing in mind, steps are made early in the development process to reduce waste, optimize cost, and improve quality. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/what-is-design-for-manufacturing ## Headings Structure: H1: What is Design for Manufacturing? H2: What is Design for Manufacturing? H2: Optimized Bill of Materials (BOM) H2: Reduced Shipping Costs H2: Streamlined Assembly H2: Lower Manufacturing Costs H2: Consistent Design H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: What is Design for Manufacturing? H2: What is Design for Manufacturing? H2: Optimized Bill of Materials (BOM) H2: Reduced Shipping Costs H2: Streamlined Assembly H2: Lower Manufacturing Costs H2: Consistent Design H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Are you working to bring a product to market? Maybe you have the design and/or some prototypes completed, but let’s pause for a moment to discuss a critical consideration: has it been designed for manufacturability? This vital step, if skipped, can lead to the demise of even the greatest products. Design for Manufacturing (DFM) focuses on optimizing a product design for the process of manufacturing. When a product is designed with manufacturing in mind, steps are made early in the development process to reduce waste, optimize cost, and improve quality. Details such as material selection, manufacturing processes, ease of assembly, potential manufacturing limitations, and supply chain challenges are some of the factors that must be considered prior to production. Here are some of the top benefits that a design focused on manufacturability can deliver: ‍The BOM should be reviewed for opportunities to reduce the number of parts, identify components that are obsolete or close to obsolescence, implement standardized parts, and use common components used in your other products. Reducing the number of parts will also reduce engineering, manufacturing, assembly and shipping costs. For example, do the fasteners on your BOM represent more than 10% of your BOM cost? If so, perhaps your BOM needs to be reworked before heading into manufacturing. A product development engineer can assist you in identifying issues such as this so that you don’t waste your investment on an overpriced and over designed product. In addition to requiring fewer parts, the design should be reviewed for opportunities to optimize the overall footprint to help reduce shipping and warehousing costs. DFM enables you to design a more efficient assembly process by reducing weight, size, and complexity, leading to reduced labor and assembly costs. Reduced design complexity offers the opportunity to automate assembly and also minimizes opportunity for human error. ‍Optimized BOM, reduced shipping costs, and streamlined assembly all work together to lower manufacturing costs. A DFM can also uncover potential issues in a design before it hits production and prevent costly changes late in the manufacturing process. ‍Streamlining the assembly paired with parts designed to be consistently produced will allow engineers to simplify assembly, which will achieve a consistent product with repeatable quality. If you already have a prototype of your product - that's great! You've proven out the concept, which is an important part of the product development journey. When you're ready to move to production, it's important to make sure your product is designed for manufacture. Hatch is here to help! Get in touch with our team today. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/what-is-required-of-businesses-teams-and-product-development-in-2021 Title: Requirements of Businesses, Teams & Product Development in 2021 | Hatch Meta Description: On what I hope is the tail-end of one of the most unpredictable 14 months in recent history, I’ve reflected on what is required in 2021. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/what-is-required-of-businesses-teams-and-product-development-in-2021 ## Headings Structure: H1: The Requirement of Businesses, Teams and Product Development in 2021 H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: The Requirement of Businesses, Teams and Product Development in 2021 H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away On what I hope is the tail-end of one of the most unpredictable 14 months in recent history, I’ve reflected on what is required in 2021- of businesses, teams and product development. If there’s one thing necessary in 2021, it’s flexibility. Changing work environments, travel plans, budgets and vendors have become the norm. Teams have to be nimble above all else right now, and we all have to find ways to be energized instead of flustered with each new pivot. A wide network of vendors, partners, and experts is one of the most powerful tools of flexible businesses. When connections are strong and vast, and things change – whether they be a shut down at a manufacturing facility, the need to ramp up engineering quickly or to bring in industry-specific expertise – a healthy system of connections makes most things possible. I challenge you, as I’ve done of myself, to test the flexibility of yourself, your teams and your business. While the pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges all over the world, something, often on a much smaller scale, will require flexibility to overcome. I’ve purposefully started Hatch to be that partner that always comes in clutch- no matter the challenges. If you’re ready to hatch something new, let’s talk. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/what-is-tooling-in-manufacturing Title: What is tooling in manufacturing? | Hatch Meta Description: Learn what tooling in manufacturing is and why it's critical for efficient production processes. From vacuum cleaners to kitchen gadgets, many items you likely use on a daily basis began their journey to your home with a process called tooling. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/what-is-tooling-in-manufacturing ## Headings Structure: H1: What is tooling in manufacturing? H2: So, what is tooling in manufacturing? H2: ‍Tooling in Everyday Products H2: The Cookie Cutter Analogy H2: Considerations in Tooling H2: Hatch's Approach to Tooling H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: What is tooling in manufacturing? H2: So, what is tooling in manufacturing? H2: ‍Tooling in Everyday Products H2: The Cookie Cutter Analogy H2: Considerations in Tooling H2: Hatch's Approach to Tooling H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away In the world of manufacturing, tooling plays a critical role in bringing products to life, especially when it comes to mass-producing parts such as those made from plastic. Whether it's the vacuum cleaner in your closet, the parts of your car, or the components of your favorite kitchen gadgets, all these items likely began their journey to your home with a process called tooling. Tooling refers to the creation of specialized tools and molds used in manufacturing processes to shape and form materials into specific parts. These tools are essential for producing large quantities of identical parts with precision and consistency. When we talk about mass manufacturing, especially for plastic parts, tooling becomes the backbone of the entire process. Look around, and you’ll notice that many of the objects you use daily are made of plastic and have been tooled. Consider your vacuum cleaner, for example. Every plastic component, from the handle to the body casing, has been shaped using a tool specifically designed for that part. The same goes for the dashboard and interior components of your car, your kitchen appliances, and even the toys your kids play with. Tooling is what allows manufacturers to produce these parts in large volumes while maintaining uniformity and quality. To better understand tooling, let’s use a simple analogy: baking cookies. Imagine you have a vision for a delicious cookie. You know what ingredients to use and how you want it to taste, but to create that perfect cookie shape consistently, you need a cookie cutter. The cookie cutter ensures that every cookie comes out in the same shape and size, batch after batch. In manufacturing, tooling is like that cookie cutter. When you want to produce a part, say a plastic handle, you need a tool (or mold) designed specifically for that handle. This tool ensures that every handle produced looks the same, fits the same, and meets the same quality standards, just like the cookies from your cookie cutter. The difference is that the tooling in manufacturing are large molds and cutters that are loaded into very large machines like these: Creating a tool is a complex process that requires careful consideration of several factors: At Hatch, a US-based contract manufacturer, we specialize in providing high-quality tooling solutions for a wide range of products. We leverage a global network for part production, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality. Once the parts are produced, final assembly takes place in our facilities in the USA, allowing us to maintain stringent quality standards throughout the entire manufacturing process. Our approach to tooling ensures that each part of your product is produced with precision and consistency, just like using the perfect cookie cutter for your baking needs. By partnering with Hatch, you gain access to a seamless and efficient manufacturing process that delivers top-notch products, whether you’re producing a small batch or scaling up for mass production. Tooling is an essential part of the manufacturing process, especially for producing plastic parts on a large scale. It's the foundation that allows manufacturers to create consistent, high-quality products efficiently. At Hatch, we take pride in our expertise in tooling and our ability to provide cost-effective, high-quality solutions for our clients. Whether you're envisioning the next great consumer product or scaling up an existing one, get in touch with our team today to help bring your vision to life. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/what-you-should-know-before-you-hire-mobile-app-developers Title: What You Should Know Before You Hire Mobile App Developers | Hatch Meta Description: Once you’ve made the decision to create an app, one of the first questions you’ll need to answer is how you plan to develop the product. In this blog, we’ve outlined three ways to hire mobile app developers, and what you should know about each option. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/what-you-should-know-before-you-hire-mobile-app-developers ## Headings Structure: H1: What You Should Know Before You Hire Mobile App Developers H2: Your Options to Hire Mobile App Developers H3: 1. Hire an in-house team H3: 2. Hire an app developer from a freelance website H3: 3. Hire mobile app developers at a firm H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: What You Should Know Before You Hire Mobile App Developers H2: Your Options to Hire Mobile App Developers H3: 1. Hire an in-house team H3: 2. Hire an app developer from a freelance website H3: 3. Hire mobile app developers at a firm H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away Once you’ve made the decision to create an app, one of the first questions you’ll need to answer is how you plan to hire mobile app developers. Whether you are an established company looking to add an app into your product line or you are launching your startup, there are a few routes you can go. Below, we’ve outlined three ways to hire mobile app developers, and what you should know about each option. Going the route of hiring in-house gives you a dedicated team. You'll need professionals that cover a range of abilities including Quality Assurance, Project Management, iOS, Android, and/or web developer, backend developer, and UX/UI designer. This option allows you to completely control the development process and have close communication with the team. This is the most expensive option, considering that you'll need to budget for salaries, benefits, software, development tools, computers, phones, office space, HR, and taxes. You'll also want to consider the amount of time that it will take to onboard employees to your company to make a well-functioning team out of them. There are several websites such as Upwork or Fiverr that offer very inexpensive app development assistance. Although this is the cheapest route, there are potential risks with selecting a freelancer from a website. You should expect to handle project management yourself and monitor the entire process. Freelancers rely on someone to define the timeline, scope, and priorities. Freelancers usually focus on a very specific solution, not a turnkey product. They also rely on a project manager to communicate between the different functions of the project. For example, ensuring that the product owners, UI team, and the frontend developers communicate in synchrony, which is key to a successful app. If you are considering hiring a freelancer, be sure to check their reviews and take a look at their completed projects to ensure you don't end up with a ghost developer. You'll also want to make sure the freelancer you select is trustworthy so that they do not reuse your app's code or distribute your confidential materials. If you end up dissatisfied with the end results, you'll need to start the process all over again. In most cases, the code may lack sufficient quality to be used a second time. Turning to a product development firm like Hatch offers you a full range of services including research and development through releasing your app to the app store and ongoing software maintenance. Engineers at a product development firm have significant product development experience under their belt and can help you navigate the product development process. Selecting a firm also means that there is a very quick onboarding process. Once the project kicks off, the team begins working on your product. A firm also has access to extremely skilled professionals in many disciplines including UI/UX, research, and engineers, not to mention all the tools needed to bring your app to life. This is often the most cost-effective option and the least risky path to hiring mobile app developers. There are different benefits to each of these options, and it's ultimately up to you to determine which path will best fit the needs of your product and business. If you've decided that hiring a mobile app development firm is the right choice for you, get in touch with Hatch Product Development. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/why-contract-manufacturing-companies-are-key-to-scalable-production Title: Why Contract Manufacturing Companies Are Key to Scalable Production | Hatch Meta Description: By partnering with contract manufacturing companies such as Hatch, businesses can leverage the expertise, resources, and scalability needed to meet market demands without the overhead and complexity of in-house production. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/blog/why-contract-manufacturing-companies-are-key-to-scalable-production ## Headings Structure: H1: Why Contract Manufacturing Companies Are Key to Scalable Production H2: Understanding Scalable Production H2: The Role of Contract Manufacturing Companies H2: Hatch’s Approach to Scalable Production H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Why Contract Manufacturing Companies Are Key to Scalable Production H2: Understanding Scalable Production H2: The Role of Contract Manufacturing Companies H2: Hatch’s Approach to Scalable Production H2: More Resources H3: DVT Engineering Explained: Turning Prototypes into Production-Ready Designs H3: CES 2026: Trends That Aren’t Going Away In today’s fast-paced market, the ability to scale production quickly and efficiently is a critical factor in the success of any product-based business. As a company grows, demand for their products can increase rapidly, and meeting this demand requires a robust and flexible manufacturing strategy. This is where third party contract manufacturing companies come into play. By partnering with a contract manufacturing company such as Hatch, businesses can leverage the expertise, resources, and scalability needed to meet market demands without the overhead and complexity of in-house production. Let’s begin by defining scalable production. This is the ability to efficiently increase the manufacturing output of a product as demand grows. This is more than just producing more units; it’s about doing so in a way that maintains or even improves quality, controls costs, and minimizes lead times. Achieving scalability can be challenging, especially for companies that are still building their internal capabilities within their market segments or that operate in industries with fluctuating demand. Contract manufacturing companies are third-party providers that specialize in producing goods on behalf of other companies. They bring several key advantages to the table, particularly when it comes to scalability: At Hatch, we understand the challenges that come with scaling production. As a US-based contract manufacturing company with a global network, we offer our clients the ability to scale their production efficiently and cost-effectively with the guidance of our seasoned manufacturing veterans. Whether you need to produce small batches for a new product launch or scale up to meet increased demand, partnering with Hatch gives you a scalable manufacturing solution that can grow with your business, ensuring that you can meet market demands without sacrificing quality or profitability. In a competitive market, the ability to scale production efficiently is a key driver of growth and success. Contract manufacturing companies play an essential role in helping businesses achieve this scalability, offering the expertise, technology, and flexibility needed to meet growing demand. By partnering with a trusted contract manufacturing company like Hatch, you can ensure that your production capabilities grow in step with your business, allowing you to focus on what matters most—delivering value to your customers. Learn what happens during the DVT engineering phase of product development. Discover how design validation testing transforms prototypes into production-ready designs through tooling, vendor engagement, and rigorous testing. Explore CES 2026 trends uncovered. See how emerging and maturing technologies at CES point to what's next for consumer products, industrial systems, and manufacturing. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/careers/electrical-design-engineer-level-1 Title: Electrical Design Engineer Level 1 | Careers at Hatch Meta Description: Hatch is hiring a Electrical Design Engineer Level 1 to join the team. Learn more about the role, and apply today! Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/careers/electrical-design-engineer-level-1 ## Headings Structure: H1: Electrical Design Engineer Level 1 H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Electrical Design Engineer Level 1 The position will be responsible for the following: Job Title: Electrical Design Engineer Level 1 Company: Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing ‍Location: Waukegan, IL Pay Range: $50,000-$80,000/year Hatch is a product development & contract manufacturing firm offering the full range of services to bring your product from concept to production. Hatch offers product design, development, and contract manufacturing for entrepreneurs and visionary leaders. Founded in 2021 by aerospace and consumer product industry engineers, the Hatch team wanted to turn the product design and manufacturing industry on its head. We are a multidisciplinary team who have the business acumen, industry network, and combined engineering experience to produce products for a wide variety of highly-regulated industries in accelerated timelines. Are you a budding Electrical Design Engineer with a knack for inquisitive exploration and an appetite for tackling multiple projects simultaneously? At Hatch Product Development, we're seeking someone who's eager to be part of a team but can also shine individually. If you enjoy rolling up your sleeves, diving into labs, and are enthusiastic about designing and testing PCBAs and electrical systems, this role might be your next adventure. ‍This is an onsite position based at Hatch's facility in Waukegan, Illinois, and no relocation payment will be provided. Key Responsibilities: This is an onsite position based at Hatch's facility in Waukegan, Illinois, and no relocation payment will be provided. Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/careers/electronics-technician-2 Title: Electronics Technician | Careers at Hatch Meta Description: Hatch is hiring a Electronics Technician to join the team. Learn more about the role, and apply today! Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/careers/electronics-technician-2 ## Headings Structure: H1: Electronics Technician H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Electronics Technician The position will be responsible for the following: Job Title: Electronics Technician Company: Hatch Product Development Location: Waukegan, IL Pay: $26.00-$34.00/hour About Us: Hatch Product Development is at the forefront of innovation, turning ideas into reality. We're looking for a dedicated Electronics Technician to join our dynamic team in Waukegan, IL. If you're a professional with a passion for assisting in the development process and troubleshooting in an engineering environment, we want to hear from you. As an Electronics Technician at Hatch, you will support engineering projects by installing, testing, and maintaining electronics embedded systems and components. You will work closely with engineers to ensure electrical designs are implemented correctly, assist in prototype testing, and provide technical troubleshooting to ensure high-quality project delivery. Preferred Qualifications: Why Choose Hatch Product Development: Joining our team means becoming a part of an innovative environment where your technical skills and passion for precision are highly valued. We turn ideas into reality, and we're looking for a dedicated Electronics Technician to help us make it happen. If you're ready to be part of a dynamic team that turns concepts into solutions, we invite you to apply for the position of Electronics Technician at Hatch Product Development. Hatch Product Development is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/careers/firmware-engineer Title: Firmware Engineer Level 1 | Careers at Hatch Meta Description: Hatch is hiring a Firmware Engineer Level 1 to join the team. Learn more about the role, and apply today! Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/careers/firmware-engineer ## Headings Structure: H1: Firmware Engineer Level 1 H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Firmware Engineer Level 1 The position will be responsible for the following: Job Title: Firmware Engineer Level 1 Company: Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing ‍Location: Waukegan, IL Hatch is a product development & contract manufacturing firm offering the full range of services to bring your product from concept to production. Hatch offers product design, development, and contract manufacturing for entrepreneurs and visionary leaders. Founded in 2021 by aerospace and consumer product industry engineers, the Hatch team wanted to turn the product design and manufacturing industry on its head. We are a multidisciplinary team who have the business acumen, industry network, and combined engineering experience to produce products for a wide variety of highly-regulated industries in accelerated timelines. We are seeking a skilled and motivated Firmware Engineer Level 1 to join our development team. As a Firmware Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, development, and optimization of embedded software and firmware that drives the performance and functionality of our products. You will work closely with hardware engineers and cross-functional teams to ensure the seamless integration of hardware and software components, contributing to high-quality, innovative solutions. Key Responsibilities: Required Qualifications: Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Pay Range: $50,000-$80,000 --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/careers/full-stack-web-developer Title: Full Stack Web Developer | Careers at Hatch Meta Description: Hatch is hiring a Full Stack Web Developer to join the team. Learn more about the role, and apply today! Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/careers/full-stack-web-developer ## Headings Structure: H1: Full Stack Web Developer H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Full Stack Web Developer The position will be responsible for the following: Job Title: Full Stack Web Developer Company: Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing ‍Location: Waukegan, IL Pay Range: $65,000-$90,000/year Hatch is a product development & contract manufacturing firm offering the full range of services to bring your product from concept to production. Hatch offers product design, development, and contract manufacturing for entrepreneurs and visionary leaders. Founded in 2021 by aerospace and consumer product industry engineers, the Hatch team wanted to turn the product design and manufacturing industry on its head. We are a multidisciplinary team who have the business acumen, industry network, and combined engineering experience to produce products for a wide variety of highly-regulated industries in accelerated timelines. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Full Stack Web Developer to join our dynamic development team. The ideal candidate will have experience working on both the front-end and back-end of web applications and will be responsible for developing and maintaining high-quality, scalable web applications. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of user-facing elements with server-side logic, delivering features that enhance user experiences and drive business outcomes. Key Responsibilities: Required Qualifications: Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/careers/mechanical-engineer-level-1 Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer | Careers at Hatch Meta Description: Hatch is hiring a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join the team. Learn more about the role, and apply today! Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/careers/mechanical-engineer-level-1 ## Headings Structure: H1: Senior Mechanical Engineer H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Senior Mechanical Engineer The position will be responsible for the following: Job Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer Company: Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing ‍Location: Waukegan, IL Pay Range: $50,000-$80,000/year Hatch is a product development & contract manufacturing firm offering the full range of services to bring your product from concept to production. Hatch offers product design, development, and contract manufacturing for entrepreneurs and visionary leaders. Founded in 2021 by aerospace and consumer product industry engineers, the Hatch team wanted to turn the product design and manufacturing industry on its head. We are a multidisciplinary team who have the business acumen, industry network, and combined engineering experience to produce products for a wide variety of highly-regulated industries in accelerated timelines. We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our team. This is a great opportunity for a motivated individual who is eager to gain hands-on experience in product design, development, and manufacturing processes. Working alongside our experienced engineers, you will contribute to various stages of bringing innovative products to life, from conceptualization to production. ‍This is an onsite position based at Hatch's facility in Waukegan, Illinois, and no relocation payment will be provided. Key Responsibilities: This is an onsite position based at Hatch's facility in Waukegan, Illinois, and no relocation payment will be provided. Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/careers/production-engineer-level-1 Title: Production Engineer Level 1 | Careers at Hatch Meta Description: Hatch is hiring a Production Engineer Level 1 to join the team. Learn more about the role, and apply today! Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/careers/production-engineer-level-1 ## Headings Structure: H1: Production Engineer Level 1 H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Production Engineer Level 1 The position will be responsible for the following: Job Title: Production Engineer Level 1 Company: Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing ‍Location: Waukegan, IL Pay Range: $50,000-$80,000/year Hatch is a product development & contract manufacturing firm offering the full range of services to bring your product from concept to production. Hatch offers product design, development, and contract manufacturing for entrepreneurs and visionary leaders. Founded in 2021 by aerospace and consumer product industry engineers, the Hatch team wanted to turn the product design and manufacturing industry on its head. We are a multidisciplinary team who have the business acumen, industry network, and combined engineering experience to produce products for a wide variety of highly-regulated industries in accelerated timelines. We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic Production Engineer Level 1 to join our team. This is a great opportunity for a motivated individual who is eager to gain hands-on experience in manufacturing across many different industries. Working alongside our experienced production and design engineers, you will contribute to bringing innovative products to market. ‍This is an onsite position based at Hatch's facility in Waukegan, Illinois, and no relocation payment will be provided. Key Responsibilities: This is an onsite position based at Hatch's facility in Waukegan, Illinois, and no relocation payment will be provided. Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/careers/production-technician Title: Production Technician | Careers at Hatch Meta Description: Hatch is hiring a Production Technician to join the team. Learn more about the role, and apply today! Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/careers/production-technician ## Headings Structure: H1: Production Technician H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Production Technician The position will be responsible for the following: Job Title: Production Technician Company: Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing ‍Location: Waukegan, IL Pay Range: $24-33 per hour Hatch Product Development is at the forefront of innovation, turning ideas into reality. We're looking for a dedicated Production Technician to join our dynamic team in Waukegan, IL. If you're a professional with a passion for assisting in the development process and troubleshooting in an engineering environment, we want to hear from you. As a Production Technician at Hatch Product Development, you will be a key part of our manufacturing operations; from troubleshooting assembly issues, to helping investigate new projects hitting the factory floor, to finding solutions to problems before they even happen. You'll work closely with manufacturing, quality assurance, and engineering teams to provide crucial support and quickly resolve technical issues. ‍Key Responsibilities: Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/careers/software-engineer-android-ios-web-development Title: Software Engineer (Android/iOS + Web Development) | Careers at Hatch Meta Description: Hatch is hiring a Software Engineer (Android/iOS + Web Development) to join the team. Learn more about the role, and apply today! Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/careers/software-engineer-android-ios-web-development ## Headings Structure: H1: Software Engineer (Android/iOS + Web Development) H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Software Engineer (Android/iOS + Web Development) The position will be responsible for the following: Job Title: Software Engineer (Android/iOS + Web Development) Company: Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing ‍Location: Waukegan, IL Pay Range: $65,000-$90,000/year Hatch is a product development & contract manufacturing firm offering the full range of services to bring your product from concept to production. Hatch offers product design, development, and contract manufacturing for entrepreneurs and visionary leaders. Founded in 2021 by aerospace and consumer product industry engineers, the Hatch team wanted to turn the product design and manufacturing industry on its head. We are a multidisciplinary team who have the business acumen, industry network, and combined engineering experience to produce products for a wide variety of highly-regulated industries in accelerated timelines. We are looking for a talented and versatile Software Engineer with a strong focus on Android/iOS mobile development and proficiency in web development. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining mobile applications for Android and iOS platforms, while also contributing to web-based solutions when required. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams to create seamless, scalable, and high-performing applications across multiple platforms. Key Responsibilities: Required Qualifications: Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/addison-merchut Title: Addison | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Addison, Co-President at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/addison-merchut ## Headings Structure: H1: Addison H2: Co-President H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Addison H2: Co-President Addison has over a decade of experience in mechanical, electrical, and software product development and engineering in a variety of industries; notably, Addison has worked on UV disinfection robots, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, rapid testing medical devices, and next-gen smart fitness equipment. At Hatch PD, Addison leads multidisciplinary international teams to design, develop, and deploy large-scale projects. Throughout his career, he has worked with companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies to bring their products to fruition. Prior to focusing on product development, Addison held various roles focused on manufacturing automation and robotics. ​ Addison holds a Bachelor of Science from Beloit College and a Master of Science from Northern Illinois University. In his spare time, Addison enjoys building custom furniture in his woodworking shop. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/brad Title: Brad | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Brad, Compliance Manager at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/brad ## Headings Structure: H1: Brad H2: Compliance Manager H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Brad H2: Compliance Manager Brad leads the quality team at Hatch, bringing deep expertise in regulatory certifications and documentation standards across highly regulated industries. He plays a critical role in ensuring products meet stringent quality requirements, particularly for clients in the medical and commercial sectors. In addition to quality leadership, Brad also oversees Hatch’s IT and security systems to ensure smooth, secure operations. At Hatch, Brad works closely with cross-disciplinary teams to uphold best practices and drive continuous improvement across programs and processes. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/brian-schwartz Title: Brian | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Brian, VP of Mechanical Engineering at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/brian-schwartz ## Headings Structure: H1: Brian H2: VP of Mechanical Engineering H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Brian H2: VP of Mechanical Engineering Brian has over 20 years of experience as a Project Manager and Mechanical Engineer designing products in various industries including consumer, defense, aerospace, and medical. He has managed projects with integrated cutting-edge technologies such as IoT devices, commercial and home automation, IP-rated devices, mobile handsets, and wearables for companies ranging from startups to large corporations. Brian’s hands-on skills also enable him to build fully-functional working prototypes for clients. Brian earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Northern Illinois University.  Prior to Hatch, Brian spent more than two decades at Product Development Technologies (PDT) working with cross-disciplinary teams to bring products to life. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/carmen Title: Carmen | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Carmen, Production Team Lead at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/carmen ## Headings Structure: H1: Carmen H2: Production Team Lead H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Carmen H2: Production Team Lead --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/christian Title: Christian | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Christian, Production Team Lead at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/christian ## Headings Structure: H1: Christian H2: Production Team Lead H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Christian H2: Production Team Lead --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/dan Title: Dan | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Dan, VP of Operations at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/dan ## Headings Structure: H1: Dan H2: VP of Operations H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Dan H2: VP of Operations Dan leads manufacturing at Hatch, bringing over 30 years of experience in highly regulated industries, including more than 15 years in aerospace under ISO AS9100 standards. He is an expert in manufacturing systems and enterprise resource planning, with deep knowledge of Epicor and end-to-end production operations. At Hatch, Dan oversees the full scope of contract manufacturing, ensuring quality, efficiency, and scalability across projects. Since the inception of Hatch’s contract manufacturing division, Dan has taken the lead in building out the manufacturing operation. Under his leadership, the factory has grown rapidly to support more than 70 employees within just two years. Prior to Hatch, Dan managed Manufacturing at Telefonix, PDT, and Astronics. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/diana Title: Diana | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Diana, Production Clerk Team Lead at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/diana ## Headings Structure: H1: Diana H2: Production Clerk Team Lead H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Diana H2: Production Clerk Team Lead --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/eitan Title: Eitan | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Eitan, Head of Software at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/eitan ## Headings Structure: H1: Eitan H2: Head of Software H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Eitan H2: Head of Software Eitan has over a decade of experience in firmware, software, and hardware development across diverse industries. Notably, Eitan has worked on drone systems and complex embedded software solutions, specializing in sensing, vision AI, and motor controls. At Hatch, Eitan leverages his expertise to architect and lead the development of integrated systems, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative and efficient solutions. Throughout his career, he has worked with organizations ranging from startups to global enterprises, helping bring groundbreaking products to market.‍ Prior to joining Hatch, Eitan held leadership roles where he specialized in designing firmware and software solutions for mission-critical systems, with an emphasis on safety, performance, and efficiency.‍ Eitan holds a Master of Science in Robotics Systems Development from Carnegie Mellon University and dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis. In his spare time, Eitan makes the world's best cocktails and crushes his enemies on board game night. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/elizabeth Title: Elizabeth | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Elizabeth, Director of Marketing at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/elizabeth ## Headings Structure: H1: Elizabeth H2: Director of Marketing H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Elizabeth H2: Director of Marketing Elizabeth leads marketing strategy and supports sales at Hatch through her role at View Marketing & Creative, where she has worked alongside the Hatch team since its inception. She oversees all aspects of marketing from branding and digital presence to content, campaigns, and client collaboration. Elizabeth also supports Hatch clients through cross-promotion, awards, and strategic storytelling that amplifies visibility and impact. With over a decade of experience in B2B marketing and communications, Elizabeth has worked with companies across highly regulated industries including aerospace, medical, defense, and commercial real estate. Prior to her work with Hatch, she led in-house marketing teams at Product Development Technologies (PDT), Astronics CSC, and Cohesion. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications from Truman State University. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/george Title: George | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet George, CTO at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/george ## Headings Structure: H1: George H2: CTO H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: George H2: CTO As Chief Technology Officer at Hatch, George brings unmatched value through his deep connections across the global supply chain. He is an expert in global sourcing, a critical skill in today's political climate where tariffs can be a significant factor in the final bill of materials. His long-standing relationships with key manufacturers and component suppliers allow clients to benefit from strategic component sourcing, cost efficiencies, and future-proof product planning. This networked approach plays a critical role in Hatch’s ability to deliver innovative, manufacturable products on accelerated timelines. He genuinely enjoys his role, thriving on the challenge of building complex products for a diverse range of clients. With over 23 years of experience developing consumer products for global markets, George has worked on a number of groundbreaking technologies, guiding them from the development phase into mass production. Other career highlights include the development and mass production of the world's thinnest laptop, the world's thinnest phone, the most rugged phone, and the first dual-screen phone. His experience also includes developing augmented reality glasses, a key signal of his ability to innovate within ever-growing markets. His work helps to establish a new product category that is poised to be integrated into society, shaping the next generation of technology. At Hatch, George oversees regulatory and device validation testing required to bring new products to fruition. He specializes in product architecture for unique and technically ambitious products and has successfully competed against some of the largest players in the wireless space. An award-winning designer with more than 20 registered patents, George previously ran the Product Development Technologies (PDT) UK office in Oxford and has worked alongside Hatch CEO Mark Schwartz for over two decades. Originally from the UK, he holds dual citizenship in the United States. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/jack Title: Jack | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Jack, Manufacturing Project Manager at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/jack ## Headings Structure: H1: Jack H2: Manufacturing Project Manager H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Jack H2: Manufacturing Project Manager Jack is a Manufacturing Project Manager at Hatch, where he supports customer service and drives the successful execution of production programs. He brings a strong work ethic and a passion for innovation to every project, working closely with internal teams and clients to ensure seamless coordination, timely delivery, and consistent quality. With a keen eye for operational efficiency, Jack is committed to upholding the highest standards of performance across the manufacturing floor. His proactive approach and attention to detail help drive success across programs, making him a valuable part of the Hatch team. Jack holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Kansas School of Business. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/janani Title: Janani | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Janani, Software/Firmware Engineer at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/janani ## Headings Structure: H1: Janani H2: Software/Firmware Engineer H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Janani H2: Software/Firmware Engineer --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/justin Title: Justin | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Justin, Electrical Engineer at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/justin ## Headings Structure: H1: Justin H2: Electrical Engineer H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Justin H2: Electrical Engineer --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/kathy Title: Kathy | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Kathy, Finance at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/kathy ## Headings Structure: H1: Kathy H2: Finance H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Kathy H2: Finance --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/kevin-schwartz Title: Kevin | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Kevin, Co-President at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/kevin-schwartz ## Headings Structure: H1: Kevin H2: Co-President H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Kevin H2: Co-President Kevin is a multidisciplinary Project Manager and Business Development lead with nearly a decade of diverse experience. Kevin’s background is in working with key accounts in highly regulated industries including aerospace, consumer, medical, and defense. He has managed teams large and small to execute on complex timelines while delivering exceptional products. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a Marketing Minor and Professional Selling Certificate from Northern Illinois University. He enjoys playing hockey in his spare time. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/mark Title: Mark | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Mark, CEO at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/mark ## Headings Structure: H1: Mark H2: CEO H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Mark H2: CEO Mark is the CEO of Hatch and a seasoned product development leader with over 40 years of experience bringing innovative products to market across a wide range of industries, including consumer, medical, defense, public safety, automotive, and aerospace. As the co-founder of Product Development Technologies (PDT), he led the company through decades of growth, overseeing the successful development of thousands of products and earning recognition on the Inc. 500 list twice. After PDT’s acquisition by Astronics, Mark shifted his focus and later helped launch Hatch to continue building world-class product development and contract manufacturing capabilities. A recognized expert in turnkey product development, Mark is known for his ability to guide projects from concept through commercialization. He regularly advises startups, serves on multiple boards, and brings hands-on experience with crowdfunding, angel investment, and institutional fundraising. A former Motorola engineer, Mark is deeply connected within the product development ecosystem, from subject matter experts to global suppliers. He is a member of the Entrepreneur Hall of Fame and continues to champion innovation through leadership, mentorship, and execution at Hatch. Mark is advisor and board member to several companies.  Employee owned companies are a keen interest and where we’d like to see Hatch grow too. In his spare time, Mark enjoys snowboarding and boating with his family. He’s also an avid hockey player, competing in a local men’s league and playing on the lake behind his house during winter, complete with his home-made Zamboni. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/marty Title: Marty | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Marty, Project Manager at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/marty ## Headings Structure: H1: Marty H2: Project Manager H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Marty H2: Project Manager Marty is a Project Manager at Hatch with over 30 years of experience in product development, engineering leadership, and program management. Before joining Hatch, he served as Director of Engineering and Defense Programs at Product Development Technologies (PDT), where he led complex, cross-disciplinary projects for highly regulated industries. Earlier in his career, Marty held key engineering roles at Motorola, contributing to high-impact programs in the communications and technology space. Known for his technical expertise and leadership, Marty is highly skilled at guiding products from concept through completion with precision and efficiency. He holds eight patents and brings a deep understanding of both the technical and operational sides of product development. At Hatch, he plays a critical role in driving projects forward and delivering high-quality results for clients across industries. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/mayra Title: Mayra | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Mayra, Quality Assurance Team Lead at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/mayra ## Headings Structure: H1: Mayra H2: Quality Assurance Team Lead H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Mayra H2: Quality Assurance Team Lead --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/po Title: Po | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Po, Office Manager at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/po ## Headings Structure: H1: Po H2: Office Manager H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Po H2: Office Manager --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/ricky Title: Ricky | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Ricky, Production Manager at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/ricky ## Headings Structure: H1: Ricky H2: Production Manager H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Ricky H2: Production Manager --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/rosario Title: Rosario | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Rosario, General Counsel at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/rosario ## Headings Structure: H1: Rosario H2: General Counsel H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Rosario H2: General Counsel Rosario is General Counsel at Hatch, where he provides strategic legal guidance across corporate, contract, regulatory, and intellectual property matters. With an understanding of the legal complexities surrounding product development and manufacturing, Rosario helps ensure Hatch operates with integrity, compliance, and foresight in a fast-moving and highly regulated environment. In addition to holding a Juris Doctor, Rosario is certified as a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), bringing valuable expertise in data privacy and security. He plays a key role in advising on risk mitigation, vendor agreements, and global regulatory considerations as Hatch partners with clients across a range of industries and technologies. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/somu Title: Somu | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Somu, Plant Manager at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/somu ## Headings Structure: H1: Somu H2: Plant Manager H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Somu H2: Plant Manager Somu is the Plant Manager at Hatch, where he plays a key role in ensuring quality, efficiency, and smooth day-to-day operations on the factory floor. With a focus on continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration, Somu helps drive production excellence and supports the successful delivery of high-quality products. His leadership is instrumental in maintaining the performance and reliability that Hatch’s clients depend on. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/stephen-lingle Title: Stephen | Hatch Product Development and Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Meet Stephen, VP of Electrical Engineering at Hatch, a product development and contract manufacturing firm located near Chicago, Illinois. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/team/stephen-lingle ## Headings Structure: H1: Stephen H2: VP of Electrical Engineering H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Stephen H2: VP of Electrical Engineering Stephen leads the electrical engineering team at Hatch to design and build electrical systems for new products. Stephen has spent more than two decades leading electrical and hardware teams working on new product development projects. He has managed projects for a wide range of companies including Fortune 500 and startups. Stephen holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Northern Illinois University. In his spare time, he loves watching sprint car dirt track racing and coaching multiple sports. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/contract-manufacturing/cable-assembly Title: Cable Assembly | Hatch Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Hatch Contract Manufacturing offers highly specialized cable assembly services, where attention to detail is paramount and precision is the standard. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/contract-manufacturing/cable-assembly ## Headings Structure: H1: Cable Assembly H2: Precision in Cable Assembly H2: Cable Assembly Services & Resources H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Cable Assembly H2: Precision in Cable Assembly H2: Cable Assembly Services & Resources Hatch Contract Manufacturing offers highly specialized cable assembly services, where attention to detail is paramount and precision is the standard. Recognizing the critical nature of cable assemblies in the vast array of applications they service, Hatch has expert technicians who are rigorously trained, combining their adept manual dexterity with state-of-the-art automation tools. Hatch offers cutting, stripping, crimping, soldering, and comprehensive testing. Each step is carefully monitored and executed with a focus on producing assemblies that ensure signal integrity, electrical safety, and durability. --- ### Page: https://www.hatch-pd.com/contract-manufacturing/engineering-pilot-build Title: Engineering Pilot Build | Hatch Contract Manufacturing Meta Description: Hatch's engineering pilot build process is a critical step in bridging the gap between concept and mass production. This phase is meticulously designed to validate manufacturing processes, materials, and the final design under real-world conditions. Language: en Canonical URL: https://www.hatch-pd.com/contract-manufacturing/engineering-pilot-build ## Headings Structure: H1: Engineering Pilot Build H2: Validate Your Product With Hatch's Engineering Pilot Build H2: Engineering Pilot Build Services H3: Connect with us ## Main Content: H1: Engineering Pilot Build H2: Validate Your Product With Hatch's Engineering Pilot Build H2: Engineering Pilot Build Services The Hatch engineering pilot build process is a critical step in bridging the gap between concept and mass production. This phase is meticulously designed to validate manufacturing processes, materials, and the final design under real-world conditions. By constructing a limited batch of fully functional prototypes, we can thoroughly assess and refine the product’s design, functionality, and manufacturability. This phase also allows for the identification and resolution of potential issues before they become costly or complex at the mass production stage. ---