Keep in mind that most CD transport mechanisms are a basic "stock" unit from larger manufacturers. The cost for a high end manufacturer to build those components is simply out of reach. The transport mechanisms then tend to be highly tweaked by the high end manufacturers. The HHB mentioned above definitely starts as the Pioneer stable platter transport. In the HHB case, they kept the entire transport mechanism as well as the case. The Philips transport is also a very popular mechanism in CD players.
In mass consumer electronics (computers, stereo, televisions, cell phones, car parts, etc...) contract manufacturing is the name of the game. Companies are able to maximize their supply chain and offload cost to their suppliers or contract manufacturers and reduce their overall capital investment. This makes it easier for companies to grow because they don't need to invest in physical assetts and can focus on growing the business. Of course, this makes managing your supply chain much more complex.
The contract manufacturer has very small margins so the only way they are able to be successful is by making large quantities in an efficient manner. The buyer is able to operate in this manner because they have such tremendous buying capacity that exclusive contracts to suppliers or contract manufacturers can make a companies balance sheets for the year. Just think how many hard drives Dell purchases annually... Being in the contract manufacturing business is very expensive requiring all of the capital investment that people like Dell or Cisco no longer have to manage... Yes, I know way too much about supply chain...
In mass consumer electronics (computers, stereo, televisions, cell phones, car parts, etc...) contract manufacturing is the name of the game. Companies are able to maximize their supply chain and offload cost to their suppliers or contract manufacturers and reduce their overall capital investment. This makes it easier for companies to grow because they don't need to invest in physical assetts and can focus on growing the business. Of course, this makes managing your supply chain much more complex.
The contract manufacturer has very small margins so the only way they are able to be successful is by making large quantities in an efficient manner. The buyer is able to operate in this manner because they have such tremendous buying capacity that exclusive contracts to suppliers or contract manufacturers can make a companies balance sheets for the year. Just think how many hard drives Dell purchases annually... Being in the contract manufacturing business is very expensive requiring all of the capital investment that people like Dell or Cisco no longer have to manage... Yes, I know way too much about supply chain...