When to Choose Turnkey over Build-to-Print

Choose turnkey when you want one partner to source materials, build, test, and deliver. Choose build-to-print (or consigned) when you supply the materials or want to manage sourcing yourself. General Assembly & Manufacturing Corp. supports both models.
The choice between turnkey and build-to-print usually comes down to one question: who sources the materials? In a turnkey program, GAMC sources everything and delivers a finished product. In a build-to-print or consigned program, you supply the materials or manage sourcing, and GAMC builds to your print. Both are valid; the right one depends on your team and your supply chain.

The Two Models

Turnkey — GAMC Sources & Delivers

• GAMC sources components and manages materials, kitting, and inventory
• Build, test, and delivery handled end to end
• Best when you want a single accountable partner and fewer vendors to manage

Build-to-Print / Consigned — You Supply Materials

• You supply or consign materials; GAMC builds to your print
• Best when you have established supply relationships or controlled components
• Keeps sourcing in your hands while GAMC handles the build

How to Decide

Choose turnkey contract manufacturing if you want to reduce vendor management, shorten your supply chain, and hand off a finished, tested product. Choose build to print manufacturing or consigned if you already control sourcing, need specific approved components, or want to manage material cost directly. GAMC will help you weigh the trade-offs for your program.
Either model runs within GAMC’s electromechanical contract manufacturing capability.

Quick Decision Guide

• Choose turnkey if: you want one partner to source, build, test, and deliver.
• Choose build-to-print if: you supply or consign materials and control sourcing.
• GAMC supports: both models, and hybrid or partial-turnkey arrangements.
• Best fit: low-to-medium-volume programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between turnkey and build-to-print?

Turnkey means GAMC sources the materials, builds, tests, and delivers. Build-to-print (or consigned) means you supply the materials and GAMC builds to your print.

When should I choose turnkey?

When you want a single manufacturing partner to manage sourcing and deliver a finished, tested product, removing the need to coordinate with additional vendors.

When does consigned or build-to-print make more sense?

When you control sourcing, need specific approved components, or want to manage material cost directly.

Can GAMC do a hybrid of both?

Partial-turnkey arrangements are common — GAMC sources some items and you consign others. Confirm scope with GAMC.

Does GAMC support both at low volume?

Yes. Both models run at low-to-medium volumes, from prototype through production.

Talk Through Your Program

Tell us how you’d like to handle materials, and GAMC will recommend turnkey or build-to-print and quote accordingly. Our team will follow up promptly.

• Share your drawings, BOM, and specifications.
• Include target volumes, materials, and key requirements.
• Call 847-639-8380 or request a quote.