SHERIDAN, WYOMING -- June 7, 2026 -- APEM, an IDEC company and a global manufacturer of human-machine interface components since 1952, covers panel switches, PCB switches, LED indicators, joysticks and complete panel solutions across a catalog of more than 50,000 part numbers. The company runs a vertically integrated production model that handles raw material processing, tooling, molding, electroplating, testing, assembly and logistics entirely within its own facilities. Custom products account for 75 percent of APEM's total turnover, supported by a base of more than 300 standard series available for tailored adaptation. APEM employs 1,400 people worldwide and serves customers through more than 130 distributors.
Three Business Lines Cover Switch Components, Joysticks and Full Panel Assembly
APEM organizes its offering into three distinct lines. The components business forms the broadest segment: toggle, pushbutton, rocker, slide, tact and rotary switches for panel and PCB applications, alongside industrial controls, LED indicators and associated hardware. Joysticks span the full range of human input sizes, from thumb and finger-operated units to full hand-grip products, all built for reliability in field conditions. Panel solutions take a different approach — engineering teams work directly with customers to design complete, fully customized HMI assemblies using qualified product ranges and established panel technologies.
Eight Manufacturing Stages Run From Internal Design to a European Logistics Hub
APEM controls production from concept to delivery. Product development uses 3D printers, EDM/WEDM machining centers and laser cutting machines internally. Tooling and plastic injection molds are produced at the company's own worldwide manufacturing locations. Turning and stamping cover brass, aluminum and stainless steel up to grade 316L across diameters of 2 mm to 30 mm, with stamping presses ranging from 20 to 160 tons. Thermoplastic molding runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Electroplating — using nickel, gold, silver and palladium — takes place at the original factory in Montpezat de Quercy. A European logistics hub in Montauban, France centralizes finished product stock and international distribution.
Three Customization Tiers Range From Standard Selection to Complete Turnkey Development
APEM structures its customization service in three tiers. Most directly, engineers help buyers select from more than 300 standard series covering toggles, pushbuttons, rockers, slides, tactile types and LED indicators. At the adaptation level, standard products are modified in marking, shape, connection type or backlighting to match specific project needs without triggering full development investment. For more complex projects, dedicated teams take on complete turnkey interface development using lean engineering and the APQP model. Custom products already account for 75 percent of total revenue and span more than 50,000 configurations across colors, finishes, shapes and dimensions.
All Production Plants Hold ISO 9001 Certification, With Additional Qualifications for Defense and Hazardous Environments
All APEM facilities carry ISO 9001 certification. French plants have additionally obtained ISO TS and ISO 14001 certifications, and the French test laboratories operate as UL certified environments. Products requiring specific qualifications — VDE, ATEX, CECC and MIL spec among them — are submitted to specialized external test houses. Components destined for defense and oil industry applications are 100 percent tested before shipment. Electroplating operations conform to REACH regulations, with X-ray testing applied to primary parts for plating thickness and resistance.
Sales and Support Offices in Europe, the Americas and Asia Cover More Than 130 Distributors
APEM operates direct sales and support offices across multiple regions. European locations include France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Sweden and Benelux. North American offices run from Vista, California and Haverhill, Massachusetts. Asia-Pacific coverage operates through IDEC entities in Shanghai, Osaka and Singapore. More than 130 distribution partners extend the company's reach globally. Full technical specifications, mounting drawings and series-level data for each product family are published on the corporate website.
Engineering and procurement teams evaluating HMI switch components, indicators and joystick solutions can access full series information and technical specifications at APEM.