I think that what Olin described...is much like a Dilbert cartoon.  Alot of us have seen it, or dealt with it, and understand that its not an isolated incident but fairly widespread.  I'll just say, as others have done as well, for lowish volumes (100-1000/mo) and simple complete SMD assemblies, you can do just as well stateside.  And depending on who you use, the stateside operations will often have the relationships in place to move it outside the US, if the volumes push high enough.  Hand labor rates have been cheaper outside the US, but even those are starting to erode as they move to eastern Europe.  Its all about the standard of living, as it goes up, wages go up, costs go up, etc.


      
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