KORAT, THAILAND — Benchmark Electronics has begun operations at its previously vacant manufacturing facility here, in response to the massive flooding that has sidelined much of the country's EMS plants.

The electronics contract manufacturer announced on Oct. 17 that it had begun efforts to put the vacant Korat plant into operation after its main manufacturing facility in Ayudhaya was inundated with floodwaters. As part of the printed circuit board assembler's Emergency Management Business Continuity Plan, the Korat plant was transformed through remodeling the buildings, moving or procuring manufacturing equipment and inventory, and transferring and hiring employees.

"This is a crucial milestone to support our customers' fourth-quarter critical requirements and resuming full support for customer demands in [the first quarter] of 2012," said Cary T. Fu, chief executive officer, in a statement. "Our employees overcame overwhelming obstacles to rapidly restart the Korat facility. To bring a sophisticated electronics manufacturing plant to life in two weeks is a tribute to the team's skill, resourcefulness, and dedication. While much work remains, I am delighted with this important achievement."