Why Manufacturers in California Are Turning to Co-Managed IT
California manufacturers face a unique set of challenges in 2025. Skilled IT staff are in short supply. Compliance frameworks like CMMC, NIST, ITAR, and ISO are tightening their grip on supply chains. Cyberattacks are increasingly targeting operational technology (OT), disrupting systems that keep production lines moving. Even an hour of downtime can translate into tens of thousands of dollars lost.
These pressures are pushing more manufacturers to consider co-managed IT. Unlike fully managed IT, co-managed models allow an internal IT team to retain control while gaining the extra capacity, tools, and expertise of an external provider. The right partner can help manufacturers extend coverage, reduce risk, and improve compliance without replacing their people.
But success depends on the fit. As Eric Kong, CEO of Consilien, explains:
“Mindset matters. Too many MSPs want to either do everything or nothing. They’re not used to blending with internal IT teams. A successful co-managed relationship requires the right philosophy, people, and processes.”
That’s why choosing the right co-managed IT partner isn’t about finding just any provider. It’s about identifying the ones that can collaborate well, align with a manufacturer’s existing IT staff, and bring both strategic guidance and hands-on support when it’s needed most.
How We Chose the Top 7 IT Companies
With hundreds of IT providers across California, not every managed service provider (MSP) is equipped for a co-managed relationship. Even fewer have proven experience working with manufacturers.
For this comparison, we focused on four key criteria.
- Co-Managed IT as a Core Offering: Providers had to explicitly have co-managed IT experience, not just full outsourcing.
- Manufacturing or Industrial Client Experience
Companies needed a history of supporting manufacturers, particularly with compliance-heavy environments. - California Presence
Local or regional operations were essential, since factories need onsite support as well as remote monitoring. - Credibility Markers
Ratings on platforms like Google, Clutch, Cloudtango, and UpCity, plus recognition such as the MSP 501 Award.
According to Eric Kong, CEO of Consilien:
“Tools and workflows are just as important as technical skill. A co-managed provider should have platforms designed for collaboration, not just outsourcing. Without that, IT teams get sidelined instead of empowered.”
By applying these criteria, we narrowed the list to seven providers that stand out for California manufacturers. Each one demonstrates the mindset, tools, and track record needed for successful co-management.
What to Look for in a Co-Managed IT Partner
Not every IT provider is cut out for a co-managed relationship. Many are structured to either fully outsource IT or stay hands-off, leaving manufacturers caught in the middle. To avoid missteps, leaders should look beyond price tags and ask whether the provider can truly collaborate.
Mindset Matters
The first indicator of success is cultural. A true co-managed partner understands they’re there to enhance, not replace, the internal IT team.
As Eric Kong, CEO of Consilien, puts it…
“At the end of the day, success depends on whether the MSP’s team is comfortable working alongside internal staff instead of trying to take over. That collaborative mentality is critical.”
Tools and Workflows
Co-management isn’t just about attitude. It requires the right platforms. Ticketing systems, dashboards, and monitoring tools should be built for shared visibility between internal IT and the MSP. Without that transparency, co-management quickly collapses into silos.
vCIO Function vs. TAM
Many larger MSPs assign clients a Technical Account Manager (TAM), who simply prescribes tools, “You need this, you need that.” That’s not true co-management.
“A strong co-managed partner acts more like a vCIO,” Kong explains. “They coach and provide strategic IT leadership tailored to environments where the internal IT team already knows their business.”
Team Mentality
The final test is whether the MSP can integrate smoothly with in-house staff. Co-managed IT succeeds only if both sides see each other as peers, not contractors and clients. The right provider embraces this partnership model, ensuring internal IT staff feel supported rather than sidelined.
1. Consilien (Torrance, CA – Serving All of California)
Consilien is California’s leading co-managed IT provider for small and mid market manufacturers, serving clients across the state from Southern California to the Bay Area and Central Valley. With decades of experience in both IT and compliance, the firm is trusted by manufacturers to reduce risk, strengthen cybersecurity, and keep production systems running. They value long term relationships. Many of their manufacturing clients have been with them for over two decades.
Unlike many MSPs that only provide tactical support, Consilien is built around a co-management philosophy, blending seamlessly with internal IT staff rather than replacing them. The team brings deep expertise in compliance frameworks like CMMC, NIST, ISO, and ITAR, making them especially valuable to manufacturers tied to the defense industrial base or other regulated sectors.
Consilien is also a recognized industry leader:
- ⭐ 5.0 on Google
- ⭐ 5.0 on UpCity
- ⭐ 4.5 on Cloudtango
- ⭐ 4.9 on Clutch
- 🏆 MSP 501 Award Winner
- 🏆 Ranked as a top provider in California for Managed IT and Manufacturing IT support
According to CEO Eric Kong:
“Manufacturers don’t just need tools, they need a partner who can work shoulder-to-shoulder with their IT teams while guiding them through compliance and security challenges.”
With its statewide reach, compliance leadership, and collaborative mindset, Consilien is the clear #1 choice for California manufacturers seeking a co-managed IT partner.
2. Diamond IT (Bakersfield, CA – Central California)
Diamond IT has built a strong reputation as a trusted IT partner for mid-market businesses in Central California. Based in Bakersfield, the company has served organizations for over two decades, providing both fully managed and co-managed IT services.
For manufacturers, Diamond IT brings experience in industries where uptime and security are critical. Their services cover 24/7 monitoring, cybersecurity, cloud management, and compliance support, with a focus on keeping business operations running smoothly.
Diamond IT’s credibility is reflected in its customer feedback:
- ⭐ 4.9 on Google
- ⭐ 5.0 on UpCity
- ❌ No current ratings on Clutch or Cloudtango
While they don’t market themselves exclusively to manufacturers, Diamond IT’s co-managed IT model allows them to support factory IT teams with additional capacity and expertise, especially in regions like the Central Valley where industrial operations are prevalent.
By pairing local presence with a strong co-management approach, Diamond IT stands out as one of the best options for manufacturers seeking a reliable IT partner in California’s heartland.
3. WTC IT Services (Fresno, CA – Central Valley)
WTC IT Services provides managed and co-managed IT support for businesses across California’s Central Valley. With a client base that includes manufacturing and distribution companies, WTC understands the importance of uptime, security, and compliance in industrial environments. Their services cover help desk, infrastructure management, cloud solutions, and cybersecurity.
Ratings
- ⭐ 5.0 Google
- ❌ No Clutch rating found
- ❌ No UpCity rating found
- ❌ No Cloudtango rating found
Awards
WTC’s focus on manufacturing and distribution, paired with a strong reputation for customer service, makes them a valuable co-managed IT option for mid-sized manufacturers in the Central Valley.
4. Xantrion (Oakland / Sacramento, CA – Northern California)
Xantrion provides managed and supplemental co-managed IT services for organizations across Northern California, including the Bay Area and Sacramento. Their approach allows internal IT teams to retain control while leveraging Xantrion’s resources for monitoring, security, and compliance support.
Ratings
- ⭐ 4.9 Google
- ❌ No UpCity rating found
- ⭐ 3.0 Cloudtango
- ⭐ 5.0 Clutch
Awards
- 🏆 MSP 501 Award Winner (2023)
- ❌ Not listed as a winner in 2024 or 2025
Xantrion’s Northern California presence and proven industry recognition make them a strong co-managed IT option for manufacturers seeking additional coverage and compliance expertise.
5. Clare Computer Solutions (San Ramon, CA – Bay Area)
Clare Computer Solutions has been serving Bay Area businesses for decades, offering both fully managed and co-managed IT services. With experience supporting industries including manufacturing, Clare helps organizations strengthen their IT operations while maintaining control of their internal systems.
Ratings
- ⭐ 4.8 Google
- ❌ No UpCity rating found
- ❌ No Cloudtango rating found
- ❌ No Clutch rating found
Awards
- 🏆 MSP 501 Award Winner (2016, not recent)
While Clare’s MSP 501 recognition is from earlier years, their long-standing presence and dedicated Bay Area focus make them a reliable partner for manufacturers seeking co-managed IT support in Northern California.
6. V&C Solutions (San Jose, CA – Bay Area)
V&C Solutions delivers managed and co-managed IT services to small and mid-market businesses throughout the Bay Area. With a strong focus on building long term relationships, V&C works closely with internal IT teams to expand their capacity and ensure reliable day-to-day operations.
Ratings
- ⭐ 5.0 Google
- ❌ No UpCity rating found
- ❌ No Cloudtango rating found
- ❌ No Clutch rating found
Awards
Although V&C Solutions does not hold major industry awards, their perfect Google rating and reputation for customer service make them a strong Bay Area option for manufacturers seeking a collaborative IT partner.
7. Captain IT (Riverside, CA – Southern California)
Captain IT provides managed and co-managed IT services across Southern California, with a client base that includes manufacturers and other SMBs. Their services cover network security, compliance, cloud solutions, and end-user support, making them a versatile option for organizations with lean IT teams.
Ratings
- ⭐ 4.9 Google
- ❌ No UpCity rating found
- ❌ No Cloudtango rating found
- ❌ No Clutch rating found
Awards
While Captain IT does not currently appear on major award lists, their strong Google rating and focus on co-managed IT make them a practical choice for manufacturers in the Inland Empire and greater Southern California.
Side-by-Side Comparison of California’s Top 7 Co-Managed IT Companies for Manufacturers
