<PAGE>
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             WASHINGTON, DC 20549
                                  __________

                                   FORM 10-Q

          (X) Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
                        Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                 For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 1997

                                       or

          ( ) Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
                        Securities Exchange Act of 1934
          For the Transition Period From __________ To __________

                       Commission File Number:  0-25560

                            ACT Manufacturing, Inc.
                            -----------------------
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


        Massachusetts                                   04-2777507
        -------------                                   ----------
(State or other jurisdiction of                    (IRS Employer ID NO.)
incorporation or organization)

      108 Forest Avenue                                      01749
    Hudson, Massachusetts                                 ----------
    ----------------------                                (Zip Code)
    (Address of principal
     executive offices)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (508) 562-1200
                                                     --------------

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 of 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                Yes   X              No
                     ---               ---                           

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 Common Stock                 8,827,200 Shares
--------------                ----------------
    (Class)             (Outstanding on May 9, 1997)
   
<PAGE>
 
                            ACT Manufacturing, Inc.

                              INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 
 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 - Financial Statements:
------------------------------
 
Condensed Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 1997
and March 31, 1996.
 
Condensed Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996.
 
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 1997
and March 31, 1996.
 
Notes to Financial Statements.

ITEM 2 - Management's Discussion and  Analysis of Financial Condition and
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Results of Operations
---------------------
 
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 

ITEM 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
-----------------------------------------
 
Signatures
 
Exhibit Index
 
Exhibit 10
 
Exhibit 11
 
Exhibit 27
 
<PAGE>
 
                            ACT MANUFACTURING, INC.
                        CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                     (in thousands, except per share data)
                                  (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                      Three Months Ended March 31,
                                      ----------------------------
<S>                                   <C>           <C>
 
                                                1997        1996
                                          ----------  ----------
 
Net Sales                                 $   70,250  $   40,516
Cost of goods sold                            61,208      35,748
                                          ----------  ----------
Gross profit                                   9,042       4,768
 
Selling, general and administrative            2,892       2,070
 expenses                                 ----------  ----------
Operating income                               6,150       2,698
                                          ----------  ----------
 
Interest and other (income) expense, net         548          (5)
                                          ----------  ----------
Income before provision for income taxes       5,602       2,703
 
Provision for income taxes                     2,241       1,081
                                          ----------  ----------
Net income                                $    3,361  $    1,622
                                          ==========  ==========
 
Net income per common share                     $.37        $.18
                                          ==========  ==========
Weighted average shares outstanding        9,127,426   8,965,695
                                          ==========  ==========
 
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
<PAGE>
 
                            ACT MANUFACTURING, INC.
                           CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
                                (in thousands)
                                  (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                         March 31, 1997  December 31, 1996
                                         --------------  -----------------
<S>                                      <C>             <C>
         ASSETS
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
 Cash and cash equivalents                     $  5,251           $  5,054
 Accounts receivable trade, net                  48,866             41,475
 Inventory                                       50,605             53,994
 Deferred taxes                                   1,487              1,487
 Prepaid expenses and other assets                  324                489
                                               --------           --------
   Total current assets                         106,533            102,499
                                               --------           --------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT- Net                       4,745              4,635
OTHER ASSETS                                        432                461
                                               --------           --------
TOTAL                                          $111,710           $107,595
                                               ========           ========
 
          LIABILITIES AND
       STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES
 Current portion of long-term debt             $     38           $     38
 Accounts payable                                27,878             26,154
 Accrued expenses                                 3,914              5,216
                                               --------           --------
   Total current liabilities                     31,830             31,408
                                               --------           --------
LONG-TERM DEBT - Less current portion            29,378             29,055
                                               --------           --------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 Common stock                                        88                 88
 Additional paid-in capital                      33,209             33,201
 Retained earnings                               17,205             13,843
                                               --------           --------
   Total stockholders' equity                    50,502             47,132
                                               --------           --------
TOTAL                                          $111,710           $107,595
                                               ========           ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                            ACT MANUFACTURING, INC.
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                (in thousands)
                                  (unaudited)

                                                  Three Months Ended March 31,
                                                  ----------------------------
                                                      1997            1996
                                                      ----            ----
<S>                                               <C>            <C> 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
     Net income...........................          $  3,361        $  1,622
     Adjustments to reconcile net income            --------        -------- 
       to net cash provided by (used for)
       operating activities:
           Deferred taxes.................                 -               -
           Depreciation and amortization..               332             225
           Increase (decrease) in cash              
            from:
                 Accounts receivable -              
                  trade...................            (7,391)         (8,643)
                 Inventory................             3,389         (12,237)
                 Prepaid expenses and                 
                  other assets............               165              61
                 Accounts payable.........             1,724           9,982
                 Accrued expenses.........            (1,302)           (206)
                                                    --------        --------
Total adjustments.........................            (3,083)        (10,818)
                                                    --------        --------
Net cash provided by (used for)                      
 operating activities.....................               278          (9,196)
                                                    --------        --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
     Acquisition of property and                      
      equipment...........................              (425)           (716)
     (Increase) decrease in other                     
      assets..............................                12             (87)
                                                    --------        --------
Net cash used for investing activities....              (413)           (803)
                                                    --------        --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
     Borrowings under line-of credit             
      agreements..........................            50,532          17,666  
     Repayments under line-of-credit                                       
      agreements..........................           (50,192)        (10,485) 
     Repayments of long-term debt.........               (17)            (25) 
     Net proceeds from sale of stock......                 9               -  
                                                    --------        --------
Net cash provided by financing                      
 activities...............................               332           7,156
                                                    --------        --------                      
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND                                       
 CASH EQUIVALENTS                                        197          (2,843)
                                                                          
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BEGINNING OF                                    
 YEAR.....................................             5,054           7,097 
                                                    --------        --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS END OF PERIOD...          $  5,251        $  4,254
                                                    ========        ========
</TABLE> 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
 
<PAGE>
 
                            ACT MANUFACTURING, INC.

                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  The unaudited interim condensed financial statements furnished herein
reflect all adjustments, which in the opinion of management are of a normal
recurring nature, necessary to fairly state the Company's financial position,
cash flows and the results of operations for the periods presented and have been
prepared on a basis substantially consistent with the audited financial
statements.

The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative
of the results of operations to be expected for the fiscal year.  These
condensed interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 1996
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

2. Inventory consisted of the following at:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
(in thousands)
                   March 31, 1997  December 31, 1996
                   --------------  -----------------
<S>                <C>             <C>
 
Raw material              $35,778            $37,698
Work in process            14,168             15,853
Finished goods                659                443
                          -------            -------
 
TOTAL                     $50,605            $53,994
                          =======            =======
 
</TABLE>

3. Net income per common share is based on the weighted average number of common
and dilutive common equivalent shares (common stock options) outstanding during
the period, using the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 15
"Earnings per share." Dilutive common equivalent shares represent shares
issuable upon exercise of stock options, calculated using the treasury stock
method.  Common equivalent shares are not included in the per share calculations
where the effect of their inclusion would be antidilutive, except in accordance
with Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 83.

In March 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board released Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128 "Earnings per share," which the
company will adopt in the fourth quarter of 1997. Had SFAS No. 128 been
effective for the quarters ended March 31, 1997 and 1996, reported earnings per
share on a pro forma basis would have been as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
           Three Months Ended March 31,
           ----------------------------
               1997           1996
           -------------  -------------
<S>        <C>            <C>
Basic              $ .38          $ .19
Diluted              .37            .18
 
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
          Condition and Results of Operations

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial
statements for the periods specified and the associated notes.  Further
reference should be made to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
period ending December 31, 1996.

Overview
--------

The Company provides value-added, turnkey contract manufacturing services for
emerging and major  Original Equipment Manufacturers ("OEM's") in the commercial
electronics industry.  The Company's manufacturing services include complex
Printed Circuit Board ("PCB") assemblies, mechanical and molded cable and
harness assemblies, electromechanical sub-assemblies and total system assemblies
and integration.  As an integral part of its service to OEM customers, the
Company provides advanced manufacturing and test engineering and materials
management across the full range of the Company's assembly services.

The Company's principal manufacturing facilities are located in four leased
facilities in Massachusetts containing an aggregate of 204,000 square feet.

As of March 31, 1997, the Company had 777 employees, including 711 in
manufacturing and related activities and 66 in sales, marketing and
administrative services.

Three Months Ended March 31, 1997 and 1996
------------------------------------------

Net sales increased 73% to $70.3 million for the three months ended March 31,
1997 from $40.5 million for the same period in 1996.  This increase was
attributed principally to increased volume in PCB assembly sales to existing 
customers in the first quarter of 1997.

Gross profit increased 90% to $9.0 million for the three months ended March 31,
1997 compared to $4.8 million for the same period in 1996.  Gross margin
increased to 12.9% for the three months ended March 31, 1997 from 11.8% for the
same period in 1996 due primarily to increased absorption of manufacturing
overhead associated with the Company's PCB assembly operation.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased  40% to $2.9 million, or
4.1% of net sales, for the three months ended March 31, 1997 compared to $2.1
million, or 5.1% of net sales, for the three months ended March 31, 1996.  This
decrease as a percentage of net sales reflects the results of the continued
growth in the Company's business which allowed for higher utilization of fixed
costs and a greater proportion of net sales being made directly by the Company.

Operating income increased 128% to $6.2 million, or 8.8% of net sales, for the
three months ended March 31, 1997 compared to $2.7 million, or 6.7% of net sales
for the three months ended March 31, 1996 as a result of the above factors.

Interest and other expense was $548,000 for the three months end March 31, 1997
compared to interest income net of other expense of $5,000 for the three months
ended March 31, 1996. Interest and other expenses consisted principally of fees
and interest expense to the Company's bank lenders.  Interest income consisted
of the proceeds from the investment of the Company's cash and cash equivalents
and
<PAGE>
 
marketable securities. The change resulted principally from additional
borrowings on the Company's line of credit for working capital requirements.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
-------------------------------

Traditionally, the Company has financed its growth and operations through
earnings and borrowings.  The Company has experienced a significant increase in
working capital as the business has grown.  At March 31, 1997, the Company had
working capital of $74.7 million compared to $71.1 million at December 31, 1996.
The net increase was due to the growth in accounts receivable associated with an
increase in sales partially offset by a reduction of inventory and growth in
accounts payable.

The Company had a secured revolving credit facility of $50.0 million at March
31, 1997.  As of March 31, 1997 there was $29.0 million outstanding under the
available credit facility. The Company anticipates that its cash requirements
for at least the next twelve months will be satisfied by cash flow from
operations and the use of the Company's existing bank credit and equipment lease
facilities.

In March 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board released Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128 "Earnings per share," which will
be effective during the fourth quarter of 1997. SFAS No. 128 will require the
company to restate all previously reported earnings per share information to
conform with the new pronouncement's requirements.

Cautionary Statements
---------------------

  The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act") contains
certain safe harbors regarding forward-looking statements.  From time to time,
information provided by the Company or statements made by its employees may
contain "forward-looking" information which involve risk and uncertainties.  Any
statements in this report that are not statements of historical fact are
forward-looking statements (including, but not limited to, statements concerning
the characteristics and growth of the Company's market and customers, the
Company's objectives and plans for future operations, and the Company's expected
liquidity and capital resources).  The following cautionary statements should be
considered carefully in evaluating the Company and its business.  The factors
discussed in these cautionary statements, among other factors, could cause
actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking
statements made in this Quarterly Report and presented elsewhere by management
from time to time.  These cautionary statements are being made pursuant to the
provisions of the act and with the intention of obtaining the benefits of the
safe harbor provisions of the Act.

  Customer and Industry Concentration
  -----------------------------------

  For fiscal 1996, the Company's four largest customers accounted for
approximately 63% of net sales.  Sales to Cascade Communications, 3Com, Bay
Networks and Motorola were approximately 20%, 17%, 13% and 13%, respectively, of
the Company's net sales for fiscal 1996.  The Company's results will depend to a
significant extent on the success achieved by its OEM customers in marketing
their products and the Company's ability to diversify its customer base in order
to reduce its reliance on its major customers.  There can be no assurance that
the Company's principal customers will continue to purchase products and
services from the Company at current levels. The loss of one or more major
customers, a significant reduction in purchases from such customers, or
developments adverse to the Company's customers or their products could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations. In addition,
while the Company has not experienced any difficulty in being paid by its major
customers in recent years, the Company could be adversely affected if a major
customer were unable or unwilling to pay for products and services.
<PAGE>
 
  The Company's customer base has historically been concentrated in a limited
number of industries, most of which are subject to high competition, rapid
technological changes and consequent product obsolescence. Developments adverse
to such industries could have a negative effect on the Company. The industries
served by the Company are also subject to economic cycles and have in the past
experienced, and are likely in the future to experience, recessionary periods.
A recessionary period affecting one or more of the industry segments served by
the Company could have a material adverse effect on the Company. In addition,
the Company's results of operations could be adversely affected due to a slowing
of the manufacturing outsourcing trend.

  Variability of Customer Requirements; Nature and Extent of Customer
  -------------------------------------------------------------------
  Commitments on Orders
  ----------------------

  The level and timing of orders placed by the Company's OEM customers vary due
to customer attempts to manage inventory, changes in the OEM's manufacturing
strategy and variation in demand for customer products due to, among other
things, introduction of new products, product life cycles, competitive
conditions or general economic conditions. The Company generally does not obtain
long-term purchase orders or commitments but instead works with its customers to
anticipate the future volume of orders. Based on such anticipated future
volumes, the Company makes other significant commitments regarding the levels of
business that it will seek and accept, the timing of production schedules and
the levels and utilization of personnel and other resources. From time to time,
the Company will purchase components without a customer commitment to pay for
them. A variety of conditions, both specific to the individual customer and
generally affecting the customer's industry, may cause customers to cancel,
reduce or delay orders that were either previously made or anticipated.
Generally, customers may cancel, reduce or delay purchase orders and commitments
without penalty. Significant cancellations, reductions or delays in orders by a
customer or group of customers could adversely affect the Company's results of
operations.

  Fluctuations in Operating Results
  ---------------------------------

  The variability of the level and timing of orders from, and shipments to,
major customers may result in significant periodic and quarterly fluctuations in
the Company's results of operations. In addition to the variability resulting
from the short-term nature of its customers' commitments, other factors have
contributed, and may in the future contribute, to such fluctuations. These
factors include, among other things, customers' announcement and introduction of
new products or new generations of products, evolutions in the life cycles of
customers' products, timing of expenditures in anticipation of future orders,
effectiveness in managing manufacturing processes, changes in cost and
availability of labor and components, a shift in the Company's product and
service mix which results in fluctuating margins, and changes or anticipated
changes in economic conditions. Because the Company's operating expenses are
based on anticipated revenue levels and a high percentage of the Company's
operating expenses are relatively fixed, any unanticipated shortfall in revenue
in a quarter may have an adverse impact on the Company's results of operations
for that quarter. Results of operations in any period should not be considered
indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.

  Availability of Key Components
  -------------------------------

  The Company and many of its customers rely on a single or limited number of
third-party suppliers for many components used in the assembly process.
Shortages of certain electronic components, including certain memory modules and
logic devices, have occurred from time to time. In addition, due to the
Company's utilization of just-in-time inventory techniques, the timely
availability of many components to the Company is dependent on the Company's
ability to continuously develop accurate forecasts of customer volume
requirements. Component shortages could result in manufacturing and shipping
delays or increased component prices which could have a material adverse effect
on the
<PAGE>
 
Company's results of operations. Because the Company purchases a significant
number of components manufactured in foreign countries, it is subject to
numerous risks, including economic disruptions, transportation delays and
interruptions, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, imposition of tariffs and
import and export controls and changes in governmental policies, any of which
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of
operations. The Company has historically been able to enter into advantageous
arrangements from time to time for the supply of certain limited availability
components. To the extent that the Company is unable to source key components
for the reasons cited above or otherwise, the Company's results of operations
could be materially adversely affected.

  Technological Change and Process Development
  ---------------------------------------------

  The market for the Company's manufacturing services is characterized by
rapidly changing technology and continuing process development. The continued
success of the Company's business will depend in large part upon its ability to
maintain and enhance its technological capabilities, develop and market
manufacturing services which meet changing customer needs and successfully
anticipate or respond to technological changes in manufacturing processes on a
cost-effective and timely basis. Although management believes that the Company's
operations utilize the assembly and testing technologies and equipment currently
required by the Company's customers, there can be no assurance that the
Company's process development efforts will be successful or that the emergence
of new technologies, industry standards or customer requirements will not render
the Company's technology, equipment or processes obsolete or uncompetitive. In
addition, to the extent that the Company determines that new assembly and
testing technologies and equipment are required to remain competitive, the
acquisition and implementation of such technologies and equipment are likely to
require significant capital investment by the Company.

  Competition
  ------------

  The commercial electronics contract manufacturing industry is a highly
competitive industry. The Company competes against numerous domestic and foreign
contract manufacturers. The Company's major competitors in the PCB assembly
business include Solectron Corporation, SCI Systems, Inc., Jabil Circuit, Inc.,
Lockheed Martin Commercial Electronics, the DII Group, Group Technologies
Corporation, Benchmark Electronics, Inc. and Sanmina Corporation. The Company
faces competition in the cable and harness assembly market primarily from Volex
Interconnect Systems, Inc., Berg Electronics, Inc., AMP, Inc. and Molex, Inc.
The Company also faces competition from a number of local and regional contract
manufacturers. In addition, current and prospective customers continually
evaluate the merits of manufacturing products internally and certain large OEMs
will from time to time offer contract manufacturing services in order to utilize
excess capacity. Certain of the Company's competitors have substantially greater
manufacturing, financial and marketing resources than the Company. The Company
may be operating at a cost disadvantage compared to manufacturers who have
greater direct buying power from component suppliers or who have lower cost
structures, particularly those with significant offshore operations. The Company
believes that the principal competitive factors in the segments of the contract
manufacturing industry in which it operates are technology, service,
manufacturing capability, quality, regional access, price, reliability,
timeliness and flexibility. There can be no assurance that competition from
existing or potential competitors will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's results of operations.

  Management of Growth
  ---------------------

  The Company has grown rapidly in recent years. A continuing period of rapid
growth could place a significant strain on the Company's management, operations
and other resources. The Company's 
<PAGE>
 
ability to manage its growth will require it to continue to invest in its
operational, financial and management information systems, and to retain,
motivate and effectively manage its employees. If the Company's management is
unable to manage growth effectively, the quality of the Company's services and
products, its ability to retain key personnel and its results of operations
could be materially and adversely affected.

  Dependence Upon Key Personnel
  ------------------------------

  The Company's continued success been largely dependent upon the skills and
efforts of John A. Pino, its President and Chief Executive Officer, and other
key employees. None of the senior management or other key employees of the
Company is subject to any employment contract. The loss of services of any of
its officers or other key personnel could have an adverse effect on the
operations of the Company. In addition, continued growth and development of the
Company will require that, despite significant competition, it attract, motivate
and retain additional skilled and experienced personnel. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to attract, motivate and retain
personnel with the skills and experience needed to successfully manage the
Company's business and operations.

  Concentration of Printed Circuit Board Business in Northeastern United States
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  The Company's PCB assemblies and related services are primarily marketed and
sold to customers operating in the Northeastern United States. The Company
attempts to mitigate any unique exposure to the Northeastern United States
economy by marketing to OEMs which deliver products to national and
international markets, but there can be no assurance that an economic downturn
or recession in the Northeastern United States would not have an adverse effect
on the Company.

  Future Acquisitions and Geographical Expansion
  -----------------------------------------------

  The Company may expand into other geographical areas within the United States
and internationally by acquiring contract manufacturing businesses or by
establishing new manufacturing operations in such areas. The Company may compete
for acquisition and expansion opportunities with entities having significantly
greater resources than the Company. Any such transactions may result in
potentially dilutive issuance of equity securities, the incurrence of debt and
amortization expenses related to goodwill and other intangible assets, and other
costs and expenses, all of which could materially adversely affect the company's
financial results following such a transaction.  Such transactions also involve
numerous business risk, including difficulties in the assimilation of the
operations, technologies and products of the acquired companies, the diversion
of management's attention from other business concerns and the potential loss of
key employees from the combined company.  In the event that any such transaction
does occur, there can be no assurance as to the beneficial effect on the
Company's business and financial results.

  Environmental Compliance
  -------------------------

  The Company is subject to a variety of environmental regulations relating to
the use, storage, discharge and disposal of hazardous chemicals used during its
manufacturing process. A failure by the Company to comply with present and
future regulations could subject it to future liabilities or the suspension of
production. Such regulations could also restrict the Company's ability to expand
its facilities or could require the Company to acquire costly equipment or to
incur other significant expenses to comply with environmental regulations.
<PAGE>
 
  Possible Volatility of Stock Price
  ----------------------------------

  There has been significant volatility in the market price of securities of
high technology companies.  Factors such as announcements of technological
innovations by the Company, its competitors and other third parties, as well as
quarterly variations in the Company's results of operations and market
conditions in the industry, may cause the market price of the Company's Common
Stock to fluctuate significantly.  In addition, the public stock markets have
historically experienced extreme price and trading volume volatility.  This
volatility has significantly affected the market prices of securities of many
technology companies for reasons frequently unrelated to the operating
performance of the specific companies.  These broad market fluctuations may
adversely affect the market price of the Company's Common Stock.
<PAGE>
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)     Exhibits:

        10.  Seventh Amendment dated February 28, 1997 to the Amended and
             Restated Loan and Security Agreement by and among The First
             National Bank of Boston, State Street Bank & Trust Company,
             Citizen's Bank of Massachusetts and ACT Manufacturing, Inc.

        11.  Weighted Shares Used in Computation of Earnings per Share

        27.  Financial Data Schedule

(b)     Report on Form 8-K.

             The registrant did not file any reports on Form 8-K during the
        quarter ended March 31, 1997.
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                                    ACT MANUFACTURING, INC.



May 9, 1997                         /s/  John A. Pino
                                    ------------------------------------
                                    John A. Pino
                                    President and Chief Executive Officer
                                    (Principal Executive Officer)


                                    /s/  Douglass C. Greenlaw
                                    ------------------------------------
May 9, 1997                         Douglass C. Greenlaw
                                    Vice President of Finance and
                                    Administration and Chief Financial Officer
                                    (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit No.
-----------

10.  Seventh Amendment dated February 28, 1997 to the Amended and Restated Loan
and Security Agreement by and among The First National Bank of Boston, State
Street Bank & Trust Company, Citizen's Bank of Massachusetts and ACT
Manufacturing, Inc.

11.   Weighted Shares Used in Computation of Earnings per Share

27.   Financial Data Schedule