Выражение встречается в следующем контексте:
in the area of logistics and quality assurance in particular this necessitated the building up of special process know-how, as we looked to use external suppliers for parts manufacture and concentrated on adding value in the "high end" ourselves.

Мой перевод:
В сфере логистики, и гарантии качества в частности, появилась необходимость создания технологических ноу-хау, так как мы собирались использовать услуги внешних поставщиков по производству деталей и намеревались сосредоточить внимание на увеличении стоимости______________________

Заранее спасибо

subj: оборудования класса hi-end?

assurance []
1) a statement, assertion, etc., intended to inspire confidence or give encouragement
she was helped by his assurance that she would cope
2) a promise or pledge of support
he gave an assurance of help when needed
3) freedom from doubt; certainty
his assurance about his own superiority infuriated her
4) forwardness; impudence
5) chiefly (mainly brit) insurance providing for certainties such as death as contrasted with fire or theft