News
SINGAPORE – Nihon Superior Co. Ltd. has upgraded its Singapore location – Nihon Superior Trading (S) Pte Ltd. – to a regional headquarters, with plans to establish an English-speaking R&D center there.
The R&D Center will be in operation before the end of 2008 with an initial investment of SG$1.275 million (US$934,000), the company reports.
The initial focus will be on establishing analytical capability with XRF and ICP equipment. Additional tools required for the development and testing of soldering materials and the diagnosis of microscopy and mechanical testing will follow.
NSTS was established in 1988 as a joint venture with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. In 2007, NSTS accounted for 16% of Nihon’s total turnover.
BANNOCKBURN, IL – John Hartner, executive vice president of Dover Technologies, has been named chairman of the IPC Surface Mount Equipment Manufacturers Association (SMEMA) Council Steering Committee.
Leo van de Vall, president and CEO of Assembléon America Inc., has been named vice chairman.
In a release, Hartner said he looks to engage all industry segments, not just the equipment OEMs SMEMA represents. “Our ability to cooperate in solving industry-wide issues benefits everyone in the supply chain, including customers, suppliers and channel partners,” said Hartner. ”Leo and I hope to lead SMEMA to be more global and more valuable to all members, big and small.”
The SMEMA Council is made up of electronics assembly suppliers. It initiates technical, managerial, and financial programs to improve supply chain efficiencies and enhance working relationships and equipment compatibility.
Leo van de Vall, president and CEO of Assembléon America Inc., has been named vice chairman.
In a release, Hartner said he looks to engage all industry segments, not just the equipment OEMs SMEMA represents. “Our ability to cooperate in solving industry-wide issues benefits everyone in the supply chain, including customers, suppliers and channel partners,” said Hartner. ”Leo and I hope to lead SMEMA to be more global and more valuable to all members, big and small.”
The SMEMA Council is made up of electronics assembly suppliers. It initiates technical, managerial, and financial programs to improve supply chain efficiencies and enhance working relationships and equipment compatibility.
SAN JOSE – Worldwide semiconductor manufacturing equipment billings reached $10.56 billion in the first quarter, up 7% sequentially, and down 2% year-over-year, according to SEMI.
The association also said worldwide semiconductor equipment bookings were $8.08 billion for the quarter, down 23% year-over-year, and down 11% sequentially.
“While bookings have weakened in the first quarter, overall industry billings remain at levels higher than the end of last year,” said Stanley T. Myers, president and CEO of SEMI. “Some regions, specifically North America, Korea and China, posted strong quarter-over-quarter growth in spite of the conservative capital environment.”
The association also said worldwide semiconductor equipment bookings were $8.08 billion for the quarter, down 23% year-over-year, and down 11% sequentially.
“While bookings have weakened in the first quarter, overall industry billings remain at levels higher than the end of last year,” said Stanley T. Myers, president and CEO of SEMI. “Some regions, specifically North America, Korea and China, posted strong quarter-over-quarter growth in spite of the conservative capital environment.”
