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ARLINGTON, VA -– The monthly order index compiled by the Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association (ECA) was flat in June, perhaps signaling a traditional summer lull.

"We typically get a steadying period in the summer," said Bob Willis, ECA president. "Last year, July was flat after 11 consecutive months of order growth; this year June is flat after months of ups and downs."

Unlike 2004, which started off with a spurt of growth that receded in the second half of the year, Willis thinks the pattern this year leans to modest but sustainable growth over the second half.

The ECA represents manufacturers and producers of passive and active electronic components, component arrays and assemblies, and materials and support services. It is a sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance.

Fort Worth, TX – Allied Electronics (alliedelec.com), a subsidiary of Electrocomponents plc, has signed a distribution partnership agreement with Quantum Semiconductor International (qsalaser.com) for the company’s laser diodes.

QSI is a supplier of laser diodes in the power tool and barcode scanner market. The agreement gives Allied customers access to laser diodes designed for industrial, medical and academic applications. QSI laser diodes are used in applications such as leveling, alignment, distance measuring and range finding equipment. The initial stocking package will include both P-Type and N-Type in 635, 650, 670, 780, and 850 nm wavelength devices.

“Allied is excited to offer our customers the QSI America product line,” said Lee Davidson, president of Allied Electronics. “Customers buying QSI from Allied will get a range of devices in stock and in the quantities our customers need.”

SAN JOSE -- Venture Outsource Group has reported a sharp rise in the number of employment searches it is conducting for EMS, ODM and technology OEM client companies.

The firm helps companies find candidates to fill internal postings for a variety of managerial and executive-level positions across the globe. In 2005, the firm has helped client companies fill nine positions. The company is on track to engage in more than twice the number of client search assignments it executed in 2004.

This is not necessarily a sign that the electronics outsourcing industry is improving as a whole, but may instead reflect the increasing role VOG is playing with company hiring activities in industry.