EL SEGUNDO, CA — The good news for the semiconductor industry is that 2007 will represent the peak year of its present growth cycle, with double-digit growth expected. The bad news for the semiconductor industry in 2007 is that due to the changing dynamics of the business, growth will amount to only 10.6%  for the year—far below historical market peaks.

So says research firm iSuppli. The firm calls for worldwide semiconductor revenue to grow to $285.8 billion in 2007, a 10.6% rise from $258.5 billion in 2006. This compares with its newly revised forecast of 9% semiconductor growth in 2006. After 2007, growth will decelerate to 8.7% in 2008 and then bottom out at 3.7% in 2009, before bouncing back to a 7.4% rise in 2010.

While some industries would kill to achieve 10.6% growth, iSuppli said, it represents a moderate rise for a semiconductor business that has seen expansions as high as the 30 to 40% range during its best years. However, the mild peak comes with a benefit: global semiconductor revenue is not expected to suffer a contraction during the present cycle. This should come as welcome news to semiconductor companies that still have the 28.9% revenue plunge of 2001 fresh in their minds.

“The milder cyclical swing reflects changed dynamics in the semiconductor industry,” said Gary Grandbois, principal analyst with iSuppli.

ROME, NY – The Electrostatic Discharge Association (ESDA) will offer professional education classes during 2007, providing coursework to earn ESD Device Design or Program Manager Certification. Courses will be available in North America, Europe and Asia, and include topics such as ANSI/ESD S20.20 ESD Program Development, How To’s of In-Plant ESD Auditing and Evaluation Measurements, Cleanroom Considerations for the Program Manager, System Level ESD/EMI: Testing to IEC and Other Standards, and more. Visit www.esda.org for available courses. Registration is underway for classes offered during February in Anaheim, CA.   
 
 

ANGLETON, TX -- Benchmark Electronics today promoted Gayla J. Delly, 47, to president and Donald F. Adam, 43, to chief financial officer. Delly replaces Cary Fu, who remains CEO.

Delly has been with the company since 1996 and CFO since May 2001.

Adam has worked at Benchmark since January 2002, most recently as vice president and corporate controller.

"Gayla and I have worked closely together over the past decade and she has made significant contributions to Benchmark and been an integral part of our executive team," said Fu in a statement. "Gayla is an accomplished leader and is highly respected both within Benchmark and the industry. Likewise, Don has assumed increased financial responsibilities over the past few years and is well qualified to serve as CFO."

ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- Jabil Circuit's fiscal first-quarter revenue rose 34% year-over-year to $3.2 billion, topping analysts' estimates of $3.17 billion.

The EMS firm guided for February quarter to grow about 20% year-over-year, reaching $2.75 billion to $2.85 billion.

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