EL SEGUNDO – iSuppli Corp. raised its solar forecast, now predicting solar installations will rise to 13.6 GW in 2010, up 92.9% compared to 2009.

A surge in Germany sales and dropping prices prompted the firm to upgrade its forecast of installations of photovoltaic systems this year.

A previous February forecast was 8.3 GW worth of installations in 2010, up 64% from 2009.

Robust market conditions will be seen in the second and fourth quarters, compensating well for slower first and third quarters, says iSuppli.

By 2011, global PV installations will rise to 20.3 GW, nearly tripling 2009 levels.

NEENAH, WI – Plexus Corp. posted second-quarter net income of $20.7 million, compared with $5 million in the same quarter last year.

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GAINESVILLE, GA – Count On Tools Inc. is offering free trial nozzles for SMT professionals.

Current customers are allowed to request any trial nozzle that they currently do not purchase from the company on a regular basis.

New customers are allowed to request any trial nozzle that fits their individual process requirements and is available in the standard range of products.

For more information, visit www.cotinc.com.

NEWARK, NY – EMS provider IEC Electronics Corp. reported fiscal second-quarter revenue of $25.2 million, up 55% year-over-year.

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