BANNOCKBURN, IL - The revision of a standard on halogenated flame-retardant use is ready for industry comment. IPC invites all interested parties to submit comments on the final draft of IPC-WP/TR-584A, “Halogenated Flame Retardants in Printed Circuit Boards and Assemblies (Correcting the Misunderstandings on ‘Halogen-Free’).” A PDF is available; contact Tom Newton at TomNewton@ipc.org. The comment period closes April 30.
WASHINGTON – A new report issued this week by trade group AeA reiterates that America must act now to stem the loss of its competitive advantage. The report, “We Are Still Losing the Competitive Advantage: Now Is the Time To Act,” is a sequel to an AeA report of two years ago. The original asserted the U.S. was at risk of squandering its preeminence in science, technology and innovation in the face of greater emphasis on those areas by other nations coupled with domestic neglect of the factors that form the basis for its lead. The latest edition reinforces that conclusion and calls for immediate action. Recommended steps include improving K-12 math and science instruction; increasing federal funding for basic research in the physical sciences, engineering, math and computer sciences; giving green cards to all US educated masters and doctoral students, and ensuring access to broadband for every American within five years. The report includes other recommendations for timely action, a timeline of what has happened in the last two years to move the competitiveness debate forward, testimonials from executives in the high-tech industry, and updated data and analysis. To download the report, go to www.aeanet.org/competitiveness.
SANTA CLARA, CA – UP Media Group today announced a seasonal switch in schedule for PCB Design Conference East and West. Beginning in 2008, PCB West will be held in the fall in the Silicon Valley. PCB East will move to the spring, with the 2008 show being held in the Chicago area. The exact dates and location will be announced soon.
MILPITAS, CA -- Solectron Corp., one of the world's five largest EMS companies, will lay off
about 3% of its employees and take a restructuring and impairment charge of $35 million to
$45 million. The company reported second-quarter sales of $2.90 billion fell 3% sequentially but rose 16% year-over-year.
The sales uptick was offset by the company's announced layoff of 1,300 and 1,500 employees over the next 12 months as part of a previously announced restructuring plan.
TORONTO -- Celestica Inc. named senior vice president of finance Paul Nicoletti its interim chief financial officer.
He supersedes Tony Puppi, who is retiring April.
A search is currently underway to select a permanent replacement.
Nicoletti has been with Celestica since the its spinoff from IBM. Prior to his current position, he was the vice president, global financial operations.
He supersedes Tony Puppi, who is retiring April.
A search is currently underway to select a permanent replacement.
Nicoletti has been with Celestica since the its spinoff from IBM. Prior to his current position, he was the vice president, global financial operations.
EL SEGUNDO, CA – PMP/MP3 shipments are expected to more than double between 2005 and 2011, according to iSuppli Corp. Global PMP/MP3 shipments will rise to 268.6 million units in 2011, a CAGR of 13% from 2005, the firm predicts. In 2007, player shipments are expected to rise to 216.9 million units, up 21.8% from 178.1 million in 2006. Global factory revenue will rise to $21.5 billion by 2011, a CAGR of 7.4% from $14 billion in 2005. Revenue this year will rise to $20.6 billion, up 14.4% from $18 billion last year. PMP shipments are expected to grow faster than those of music-only MP3 players during the coming years, with PMPs expected to account for more than 66% of PMP/MP3 unit shipments by 2011, up from a mere 4% in 2005, according to iSuppli. iSuppli forecasts the broadband music market will grow to $5 billion in revenue by 2010, up from $1.6 billion in 2006. Still, some challenges remain for PMPs/MP3 players, including longer replacement cycles because of removable memory and stronger competition from media-capable mobile phones.
