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FUKUOKA, JAPAN – The World Semiconductor Trade Statistics forecasts the semiconductor market to grow 28.6% to $291 billion in 2010.

In 2009, the semiconductor industry was affected by the global economic crisis, down 9% to $226.3 billion. In 2010, the industry is recovering with revived enterprise and consumer spending, WSTS says.

The latest forecast is a more optimistic outlook for the year, with an increase of $44 billion over the fall forecast.

The industry is now expected to top $320.2 billion in 2012, with a three-year compound annual growth rate of 12.3% from 2009 to 2012.

CHESTNUT HILL, MA -- Already battered by the recession, manufacturers are concerned a wave of retirements across their industry will saddle them with a shortage of qualified job applicants, huge training costs for new workers and the challenge of transferring job knowledge from one generation of workers to the next.

TAIPEI -- Compal Electronics will raise wages at its plants in China as it tries to fend off inflation and a shortage of workers, the company says.

SHENZHEN -- Foxconn Technology Group, which only last week said it would substantially raise wages of its workers here, reportedly will relocate much of its manufacturing to other sites in China.

SAN JOSE – The Semiconductor Industry Association submitted a report to the US Department of Commerce outlining actions required to meet the goal of doubling semiconductor exports to $76 billion by 2014.

MILPITAS, CA – Thirty engineers and photovoltaic manufacturing professionals met June 10 at Flextronics Inc.’s campus in Milpitas, CA, to discuss the formation of a new professional association to advance the photovoltaic engineering and related manufacturing professions. The proposed association would address research, education, industry standards, and training.

Participants were welcomed by Flextronics vice president Dr. Dongkai Shangguan, who discussed the solar industry and stressed the need to lower the cost per watt.

Organizer Matt Holzmann, president of Christopher Associates, presented an overview of how an association would benefit the industry and the participants. He proposed a member-driven model dedicated to engineering, management and other professionals.

There was widespread agreement that such an association would have significant benefits both to the participants and the industry at large. Committees are now being formed to execute key functions in establishing a legal entity and its functions.

“This was a great first step,” Holzmann said. “We must now focus on defining the scope and activities of the organization. Member involvement is critical to achieving success.”

Contact Holzmann (matt.holzmann@christopherweb.com), Jasbir Bath (Jasbir@christopherweb.com) or Dennis Willie (dennis.willie@flextronics.com) for additional information.