MILPITAS, CA — North America-based manufacturers of semiconductor equipment posted $2.37 billion in billings worldwide in February, according to SEMI, up 26.2% year-over-year and 1.2% sequentially.

MINNEAPOLIS – Nortech Systems reported fourth quarter net sales of $30.8 million, up 7% year-over-year.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - The SMTA is currently seeking student applications for two funds, each with a deadline of Apr. 24.

BEAUPREAU-EN-MAUGES, FRANCE – Lacroix Group is part of a group investing €25 million (US$26.7 million) to establish a 16,000 sq. m. smart factory here. The new plant will feature six production lines, including one exclusively dedicated to large automated production runs, and is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2021.

SAN MATEO, CA – As a result of the spread of Covid-19, there is nearly an 80% chance for significant contraction in worldwide semiconductor revenues in 2020, instead of a previously expected minor overall growth of 2%, according to a new report from International Data Corp.

LUZON, PHILIPPINES – Integrated Micro-Electronics is suspending work at some of its sites here due to the government’s month-long lockdown to contain the spread of Covid-19, according to reports.

EINDHOVEN, THE NETHERLANDS – To mitigate the risk and the impact of the coronavirus, Neways is closely monitoring its supply chain, informing customers on a regular basis and taking multiple actions to protect the company’s workforce.

TAMPA, FL – Sypris Electronics reported fourth quarter revenue of $8.6 million, down 2.3% year-over-year and up 30.4% sequentially.

SANTA ROSA, CA – Keysight Technologies said it has temporarily closed through at least the end of March to limit the spread of the coronavirus, mitigate risks to employees, customers and suppliers, and in response to local government directives.

MILPITAS, CA – Zollner Electronics’ plant here ceased operations due to the shelter-at-home order.

MARKHAM, CANADA – EMS provider Microart Services plans to expand its Ontario facility, adding 20,000 sq. ft. to support continued growth. Microart took possession of the newly acquired space on Mar. 3 and expects operations to be in volume production before the end of April.

BILLINGSTAD, NORWAY -- Kitron today provided updates on its EMS business situation, saying all factories are operating as normal with no major disruptions.