FRAMINGHAM, MA – The smartphone market continues to be challenged, and 2019 is projected to experience its third consecutive year of declining shipments, says International Data Corp. Worldwide smartphone volumes are forecast to fall 0.8% in 2019, with volumes dipping to 1.39 billion.

SINGAPORE – ASM Pacific Technology’s SMT solutions segment posted 2018 revenue up 19.1% to $1.03 billion, contributing 41.1% to the firm’s revenue.

MACROOM, IRELAND – Shipco Circuits has brought a method for embedding discrete components inside PCBs to market.

NOTTINGHAM, UK – SMS Electronics has undergone a management buyout, its second in seven years.

SCHAUMBURG, IL -- A Cerberus Capital Management subsidiary has completed its acquisition of Sparton for $18.50 per share, or roughly $182 million.

SPOKANE VALLEY, WA -- Tate Technology is moving its EMS plant to a new 18,000 sq. ft. factory here after more than 20 years at its previous site.

MERRIMACK, NH -- Virtex Enterprises has acquired Circuit Technology, a contract manufacturer of high-mix, low-volume production of mission-critical products.

AUSTIN, TX – The high cost of moving to the next semiconductor technology node is changing the role of packaging and assembly in the electronics industry, says TechSearch International. Heterogeneous integration has become the solution to achieve the economic advantages that were previously met with silicon scaling.

SCHAUMBURG, IL – Sparton Corp.’s shareholders have approved the EMS company’s proposed acquisition by an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management.

ALONSOTEGI, SPAIN– A private equity fund has taken a majority position in EMS provider P4Q Electronics.

GREEN BAY, WI – Foxconn says it is moving forward with its planned innovation center here that would employ between 100 and 200 people.

WESTLAKE, OH – Nordson said Michael Hilton plans to retire as president and chief executive after nine years with the company.