MINNEAPOLIS – Saying it needed to grow to survive, Smart Group will become part of SMTA, effective Jan. 1, 2018.

SCOTTS VALLEY, CA – Semblant opened a customer innovation center in Shenzhen.

DEERFIELD BEACH., FL -- The growing requirement for mobility and connectivity in customer electronic products and rising demand for higher electronic systems in automobiles are expected to drive the semiconductor assembly and testing services over the next five years.

LA GRANGE, MO -- Nemo Manufacturing says higher demand is spurring the EMS company to move to a new factory.

EINDHOVEN, THE NETHERLANDS – Neways Electronics reported first-half sales rose 7.9% year-over-year to EUR 213.6 million ($254.5 million), on strong contributions from semiconductor, automotive and defense customers.

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Worldwide smartphone shipments are expected to grow from 1.47 billion in 2016 to just over 1.7 billion in 2021, says International Data Corp.

TAIPEI -- Foxconn will reportedly expand its production capacity in the Czech Republic, according to local Prague media.

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA – An ASTM International committee is developing a new standard for handheld XRF equipment used to analyze metal content.

KUALA LUMPUR -- Contract assembler EG Industries reported fiscal fourth quarter revenue rose 63% to RM262.6 million ($61.5 million) on higher demand for data storage products.

ARLINGTON, VA -- To perpetuate the pace of innovation and progress in microelectronics technology over the past half-century, it will take an enormous village rife with innovators.

AMSTERDAM – The Electronics in Harsh Environments Conference will be held Apr. 24-26 here. It will focus on building reliable electronics used in power electronics and harsh environments.

STAMFORD, CT – Gartner forecasts 310.4 million wearable devices will be sold worldwide in 2017, an increase of 16.7% from 2016. Sales of wearable devices will generate revenue of $30.5 billion in 2017. Of that, $9.3 billion will be from smartwatches, the firm says.