TOKYO -- The board of directors of Sharp last night reportedly accepted a roughly $6 billion proposal from Foxconn, but the latter is now showing signs of remorse.

BANNOCKBURN, IL – IPC released its Global Policy Framework for 2016, which outlines the association’s top public policy priorities to promote a strong US manufacturing economy. The framework targets three broad areas: driving technological innovation and advanced manufacturing; promoting broad-based economic growth and a 21st Century workforce, and advocating for cost-effective, science-based regulation.

SON, THE NETHERLANDS – Neways reported net sales of €374.1 million ($413 million) in 2015, up 21% over 2014 on acquisitions.

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Global spending on robotics and related services will grow at a compound annual rate of 17% through 2019, reaching $135.4 billion, says IDC.

MINNEAPOLIS -- The SMTA today announced Michael Osterman, Ph.D., will keynote its annual International Conference on Soldering and Reliability in May in Toronto.

FRAMINGHAM, MA – The worldwide wearable device market took a big step forward in the fourth quarter, fueled by the growing popularity of fitness trackers and the Apple Watch.

WESTLAKE, OH -- Nordson reported fiscal first-quarter sales at its Advanced Technology Systems fell 8% year-over-year as new revenue from acquisitions was not enough to overcome a 15% drop in organic volumes.

MILTON, NY – Sono-Tek has been awarded three new patents for its ultrasonic spray technology.

POIPET, BANTEAY MEANCHEY, CAMBODIA -- Changes in local customs laws have prompted Sumitomo commit roughly $180 million to establish an EMS subsidiary here, the company announced.

CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND -- Scanfil has begun discussions with its subsidiary here to restructure the company’s operations, with the possibility of closing the money-losing unit.

KARLSKOGA, SWEDEN -- Scanfil will sell its entire share capital of its subsidiary PartnerTech Aerodyn AB for 350,000 euros ($388,850), the EMS company said today.

BANNOCKBURN, IL — Glenn Oliver of DuPont’s paper on high-frequency test methods has been selected as the best technical conference paper of IPC Apex Expo 2016. The paper will be presented Mar. 16.