FRAMINGHAM, MA – Worldwide smartphone shipments are expected to surpass 1 billion units in 2013, representing 39.3% growth over 2012, IDC said. Despite a number of mature markets nearing smartphone saturation, the demand for low-cost computing in emerging markets continues to drive the smartphone market forward, the research firm stated.

MANIEMA PROVINCE, DRC -- Changes in local trade following the agreement to mine conflict-free metals in the Democratic Republic of Congo have had many positive impacts on the community, according to the promoters of a new mining traceability program.

SON, THE NETHERLANDS – Neways Electronics plans to terminate production activities at its subsidiary in Kassel, Germany, after a major fire in September brought all production at the site to a halt. The EMS company said that after an evaluation of its options, there's no alternative other than to terminate Neways Electronics Production's production activities.

HUDSON, NH – Contract assembler Altronics Manufacturing plans to increase its factory size by about 50% in order to accommodate system assembly and box build, the company told a local paper.

SOUTH AYRSHIRE, SCOTLAND – Promation will establish a soldering lab here during the next year's first quarter to sell the company’s line of robotic soldering systems.

EL SEGUNDO, CA — The semiconductor and electronics OEM industries are set to enjoy significant revenue growth in 2013, partly due to their tight management of inventory levels, according to IHS. Among OEMs in six categories, total revenue in the third quarter reached an estimated $493 billion, up 7% from $462 billion in the second quarter. Revenue in the final quarter of the year is expected to climb at an even more blistering pace, reaching $540 billion with sequential growth of 10%.

BALVE, GERMANY – Balver Zinn has granted the rights to manufacture and distribute the SN100C alloy to a pair of Germany-based metals companies.

WASHINGTON -- Foxconn Technology Group is committing up to $40 million in new US manufacturing facilities and R&D, the company's chairman said Thursday.

ARLINGTON, VA -- California, through its Department of Toxic Substances Control, is proceeding with a major new regulatory program aimed at reducing or eliminating many toxic chemicals in consumer products. The state’s actions could significantly impact the way many consumer products are made and sold in
California, the United States, and other large markets.

NEW YORK -- Hon Hai chairman Terry Gou says the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer might move its higher-end manufacturing to the US, according to reports.

FREMONT, CA -- Jabil Circuit has struck a deal to purchase SGI's Wisconsin manufacturing facility and certain other assets, plus staff, for approximately $6 million in cash. The companies further agreed to a "manage in place" deal under which Jabil will supply products and supply chain services to the computing OEM.

MINNEAPOLIS – The SMTA honored members who have shown exceptional service to the association and the electronics assembly industry. The Founder’s Award for 2013 was presented to Chuck Richardson of iNEMI. Richardson was one of the first SMTA volunteer leaders, and has supported the SMTA for more than two decades. He is also iNEMI’s director of roadmapping.