GENEVA -- A vote that would have permitted electronics equipment manufacturers to send certain types of electronics waste to developing nations for disposal went down in defeat this week.

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND -- Tait Communications is contemplating cutting about 10% of its local workforce, according to published reports.

OXFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND – Improving efficiency to win new onshore business is the focus of the Smart Group's annual European Conference and Exhibition.

MUNICH -- Matrix Technologies has acquired fellow inspection equipment OEM FocalSpot for an undisclosed amount, the companies announced today.

MINNEAPOLIS -- HEI Inc. swung to a first-quarter profit on a big jump in sales, in particular for military communications equipment.

LOS ANGELES -- A Los Angeles-based private equity firm has acquired Smart Electronics & Assembly for an undisclosed amount.

CHICAGO -- The number of EMS industry transactions fell year-over-year during the first quarter, says an investment bank that tracks the industry.

LOS ANGELES – Ducommun today reported first-quarter net sales ended Mar. 30 of $175.9 million, down 4.6% year-over-year.

SANTA CLARA, CA — The mobile PC market is expected to increase from 367.6 million units shipped in 2012 to 762.7 million globally by 2017, driven by touch-enabled form factors.

SAN MATEO, CA – Worldwide tablet shipments continue to surge, growing 142.4% year-over-year in the first quarter, according to preliminary data from International Data Corp.

LAS VEGAS – The 35th annual EOS/ESD Symposium will be held Sept. 8-13 at the Rio All Suites Hotel here.

GENEVA – Computer and other electronic equipment manufacturers pressing for exemptions from established controls on the export of electronic waste or e-waste are drawing fire from NGOs.