TAIWAN – Smartphone maker High Tech Computer plans to add new suppliers and is currently discussing orders for 2011 with PCB makers.

The move follows the firm’s projection of substantial increases in smartphone shipments, according to published reports.

HTC expects next year’s shipments to hit 45 to 50 million units, up from an estimated 25 million units in 2010.

The company is reportedly looking at Ichia Technologies for flexible PCB.

Existing suppliers include Career Technology, M-Flex and Flexium Interconnect.

HTC is also working with Unitech Printed Circuit Board, Unimicron Technology, and others based in Japan.

TAMPA, FL – DEK and VectorGuard licensee, AGI, have opened a second manufacturing facility in Huntsville, AL.

TORONTO – EMS firm Flextronics is partnering with MEMC Singapore to produce solar photovoltaic panels for SunEdison at Flextronics' facility here.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The SMTA has elected members of the board of directors: Michelle Ogihara, Seika Machinery; David Steele, Da-Tech Corp.; and Brian Toleno, Ph.D, Henkel Corp. were elected to the planning committee.

Marie Cole, IBM, was reelected and now serves as vice president of technical programs.

Those remaining on the board include president, Dan Baldwin, Engent; VP technical programs, Marie Cole, IBM; VP communications, Tom Forsythe, Kyzen Corp.; VP membership, Roy Starks, Libra Industries; treasurer, Hal Hendrickson, Nordson Dage; and secretary, Dr. Kola Akinade, Cisco Systems.

Planning Committee members include chair, Jeff Kennedy, Celestica; Dr. Denis Barbini, Universal Instruments Corp.; and Dr. Ning-Cheng Lee, Indium Corp.

Departing directors include Bill Barthel, Plexus Corp.; Joe Belmonte, ITM Consulting; and Dr. Laura Turbini, Research in Motion.

The new term began at SMTAI in late October.

TULSA, OK – EMS provider LaBarge Inc. has been awarded $4 million in contracts from Atlantic Inertial Systems, part of Goodrich Corp. 

SAN JOSE -- The 90-day moving average of worldwide semiconductor sales in October was flat sequentially but rose nearly 20% year-over-year, the Semiconductor Industry Association today reported.

ARLINGTON, VA -- The National Association of Manufacturers took issue with a tax bill being voted on by the US Congress, claiming it would cost businesses money and jobs.

NAM executive vice president Jay Timmons said in a statement: “Manufacturers oppose the Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2010 because it would result in a tax increase for many manufacturers. The tax relief enacted in 2001 and 2003 played a key role in stimulating our economy as it repealed the estate tax and lowered both the individual tax rates and tax rates on investment.

"Unfortunately, the House bill being voted on today does not include this critical relief.  As a result, in January 2011 many manufacturers will see a top tax rate of nearly 40%, a 164% increase in the dividend tax and the return of a 55% estate tax on family-held companies.

"Over 70% of American manufacturers file as S-corporations or some other pass thru [sic] entity and will be significantly impacted by these higher rates. Americans want jobs, and this bill will only hinder job creation and economic growth.

Timmons said the trade group supports an extension to the 2001 and 2003 tax rates, which are set to expire next year. "Manufacturers strongly support extending the 2001 and 2003 tax rates for all taxpayers. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, fully extending the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts would add between 600,000 and 1.4 million jobs in 2011 and between 900,000 and 2.7 million jobs in 2012."

ERLANGER, KY ― Seho Systems will launch a US version of its solder training academy in 2011, the company said.

TEMPE, AZ – Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in November for the 16th consecutive month, says the Institute for Supply Management. The PMI dropped 0.3 percentage points to 56.6%.

A reading above 50% indicates the manufacturing economy is generally expanding.

New orders fell 2.3 points to 56.6%, while production decreased 7.7 points to 55%. Inventories were up 2.8 percentage points to 56.7%, and customer inventories grew 1.5 points to 45.5%. Backlogs were 46%, flat with October.

“The manufacturing sector grew during November, with both new orders and production continuing to expand. With the PMI at 56.6%, November's rate of growth is the second fastest in the last six months. Exports and imports continue to support expansion in the sector. Prices moderated slightly during the month, but comments from the respondents express concerns with regard to pricing pressures. The list of commodities in short supply increased, though short supply items are not yet posing significant problems. Manufacturing continues to benefit from the recovery in autos, but those industries reliant upon housing continue to struggle,” said ISM spokesperson Norbert J. Ore.

The overall economy grew for the 19th consecutive month, says the firm.

STAMFORD, CT — Worldwide PC shipments are on pace to rise 14.3% increase year-over-year, according a revised forecast by Gartner.