MUNICH -- Europe’s share of the component placement equipment market ticked up last quarter, according to industry sources.

Shipments in Europe rose more than 200% year-over-year and 17% sequentially in the fourth quarter. By comparison, installations in China and Southeast rose 55% from 2009, according to ASM Siplace analysts.

At year's end, China's share of new placement equipment installations was 50%, while Europe was at 17%. North America also picked up share, the analysts said.

Total placement machine shipment volume in 2010 topped that of 2008, the last year before the recession.

"The total shipment volume of SMT equipment in 2010 returned to a level above that of the pre-crisis year 2008," said Stephanie Pepersack, market intelligence manager. "Over the medium term, the market signals indicate somewhat slower but steady growth worldwide."

Placement equipment is seen as an indicator of overall business volume.

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