Circuits Assembly Online Magazine - News

News

BROMMA, SWEDEN -- Micronic Laser Systems will acquire Mydata Automation in a stock-based deal. The combined company will have annual revenues of approximately SEK 1.2 billion ($140 million) and 640 employees.

RENO, NV – Semiconductor sales will jump 17% year-over-year in 2010, almost making up for a drop of 17% this year, says Databeans.

The chip market, which fell 3% last year to $248.6 billion, should just top $200 billion this year. However, says the research firm, this slump looks different from 2001, and the market will rebound much more easily this time around.

By 2011, IC revenue will reach $269.1 billion, outdoing 2007, says Databeans.

EL SEGUNDO, CA – Once the world’s fastest-growing chip manufacturing region, China hit an all-time low in the first quarter, with nearly 60% of the nation’s semiconductor manufacturing capacity unused, according to iSuppli Corp.

ARLINGTON, VA -- The Consumer Electronics Association today signaled its approval of Virginia secretary of technology Aneesh Chopra as the first US chief technology officer.

HAVERHILL, MA -- DKN Research and NY Industries have developed an embedded passive technology built on thin multilayer thick film flexible substrates.

REDWOOD SHORES, CA -- Oracle is breaking into the equipment business in a big way, agreeing to buy Sun Microsystems in a $7.4 billion deal. Closing is expected this summer.

SAN JOSE – The 90-day average of orders of North America-based semiconductor equipment manufacturers was $278.9 million in March, down 76% from last year.

SAN DIEGO – SMTA’s deadline for submitting 300-word abstracts for the 2009 SMTA International conference is April 24.

ZANDT, GERMANY – EMS firm Zollner Elektronik has opened a technical sales and customer service facility in the US.

NEENAH, WI -- Top 10 EMS firm Plexus Corp. today forecast fiscal second-quarter profit near the high end of previous guidance due to a lower-than-expected tax rate and lower fixed cuts. The company also announced it expects restructuring charges of $2.3 million during the quarter, above prior guidance of $500,000.

TAIPEI -- The chairman of Hon Hai (Foxconn) is aiming for sales to rise 30% this year, but acknowledges the goal will be difficult.

SALT LAKE CITY -- CirTran Corp., an electronics contract manufacturer and supplier of energy drinks, reported 2008 revenue rose 10.3% to $13.7 million. The company's losses dropped 40.7% to $3.9 million. Operating expenses decreased 53.7% to $5.8 million.

Gross profit fell 53.4% to $1.6 million, including a $1.1 million impairment in securities and a $1.9 million interest charge.