TOKYO – Global sales of semiconductor manufacturing equipment by original equipment manufacturers are forecast to reach a new high of $103 billion in 2021, surging 44.7% from the previous industry record of $71 billion in 2020, SEMI said.

TAMPERE, FINLAND – The first system on chip developed by the Finnish SoC Hub consortium has been taped out. The project partners will focus next on improving the design, automation and performance of the SoC. The chip will be ready for deployment in early 2022. The Ballast chip is the first in a series of three chips. TSMC will manufacture it.

TOULOUSE, FRANCE – Latécoère has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire electronics manufacturer Malaga Aerospace, Defense & Electronics Systems for an undisclosed sum.

STOCKHOLM – Note said the company's fourth quarter sales are expected to be at least SEK 745 million (US$81.8 million), growth of at least 60%.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Semiconductor growth will climb 11% in 2022, following a 26% jump in 2021, IC Insights said. After its highest growth rate since 2010, 2022 will more inline with 2020, when IC sales rose 13%.

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL – SigmaTron International reported fiscal second quarter revenue increased 44% to $100.2 million year-over-year.

NINGBO, CHINA – Kitron has shut down production Dec. 7 in Zhenhai here after authorities imposed a district-wide lockdown because of a Covid-19 outbreak, the EMS company said.

NEEDHAM, MA – The worldwide market for smart home devices grew 10.3% year-over-year in the third quarter, with more than 221.8 million device shipments, according to the International Data Corp.

NEEDHAM, MA – Global shipments for wearables grew 9.9% during the third quarter, reaching 138.4 million units, according to International Data Corp.

NEEDHAM, MA – With 2021 nearing a close, global shipments of traditional PCs are forecast to reach 344.7 million units, according to International Data Corp. While annual shipments are expected to grow 13.5% during the year, shipments during the holiday quarter are expected to decline 3.4% as supply chain constraints and backups and cost increases around logistics continue to be a burden on getting products into many channels.

KUALA LUMPUR – Under fire for worker treatment, V.S. Industry managing director Datuk SY Gan told a migrant worker rights specialist the EMS company places a high priority on environmental, social and governance matters and is committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance.

NEEDHAM, MA – Smartphone shipments will grow 5.3% year-over-year in 2021, reaching 1.35 billion, according to the International Data Corp. However, due to the lower than expected third quarter and the continued component shortages and logistical challenges, which may not improve until mid-2022, IDC has lowered its growth forecast for 2021 and 2022 from 7.4% and 3.4% to 5.3% and 3%, respectively.