THAI NGUYEN, VIETNAM – Samsung Electro-Mechanics’ proposal to invest $920 million in Vietnam has been approved.

PEACHTREE CITY, GA – PCB East today announced the “early bird” discount for the upcoming technical conference expires March 16. Early bird registrants save $100 off the regular prices for the one-day or three-day technical conference options.

SHANGHAI – In December Rafi Electronics moved into a new facility here. The building has a production area of 7,800 m², of which 4,600 m² is a clean room area for SMT and THT assembly.

SAINT-HERBLAINE, FRANCE – Lacroix Group reported Electronics Activity for the fourth quarter saw revenue of €83.2 million (US$94.5 million), up 5% year-over-year.

TANGXIA, CHINA – Production at Note’s China plant was temporarily halted due to an employee being in contact with a Covid-positive relative. In line with local authorities' protection restrictions, the plant was put into quarantine.

STOCKHOLM – Hanza Holding reported fourth quarter net sales increased 45% year-over-year to SEK 717 million (US$77.4 million).

WASHINGTON – Global semiconductor industry sales totaled $555.9 billion in 2021, the highest ever annual total and an increase of 26.2% year-over-year, says the Semiconductor Industry Association.

AUSTIN, TX – The shortage of build-up substrates will increase this year, compared to 2021, and the gap between supply and demand will loom even larger in 2023, according to TechSearch International.

TANGXIA, CHINA – Production at Note’s plant in China has ceased temporarily, while the staff quarantines after a positive Covid-19 case.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Total semiconductor sales will rise 11% this year, following a 25% increase in 2021 and an 11% increase in 2020, according to a new report from IC Insights. If achieved, it would mark the first time since 1993-1995 that the semiconductor market has enjoyed three consecutive years of double-digit growth.

OSLO – Kitron reported fourth quarter revenue was NOK 949 million (US$107.8 million), down 4.3% year-over-year.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The SMTA is currently seeking student applications for the Charles Hutchins Educational Grant.