MILPITAS, CA – Global semiconductor equipment billings contracted 2% year-over-year to $26.4 billion in the first quarter, while quarter-over-quarter billings dropped 6% during the same period, SEMI announced in its Worldwide Semiconductor Equipment Market Statistics (WWSEMS) Report.

WALTHAM, MA – Nano Dimension reported first quarter revenue of $13.4 million, down 10.8% compared to the first quarter of 2023.

MUNICH – ASMPT has reorganized its SMT Solutions segment in the Americas (USA, Canada, Mexico and Brazil), adding a new division between the North and South America regions.

AUSTIN, TX – Flex has announced the acquisition of FreeFlow, a company that specializes in global secondary markets and circular economy tracking and reporting.

NEEDHAM, MA – Worldwide smartphone shipments are forecast to grow 4% year over year in 2024 to 1.21 billion units, according to IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker.

KUALA LUMPUR – SKP Resources reported RM458.8 million ($97.5 million) in revenue for its fourth quarter, a year-over-year decrease of 5%.

Should components for military use be made in a dedicated secure facility?

That’s the basic thinking behind a $3.5 billion allocation by the US government to support an undisclosed chipmaker, presumably Intel, to develop a classified advanced semiconductor development project. The monies at the root of the issue touched off yet another question, that is, whether Chips Act funds were misused when routed to the so-called Secure Enclave program.

The Chips Act, of course, is the foundational legislation upon which the US strategy of reclaiming semiconductor manufacturing dominance is built.

Years ago, the major semiconductor foundries, including Intel, Motorola and others, had designated government segments. Their demise more or less concluded with the rollout of new defense procurement policies, now known as the Perry Initiative.

KUNGSBACKA, SWEDEN – Tyri, a manufacturer of lighting equipment for work machines, is starting in-house production of circuit boards in Sweden.

CARLSBAD, CA – Seacomp has opened a new 60,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Tijuana, Mexico.

PEACHTREE CITY, GA – The Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA) today announced registration is open for the technical program for PCB West 2024, featuring more than 110 hours of in-depth electronics engineering training spread over nearly 50 sessions.

BANNOCKBURN, IL – Total North American EMS shipments in April were down 2.1% from last April, according to IPC's findings from its North American EMS Statistical Program.

BANNOCKBURN, IL – Total North American PCB shipments in April were up 9.4% compared to the same month last year, IPC announced in findings from its North American PCB Statistical Program.