MILPITAS, CA — Worldwide silicon wafer area shipments rose 6.9% year-over-year but were down 0.5% sequentially to 3,135 million sq. in. in the third quarter, according to the SEMI Silicon Manufacturers Group.

TOKYO – Saki has inaugurated a new product demonstration center in Chicago, complete with the company's line of factory automation equipment.

AUGSBURG, GERMANY -- Kontron is grouping its six production sites in Europe into an EMS/ODM network, the company announced.

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Global tablet shipments rose 24.9% year-over-year to 47.6 million units, according to preliminary data from IDC.

FRAMINGHAM, MA -- The worldwide smartphone market showed signs of improvement in the third quarter as shipments declined just 1.3% year-over-year, according to preliminary data from IDC.

SON, THE NETHERLANDS -- Neways recorded third quarter revenue of 121.2 million euros ($141.5 million), down 9% year-over-year as automotive demand tumbled, partially offset by higher medical and semiconductor sales.

SAN JOSE -- Flex reported fiscal second quarter net sales of $6 billion, down 1.7% from a year ago.

BANNOCKBURN, IL — North American printed circuit board shipments rose 7% year-over-year in September and 21.3% sequentially, IPC announced today. 

NEENAH, WI -- Plexus today announced fiscal fourth quarter revenue rose 5.6% sequentially and 14% from year ago to $913 million.

SANTA ANA, CA -- Ducommun's Electronic Systems segment today reported third quarter net revenue of $103.5 million, up 14% year-over-year on higher demand for military and space end-use systems, partially offset by lower revenue for commercial aerospace products.

TEMPE, AZ -- Benchmark Electronics today announced third quarter revenues slipped 5% year-over-year to $526 million. 

PENANG -- FoundPac Group is considering spinning off its laser stencil unit, Dynamic Stencil, and is looking at initial public offering possibilities.