ATLANTA – Governments in several areas have started to ease quarantine orders, according to a recent ECIA survey. However, conflict between governments, citizens and businesses has resulted in some localized turbulence. A sense of urgency to reopen the economy continues to build, and additional funding has been approved after the initial round of funding to support businesses, especially small businesses, was exhausted quickly.

BUCHS, SWITZERLAND – On Apr. 30, Variosystems acquired Solve Engineering for an undisclosed sum.

VEJLE, DENMARK – EMS firm GPV reported first quarter revenue was €91 million (US$98.3 million), down 6% year-over-year.

ATLANTA – All electronic component manufacturer representatives have seen their business disrupted to some degree by Covid-19, according to a new ECIA survey. Some 90% of members expect serious to severe impact on their business during the next two to three months.

SANKT AUGUSTIN, GERMANY – The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology FIT has developed a modular artificial intelligence platform to optimize the design and testing of PCBs, reportedly reducing the requisite outlay by as much as 20%.

TEMPE, AZ – Amtech Systems reported fiscal second quarter net revenue of $14.5 million, down 30% year-over-year and 29.6% sequentially.

INDIANAPOLIS – Specialty Coating Systems named Tim Bender president and CEO, effective today. He was previously executive vice president, sales and marketing, for the firm.

NONTHABURI, THAILAND – SVI Public Co. reported first quarter consolidated sales of THB 3.2 billion (US$102.9 million), a decrease of 17.5% year-over-year, up 1.4% sequentially.

SAN JOSE – Flex reported fiscal fourth quarter net sales of $5.5 billion, down 11.9% year-over-year.

TAIPEI – Foxconn reported consolidated April revenues of NT$380.9 billion (US$12.7 billion), up 0.3% year-over-year and 9.6% sequentially, a new record for the month.

TORONTO – SMTC reported first quarter revenue of $95.1 million, down 7.3% year-over-year and up 5.4% sequentially.

BOSTON – Creation Technologies acquired Applied Technical Services, expanding Creation’s manufacturing facilities and design centers operating across the US, Canada, Mexico, and China. No financial terms were disclosed.