STAMFORD, CT – Worldwide shipments of wearable devices will reach 225 million in 2019, an increase of 25.8% from 2018, says Gartner.

BANNOCKBURN, IL – Total North American printed circuit board shipments in October were up 5.3% year-over-year and down 11.9% sequentially, says IPC. Year to date, shipments were up 9.7% compared to the same month in 2017.

To help those trying to meet IPC guidelines for surface finishes in a demanding production environment, Hitachi High-Tech has produced a white paper that helps to clarify the IPC requirements.

BILLINGSTAD, NORWAY – Kitron has entered into an agreement to acquire the EMS division of API Technologies for about $16 million in cash.

TEMPE, AZ – Amtech Systems reported fiscal fourth quarter net revenue of $28.8 million, down 47.3% year-over-year and 30.1% sequentially.

ROCK HILL, SC – Quality Electronic Manufacturing Services has opened a new 110,000 sq. ft. facility here.

ATLANTA, GA – The exhibition floor is sold out for PCB West, the largest conference and exhibition for printed circuit board design, fabrication and assembly in the Silicon Valley, UP Media Group Inc. said today. It is the earliest in the show’s 28-year history that all booth space has been reserved.

AUSTIN, TX – Power devices are experiencing growth, with overall lead-frame package shipments expected to increase 4.3% from 2017 to 2021, with stronger growth projected for Cu clip packages, according to TechSearch International.

MOUNT PLEASANT, WI – The first round of Foxconn’s Smart Cities, Smart Futures competition prompted 325 entries from students, faculty and staff at higher education institutions in Wisconsin.

NEWARK, NY – IEC Electronics reported revenues of $34.2 million for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2018, up 24% year-over-year and 15% sequentially.

CHELMSFORD, MA – Ametek has acquired Spectro Scientific for approximately $190 million.

BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES -- Construction has begun on a massive new EMS plant for Cal-Comp Electronics's local subsidiary.