ARLINGTON, VA -- California, through its Department of Toxic Substances Control, is proceeding with a major new regulatory program aimed at reducing or eliminating many toxic chemicals in consumer products. The state’s actions could significantly impact the way many consumer products are made and sold in
California, the United States, and other large markets.

NEW YORK -- Hon Hai chairman Terry Gou says the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer might move its higher-end manufacturing to the US, according to reports.

FREMONT, CA -- Jabil Circuit has struck a deal to purchase SGI's Wisconsin manufacturing facility and certain other assets, plus staff, for approximately $6 million in cash. The companies further agreed to a "manage in place" deal under which Jabil will supply products and supply chain services to the computing OEM.

MINNEAPOLIS – The SMTA honored members who have shown exceptional service to the association and the electronics assembly industry. The Founder’s Award for 2013 was presented to Chuck Richardson of iNEMI. Richardson was one of the first SMTA volunteer leaders, and has supported the SMTA for more than two decades. He is also iNEMI’s director of roadmapping.

TISZAUJVAROS, HUNGARY -- Jabil Circuit reportedly has told government officials that it plans to lay off more nearly 700 workers here due to shrinking demand. According to a report at RealDeal.hu, a Hungarian news website, the EMS company yesterday told the Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen County Labor Center it would cut 673 employees next month.

WATERTOWN, MA -- Laboratories Protec's US subsidiary has acquired the XRF line from Dynasil for $1.1 million, including $925,000 in cash. Under terms of the deal, Protec will assume certain liabilities.

TIJUANA – Electronics manufacturing services provider OnCore Manufacturing has added cable and harness assembly services at its 48,000 sq. ft. plant here.

MESA, AZ – Foxconn is considering opening a manufacturing plant in Arizona, just after Apple announced it would buy a factory in Mesa.

Both firms are on the list for state property, energy and employment tax breaks and money from the Arizona Competes Fund, say reports.

GARBSEN, GERMANY – LPKF Laser & Electronics reported revenue up 21% year-over-year to EUR 99.5 million for the first nine months of 2013.

LONDON – The global optical networks market will exceed $17.5 billion by 2018, for a 3.1% CAGR from 2012, says Ovum.

SOMERSET, UK -- EMS firm Marsden Smith has been sold out of administration, saving 15 workers from unemployment. The contract assembler, which was founded in 2007, had entered administration just a month before.

FLINT, MI -- A Detroit area judge has ordered Toyota to turn over documents related to a fatal crash attributed by the victim's family to sudden unintended acceleration. The family is looking for evidence that tin whiskers may have played a role in causing a key sensor to fail, thus preventing the auto from slowing as designed.