SAN JOSE — Despite a steep year-over-year drop in orders, North America-based semiconductor equipment manufacturers reported their highest book-to-bill ratio in more than two years as bookings rose faster than shipments in March.

IRVINE, CA -- Probe Manufacturing reported revenue grew 9% year-over-year in 2012 to $4.96 million.

SON, THE NETHERLANDS -- Neways reported a net loss despite higher sales in the first quarter. The EMS company cited one-time restructuring charges.

VELLINGE, SWEDEN -- PartnerTech reported first-quarter sales of SEK 554 million ($85.4 million), up 1% sequentially but down 7% from a year ago.

NEENAH, WI -- Plexus reported net income of $17.98 million, down 10% year-over-year, for its fiscal second quarter.

WASHINGTON, DC -- A pair of US government agencies on Tuesday issued final rules that, effective Oct. 15, will significantly revise three categories on the U.S. Munitions List by transferring certain goods to the Commerce Control List, which provides typically more liberal rules on exports and reexports of purely commercial items as well as those that have both commercial and military applications.

EDINA, MN – SMTA is offering a free webinar to its members on mechanical reliability.

SANTA CLARA, CA – More technology companies are looking outside the US, China and India for revenue growth in the next one to two years, says KPMG.

BANGALORE -- EMS companies in India gained ground in the past year, with Sanmina leading the way.

MANASSAS, VA – Zestron this month is offering a free webinar on managing effluent in inline cleaning processes.

MUTTENZ, SWITZERLAND -- Clariant International has acquired Bayer Group's nano-silver ink technology platform for an undisclosed sum.

BRIDGEWATER, MA – Chase Corp. reported revenues of $48.4 million for the quarter ended Feb. 28, up 65% from last year.