STAMFORD, CT — Semiconductor inventories are again on the rise and are headed toward "worrisome" levels," precipitating a correction in late 2011, Gartner warned yesterday.

WATERTOWN, SD – OEM Worldwide today announced a four-year $11 million expansion that could add up to 150 new jobs.

The electronics contract manufacturer has completed its first phase, a 50,000 sq. ft. expansion to its facility here. Future plans include upgrading and replacing the company’s automated printed circuit board assembly equipment.

OEM specializes in high-mix, low-to-medium volume PCB assemblies and higher-level assembly for precision products in medical, communications and industrial applications.

The firm anticipates expanding into military/aerospace and smart grid markets, and will add 150 new jobs.

BANNOCKBURN, IL – After a big 2010, printed circuit board production in the Americas is expected to grow 2.5% in 2011, IPC said.

IPC based its forecast on a sample of 40 North American PCB manufacturers with an aggregate $2.3 billion in total sales, accounting for approximately 55% of the North American market.

Last year, North American rigid PCB sales rose 18%, while flexible PCB sales grew 16%. Production increased 6.9% in North America.

NEW YORK – A new study of nearly 1,200 high-tech companies sheds new light on the likely rationale for big, recently announced deals, including Google’s bid to acquire Motorola Mobility Holdings, AT&T’s offer to acquire T-Mobile USA, and Hewlett-Packard’s potential divestiture of its PC business.

Canton, SD – Contract manufacturer Legacy Electronics has begun production at its 40,000 sq. ft. manufacturing plant here.

In June the firm completed Phase 1 of the move from San Clemente, CA, including installation, calibration, and qualification of the Canton electronics component production line.

The firm has openings for manufacturing and test technicians, quality inspectors and rework technicians. Local applicants can send resumes and cover letters to applyinsouthdakota@legacyelectronics.com.

Founded in 1993, Legacy Electronics holds several patents and trademarks, including those for its Canopy chip-stacking process technology, and its Multiple Device Canopy (MDC) for embedded computing and high-density VLP modules.

SAN JOSE – Zero Defects International has acquired a new facility here to meet growing demand for PCB test equipment.

ARLINGTON, VA -- The Consumer Electronics Association issued a statement applauding US President Barack Obama for signing the America Invents Act into law.

STAMFORD, CT -- A leading research firm has lowered its 2011-12 outlook for worldwide semiconductor growth, citing overinventory and slowing demand.

DENVER -- The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has charged two executives of a Denver-based electronics recycling firm with multiple counts of illegal e-waste exportation.

SAN JOSE – The 90-day average bookings at North America-based semiconductor equipment manufacturers fell nearly 35% year-over-year in August amid uncertainties over demand.

TAIPEI – Hon Hai (Foxconn) was unsuccessful in selling a $205 million five-year bond issue, according to published reports.

The firm says offers for the unsecured bonds did not meet expectations, but did not say whether the company would reopen the bond.

The electronics manufacturing giant failed to sell a separate seven- and 10-year offer in May. When it reoffered the bond, a five-year offer sold at a higher yield than anticipated.

Hon Hai has sold more than $404 million in bonds this year.

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Industry and Security and China’s Ministry of Commerce will assemble the third annual US-China High Technology Working Group Public-Private Sector Dialogue on Sept. 26.

Participants will focus on how to use the export control system to conduct high-tech trade in commercial products.

They will also provide real-world examples of success in high-tech trade in the aerospace and semiconductor sectors, including how comprehensive compliance programs contribute.

Visit http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1002721 to participate.