ARLINGTON, VA – Electronic component orders were flat in June, while the index showing the average for the past 12 months continued its steady rise, according to the monthly report compiled by the Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association (ECA).
 
“Energy prices, world tensions, lack of consumer confidence, and the typical summer lull have conspired to create some hesitancy among manufacturers,” said Bob Willis, ECA president. “That hesitancy is reflected in the four-to-five-week index. The good news is that the 12-month average is up about nine points over last year. Corporate spending will be the key over the second half, but I expect the index to remain positive.”
   

ST. LOUIS—LaBarge has been awarded a $2.1 million contract by Raytheon Missile Systems to provide additional cables called seeker harnesses for the JSOW (Joint Standoff Weapon) system.

The LaBarge-built cables send electronic data signals throughout the GPS-guided weapon. In addition, LaBarge is providing cable assemblies used to perform tests for JSOW functionality.

LaBarge will perform the work at its Berryville, AR, and Joplin, MO, facilities.

SAN FRANCISCO – Synova is scheduled to open its first micro-machining center (MMC) in the U.S. in January 2007. The Silicon Valley-based MMC will provide demonstrations, sample testing and application development. It will also offer micro-machining services to the local industry.
 
Previously, the company's application labs were based at its headquarters in Switzerland. 
 
"Establishing our presence here in the U.S. not only demonstrates our commitment to our existing customers, but also shows our focus on speeding the adoption of our technology to an under tapped, yet significant, customer base," said Synova CEO, Bernold Richerzhagen. "The U.S. poses large market opportunities for us in the areas of inkjet printer head MEMS, HDD and organic LED sectors." 
 
Joseph Battaglia will head up the MMC and direct sales of the company's Laser MicroJet technology in the U.S. Most recently, he was field sales and marketing development manager for North America at EFD/Nordson Corp., and has also worked with Speedline Technologies and Cookson Electronics.
 
The new facility will be set up during the next 6 months and fully operational in Q1 2007.
 
The company is exhibiting this week at SEMICON West, booth # T21.
 

NEW DELHI -- Arun Kumar, 57, president and managing director of Flextronics Software Systems died Friday night of a cardiac arrest in San Diego, reports the Times of India.

According to available information, Kumar had gone to a hospital for a regular health check up, where the doctors detected irregular heart beats and recommended immediate surgery.  

 In India, he headed Hughes Software Systems, India, which was later acquired by Flextronics. He was awarded the Hughes Chairman's Honour Award of Excellence in May 2000, and that September he was nominated for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Kumar is survived by his wife Amita, and his son Kunal.  

"While we all remember Arun as a visionary leader and a professional, he was first and foremost an outstanding human being," said Ash Bhardwaj, CEO of Flextronics Software Systems. "Arun had an unyielding belief that people always come first. This philosophy impacted everyone who came into contact with him, both professionally and socially. We have lost an outstanding leader, a true friend and a genuinely decent man. All of us at FSS mourn Arun's passing and extend our deepest sympathies to his family."