PRAGUE – Foxconn is reportedly discussing the acquisition of a plant in central Bohemia, say published reports.
 
The firm already has two plants in the Czech Republic, one in eastern Pardubice and central Kutna Hora.
 
Foxconn’s head in the Czech Republic, Jim Chang, said the issue should be resolved within two weeks, according to reports.
 
Because of time pressures, Foxconn reportedly wants to purchase a plant already in operation. Chang would not disclose the name of the plant, but said it did not have to be large, and added Foxconn’s takeover would include employees.
 
Foxconn has neared completion of its plant in Kutna Hora’s industrial zone, which will produce LCD screens. The plant should employ 1,200 people by the end of the year, reaching 5,000 staff when at capacity. Production in Kutna Hora should start in April.
 
Kutna Hora councilors have plan to sell about 20 hectares of land to Foxconn near the industrial zone near the plant, Kutna Hora mayor Ivo Salatek said, according to reports. The sale will be discussed March 18.  

NEW YORK CITY – Struggling for ways to handle more than 90,000 tons of electronics products waste each year, the New York City Council has approved a bill that would fine anyone $100 who trashes unwanted electronics. With recycling of electronics mandatory, manufacturers would be obliged to take back products – even those of others, including defunct companies. But a showdown with Mayor Michael Bloomberg is likely looming, as the mayor is expected to veto the measure. 

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SAN FRANCISCO – The EU RoHS Directive is undergoing a series of reviews that could directly impact a company's ability to import and sell products in the EU, says Design Chain Associates. 
 

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ST. LOUIS – Raytheon Missile Systems awarded LaBarge Inc. a $2.2 million contract to continue to provide cable harnesses for the Joint Standoff Weapon system.
 
LaBarge will perform the work at its Berryville, AR, and Joplin, MO, facilities. Production is expected to continue through September.
 
Currently launched by Navy strike aircraft, JSOW is a glide weapon that uses GPS information to find its target.