WASHINGTON – The US House of Representatives has introduced a bill calling for the phase-out of decabromodiphenyl ether (Deca), a common brominated flame-retardant used in most circuit boards.

Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) on Friday introduced The Decabromine Elimination and Control Act of 200 (H.R. 4394), which calls for a ban on Deca in all products, including those designed for children, by the end of 2013.

Deca has been found to remain in the environment and accumulates in food and in people. Critics of the measure say the material is needed because a viable substitute for flame retardance in electrical products like printed circuit boards does not exist.

In a statement, Rep. Pingree said, “The chemical industry hasn’t always lived up to voluntary agreements. This bill will make sure they do.”

BRUSSELS – IPTE will sell its money-losing PCB test division to two company shareholders for 2 million euros ($2.9 million) plus certain additional royalties, the firm announced today.

In a statement, IPTE said it would sell its automation business to Huub Baren and Vladimir Dobosch, whom together own about 34% of IPTE. Baren also is the company's founder.

The terms call for IPTE to receive an additional amount based on the division's profits through December 2012. The sale is subject to shareholder approval and is planned to close in the first quarter 2010.

IPTE plans to take a one-time fourth quarter charge of 17 million to 18 million euros. It is one of Europe's largest EMS companies, with 2008 sales of 166 million euros ($240.7 million), according to the CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY Top 50.

WESTLAKE, OH – Nordson Corp. has named Michael F. Hilton as president and chief executive officer, effective Jan. 16.

KISSIMEE, FL – Diagnosys Systems is expanding its Kissimmee, FL, PCB test and repair facility in response to greater demand.