OSAKA, JAPAN -- Sales at Panasonic's Automotive and Industrial Systems unit increased 9% from a year ago to 2.1 billion yen, aided by currency effects and new demand for automotive infotainment systems.

JASPER, IN -- Kimball International today reported net sales at its EMS unit rose 10% year-over-year on growth in the industrial and automotive industries. Net income was $5.2 million, up 33%, on revenues of $181.3 million, the company said.

BANNOCKBURN, IL – The US Environmental Protection Agency’s reporting requirements for manufacturing byproducts sent for recycling are “burdensome, unnecessary, and actually discourage recycling,” an industry expert told Congress today.

ANGLETON, TX -- Benchmark Electronics reported net income of $67 million for its fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, up 272% from last year. Revenue rose 19.4% to $757 million for the period.