ASHBY-DE-LA-ZOUCHUK, UK -- Electrolube reported worldwide sales rose 35% year-over-year on strong demand in the UK, China and Germany. It was the company’s highest growth rate in 72 years.

SAN MATEO, CA – IDC yesterday lowered its forecast for worldwide tablet shipments but said sales would still rise more than 53% year-over-year. According to the latest forecast from the market research firm, tablet shipments are expected to reach 221.3 million units in 2013, down slightly from a previous forecast of 227.4 million but still 53.5% above 2012 levels.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI-- Firstronic has been awarded state grant worth nearly $300,000 to train workers hired in part with funds from an earlier grant, the EMS company said today. The $289,550 Skilled Trades Training Funds grant from Michigan’s Workforce Development Agency comes on the heels of a $300,000 state grant awarded in September to help the contract assembler fund additional hiring driven by strong business growth.

HONG KONG -- ASM Pacific Technology continued its consolidation of the SMT process equipment market, acquiring DEK in a deal that is pending regulatory approval.