SAN JOSE – North America-based manufacturers of semiconductor equipment posted $732.8 million in orders in September, up 19.3% sequentially and 12.8% year-over-year, SEMI said today. Bookings rose year-over-year for the first time in 28 months.

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ROROS, NORWAY – Original design manufacturer Norbit has, with local employees, purchased Kitron Microelectronics AS. The operation has changed its name to Norbitech AS.

In a statement, Kitron CEO Jørgen Bredesen said, "We are very satisfied with the agreement reached and in particular that we have been able to secure continued operation and employment for the employees at Røros. We are confident that with Norbit AS as a strategic partner and significant shareholder, the operation at Røros will have a solid foundation to succeed outside Kitron."
 
Norbit is an ODM supplier of industrial electronics.

TOKYO – Japan-based manufacturers of semiconductor equipment posted $677.7 million in orders in September, up 11% sequentially and down 22.2% year-over-year, according to the Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan.
 
September billings were $530.8 million, up 25% sequentially and down 42.2% compared to September 2008, says SEAJ.
 
On a three-month average basis, the September book-to-bill ratio was 1.28, down from August but well above the 1.0 benchmark indicating a growing market. A book-to-bill ratio of 1.28 means ¥128 worth of new orders was received for every ¥100 of product billed for the month.
 
$1 = ¥90.845

STOCKHOLM – Note Ab reported third-quarter sales dropped 33% year-over-year to SEK 267.4 million ($38.3 million).

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