AUSTIN, TX – July shipments of large-area TFT LCD panels reached 49.2 million units, up 5% sequentially and 39%, says DisplaySearch.

This sets a new record for monthly shipments, according to the research firm.

“July was a record-breaking month for large-area TFT LCD panels in several segments, including total shipments, shipment area, notebook PC, LCD TV and mini-note panel shipments,” said David Hsieh, VP of DisplaySearch.

“Panel prices continued to rise in July, and revenues will increase again in August, as shipments continue to grow. Despite the price increases, OEMs and brands are building inventories for the coming holiday season. DisplaySearch believes it is very important to watch inventories carefully in September, especially for LCD monitor and LCD TV panels,” he said.

Large-area TFT LCD revenues reached $5.9 billion, up 11% sequentially and 6% year-over-year, marking the first time in the past 12 months there has been positive year-over-year growth.

On a unit basis, LG Display was the leader with 24.7% market share, followed by Samsung with 23.4% and AUO with 16.8%. Samsung led in area shipments with 26.8% market share, followed by LG Display at 25.1%, CMO at 15.7%, and AUO with 15.6%.

LCD shipments for notebook PCs and TVs showed sequential growth, reaching monthly record highs of 16.7 million and 13.5 million units, respectively. Slower demand for 20"+ monitor panels resulted in a 1% sequential decline in July. LCD TV panels had the highest year-over-year growth at 69%, followed by notebook panels at 36%, and monitor panels at 26%.

Mini-note/netbook panel shipments were 4.3 million in July, also achieving an all-time high, says the firm. HannStar led this segment with 1.2 million mini-note panels shipped in July.

DisplaySearch forecasts shipments will increase again in August, but at a slower rate. The panel supply situation will continue to tighten in August and September, resulting in higher revenues.

ST. LOUIS -- LaBarge Inc. reported fiscal fourth quarter net sales fell 16.8% year-over-year to $64.8 million.

BANNOCKBURN, IL – North American PWB shipments in July dropped 25.3% year-over-year, and orders decreased 23.1% compared to last year.

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA – Heraeus has acquired the microbond business division electronic packaging materials from Umicore AG & Co.
 
Heraeus has made an addition to its portfolio in the area of soft solder and flux material manufacture for use in the semiconductor industry.
 
Heraeus will gain 36 additional employees at its sites in Hanau, Germany and Singapore.
 
No financial terms were disclosed.