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TEMPE, AZ -- Production in the US manufacturing sector rose 12.1 points between April and June, reaching 52.5%, according to the latest survey of the nation's supply executives.

HERNDON, VA – The International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative today released a statement defining low-halogen (BFR/CFR/PVC-free) for electronics products.

For PCBs and board laminates, iNEMI members define low halogen as containing no more than 1500 ppm of total halogens in the resin plus reinforcement matrix, and no more than 900 ppm (each) of bromine or chlorine.

For components, each plastic in the component should contain less than 1000 ppm of bromine, if the source is from brominated flame retardants, and less than 1000 ppm of chlorine, if the source is from chlorinated flame retardants, PVC or PVC copolymers.

Members supporting the statement include Cisco, Dell, Doosan, H-P, Intel, Lenovo, Nan Ya Plastics, Senju Comtek, Sun Microsystems and Tyco Electronics.

The statement comes following iNEMI’s April announcement of its HFR-Free Leadership Program, through which several of the consortium’s OEM and supply-chain members are working to assess the feasibility of a broad conversion to HFR-free PCB materials.

Three specific project teams are now working on the program, including:

· The HFR-Free PCB Materials Project, which plans to identify technology limitations involved in transitioning to HFR-free PCB materials.
· The HFR-Free Signal Integrity Project, which focuses on ensuring no electrical signal degradation in HFR-free PCB materials.
· The PVC Alternatives Project, which evaluates alternatives to PVC (including additives) in electronic cable and wire applications using a lifecycle assessment approach.

DOUARNENEZ, FRANCE -- A subsidiary of Top 12 EMS provider Asteel has opened insolvency proceedings in the wake of the company's decision to lay off 44 workers here.

ST. PETER, MN – Creation Technologies will move into a 50,000-sq. ft. plant here by next year, the company said this week.

SANTA CLARA, CA – A free one-day PCB test and inspection seminar will be held here in August. A date will be announced shortly.

Viscom will host the event at its technical center, featuring presentations and product displays by Viscom, Seica, Rematek and Landrex Technologies.

Presentations and product announcements will be available on complimentary CDs.

Viscom manufactures AOI and x-ray equipment. Seica produces test and process equipment, including ICT and flying probe. Landrex makes AOI and, like Rematek, provides test fixtures.

WASHINGTON – The National Association of Manufacturers expressed strong support for the decision by the US and European Union to initiate dispute settlement procedures in the World Trade Organization regarding China's export restraints.