BANNOCKBURN, IL – Worldwide production of printed circuit boards in 2010 grew 19% year-over-year to approximately $54.8 billion, says IPC.

PCB production grew in all regions as the industry recovered from the recession. The study estimates there are about 2,600 PCB fabricators worldwide.

Production increased 6.9% in North America, 14.4% in Europe, and 21.1% in Asia, increasing Asia’s share of world PCB production to 87%.

Rigid-flex was the highest growth category. Metal-core PCBs, while less than 1% of world PCB production, was the second fastest growing category, says IPC.