TAIPEI – In 2019 Unitech Printed Circuit Board is expanding rigid-flex boards for consumer electronics and automotive applications to offset the slowdown in demand for handsets, according to reports.

Rigid-flex PCBs already account for 35% of the firm’s revenues.

The company expects a huge number of automotive shipments in 2020, including automotive radar systems and camera modules, alongside sales growth for the segment.

Unitech plans to use rigid-flex PCBs in handset peripherals, such as wireless headsets, as well, and is said to be among Apple’s PCB suppliers for the 2019 AirPod launch.

The fabricator reported fourth quarter 2018 consolidated revenues down 14.7% sequentially to $169.7 million. Consolidated sales for 2018 were $646.8 million, up 7.8% year-over-year.