KUNSHAN, CHINA - PCB makers in China are seeing production affected by
severe snowfall causing transportation problems and power outages in
the eastern and central parts of the country. Reports claim that
manufacturers in Changshu and Kunshan, the center of production for
many PCB makers, are being hit by heavy snowfall, with production
running at only 30-40% of capacity for some manufacturers.
At APCB in Kunshan, it is reported that that power rationing is slowing
production, and that the company's generators have been unable to
support full operations. Weather conditions and the electricity
shortages are expected to affect 5% of its overall shipments, according
to the company.
Plotech, which also runs PCB production in Kunshan, is also having problems with shipments, according to industry sources.
Chin-Poon Industrial, Changshu PCB manufacturer, reported that some
employees have been unable to get to work because of snow-blocked
traffic, and only employees who live in company dormatories have been
able to report.
According to sources, some PCB makers are concerned that problems with
the supply of raw materials and shipping finished products may worsen
if the snowfall continues, and that icy roads could continue to cause
transportation problems for some time.
Others, such as GCE, stated that its Changshu plant had received
notification about possible power shortages, and had rented diesel
generators to meet electricity needs. It said its production remains
normal, with shipments on schedule. Other manufacturers claim to
have sufficient raw materials on hand to continue full production, and
remain optimistic that the snow will end in a few days, the sources
said.