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Details: Written by Staff; Category: Fab News; Published: 24 December 2008

TAIPEI – Hann Star has temporarily stopped production at its 1A plant in China. The measure comes after significant November losses.

Netbook and notebook orders dropped by 25% and 53% respectively when compared to October figures. The company reported a loss of NT$6 million (US$181,430) for the month. A 30% decline in netbook sales for December and a utilization rate of 50% is predicted.

The temporary closure is expected to reduce personnel expenses by 40% and increase the gross margin 1 to 2 percentage points. The facility is planned to reopen in mid-February.

Details: Written by Administrator; Category: Fab News; Published: 24 December 2008

ST. LOUIS -- To date, EMS provider LaBarge Inc. had largely stayed out of the acquisition game.

The company ended that streak today, announcing a deal for Pensar Electronic Solutions for $45 million, subject to certain adjustments.

Appleton, WI-based Pensar had 2008 revenues of about $55 million and is profitable, La Barge said in a statement announcing the deal. The 75,000 sq. ft. plant becomes LaBarge's third largest. Management and staff, including Pensar general manager David Steel, are expected to stay on.

The deal is expected to broaden LaBarge's end-markets, which are heavily oriented toward defense. The company currently generates about 45% of its revenue from defense programs, 21% from industrial, 16% from oil and gas, and 7% from medical.

"The addition of Pensar is an exciting development in the advancement of LaBarge’s growth strategy. The acquisition adds significant new customers and greatly expands our presence in the medical and industrial market sectors,” said chief executive and President Craig LaBarge.

LaBarge expects the acquisition to be modestly accretive to earnings in the second half of the current fiscal year, which ends June 28, 2009. LaBarge financed the acquisition with senior debt through U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo.

Details: Written by Staff; Category: Fab News; Published: 23 December 2008

MELVILLE, NY -- Park Electrochemical reported third-quarter sales fell 23% to $49.2 million for the period ended Nov. 30. Net earnings were down 67% year-over-year to $2.9 million.

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Details: Written by Staff; Category: Fab News; Published: 23 December 2008

ENDICOTT, NY – Endicott Interconnect Technologies Inc. (EI) has received AS9100 certification. The company received a score of 100%.

AS9100 is the international quality management standard for designers and manufacturers of equipment for aerospace applications. “This certification strengthens EI’s competitive position as a world-class supplier of innovative advanced packaging solutions to this industry,” said K. Bradley Van Brunt, vice president of quality and business excellence.

COLERAINE, UK – AVX Ltd., a supplier of ceramic capacitors to the global electronics market, has announced that it will cut 92 jobs before Christmas. The company cites the loss of nearly one-quarter of its employees on a decrease in orders due to the weakening economy.

ENDICOTT, NY and CHELMSFORD, UK – Endicott Interconnect Technologies Inc. (EI) has named Steve Payne director of European sales for EI Technologies UK Ltd. He will manage the newly formed UK office and oversee account penetration for specific targets within the European market. EI’s European manufacturing representatives will report directly to him.

Payne brings over 30 years of experience in the global electronic packaging industry. Prior to joining EI, he was the divisional manager for GEC Marconi Research and managing director of Cirflex Technology Ltd.