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Fab News

Details: Written by Staff; Category: Fab News; Published: 14 October 2008

TAIWAN– Compeq Manufacturing reported consolidation revenues for September of NT$2.7 billion (US$83.4 million). That marks an increase of 21.7% from August figures and 37.6% on year. Third-quarter consolidated revenues were NT$6.8 billion (US$209.9 million), up 30% on quarter.

The company’s revenue resulted from increased demand for PCBs for handsets and smartphone applications. In addition, US-based customers drove up orders for rigid-flex PCBs to record numbers, according to Compeq.

Third-quarter PCB shipments were nearly 50 million units. The shipment goal for the fourth quarter is expected to remain at the same level, with an annual shipment goal of 180 million to 190 million units.

Details: Written by Staff; Category: Fab News; Published: 14 October 2008

ASIA– After a three-year-long slump, demand for flexible PCB (FPCB) is on the rise, according to market indicators. The improvement is due, in part, to smartphone and notebook applications that have stabilized average selling prices for FPCBs.

Because of strong competition over the past few years, smaller FPCB companies have been pushed out of the market. Industry watchers predict that the consolidation will bring stabilization in pricing. As an example, Career Technology in Taiwan reported high third-quarter average quote prices. The average selling price is predicted to increase in 2009, due to the constant introduction of new smartphone models.

FPCB companies in South Korea have taken a substantial hit. Over the past two years, the number of FPCB companies has dropped from 50 to 60 to the current level of only eight or nine companies. Some FPCB companies in Japan, including Nippon Mektron and Fujikura, have increase market share during the same period.

Details: Written by Staff; Category: Fab News; Published: 13 October 2008

CHANDLER, AZ – Isola USA Corp. filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission claiming certain imports of prepregs, laminates and PCBs infringe claims of its patents.

In the complaint, the Chandler-based company alleged several Asia companies, among them Ventec Electronics, Taiwan Union Technology, ITEQ Corp., and Guangdong Shengyi Sci. Tech Co., of violating Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930.

The company is asking the US ITC to ban the imports of any materials or products that allegedly infringe Isola's patents, including Ventec's VT-47 and VT-48, TUC's TU-662 and TU-752, ITEQ's IT-200DK, and Guangdong Shengyi's S1000.

Last week, Isola asked the China courts for help in protecting its IP, naming TUC and ITEQ for patent infringements. TUC strongly denied the allegations, insisting Isola “stop harassing TUC customers and interested companies at once.” ITEQ did not publicly respond.

Details: Written by Staff; Category: Fab News; Published: 13 October 2008

MINNEAPOLIS – Flex manufacturer HEI reported fourth quarter sales of $11.8 million, up 133% over last year.

For the period ended Aug. 30, the company reported $473,000 in net profits, easily topping its previous earnings year-to-date. The company had a net loss of $723,000 in the year-ago quarter.

For fiscal 2008, net sales were $42 million, up from $38.4 million in fiscal 2007. The net income was $861,000, reversing a net loss of $5.7 million. Cash flow from operations was

HEI also announced it would change its fiscal year end to the Saturday closest to Dec. 31.

SAN JOSE, CA– Tessera Technologies, Inc has named Michael Anthofer executive vice president and CFO. He will be responsible for finance, accounting, strategic planning and investor relations for the company. Tessera looks to Anthofer’s “ability to guide the finance team” as the company continues to expand its business footprint.

Anthofer brings over 30 years of experience in leadership, team building and financial acumen. Prior to joining Tessera, he worked for companies including Kodiak Networks Inc., Smartpipes Inc. and Concentric Network Corporation.

NORWALK, OH– EPIC Technologies LLC has promoted Mike Goryl to vice president of Human Resources. In his new position, Goryl will direct all HR activities, with a specific focus on acquiring, developing and retaining new talent.

He brings over 30 years of management experience. Prior to joining EPIC in 2005, he held several executive and management positions within Siemens Corporation.