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.
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.
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, Inchas 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 LLChas 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.
CHANGZHOU, CHINA,and
ANAHEIM, CA– Microtek Laboratories’ facility in Changzhou, China,has received testing authorization from China Quality Certification
Center (CQC). This approval allows Microtek to test PCBs, CCLs and plastics for
CQC certification for the domestic Chinese market (CQC-V084).
This is the first time that a foreign-based laboratory has
been given authorization to perform testing in these categories. Covering 31
test methods, the CQC certification is based on China National (GB) Standards,
as well as certain IEC and ISO standards.
Microtek believes its testing service will “assist customers
with certification services for domestic and export Chinese markets.” It has
begun to accept requests for CQC testing and certification.
