PORTLAND, OR -- Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. (ESI) announced the shipment of the company's 250th Model 5330 laser microvia drilling system. The demand for ever-smaller microvias continues to drive the increased adoption of laser micromachining systems that produce high-quality microvias in small-geometry circuit boards and flexible circuits.
Dr. R.A. Srinivas, ESI vice president of marketing, explained, "The achievement of these milestones represents ESI's continued efforts to develop cost-effective, leading-edge laser solutions. We look forward to reaching new milestones and furthering our commitment to providing exceptional laser solutions for our customers' evolving, high-volume manufacturing needs."
SUNNYVALE, CA -- Sierra Circuits has acquired the Xcel Circuits Division of Emrise Electronics Corporation, also known as Emrise Circuits Division, effective July 31, 2008.
As part of this transaction Sierra will assume Xcel’s customer base. In addition, Digitran, a division of Emrise has entered into a long-term contract with Sierra for the exclusive supply of PCBs.
Capitol Technologies, LLC handled the transaction. Financial details were not available.
TAIPEI, TAIWAN -- PCB fabricator HannStar Board had record sales in July with Q3 shipments expected to reach 15 million units that would result in an 11-15% growth. Hannstar Board is expected to produce 56-58 million units in 2008. Sales have been down over 25% YoY from January through May. June and July sales were up 44.6% and 39.2% respectively. Current sales for the year through July are NT$1544 million ($49.5 million).
TAIPEI, TAIWAN -- Gold Circuit Electronics (GCE) YoY sales decline in July due to weaker-than-expected sales of notebook-use PCBs. The company noted that bookings from notebook, handset and MP3 player customers are stronger for August and that sales for the first half of 2008 were ahead of 2007 YoY.
GCE said its Jiangyin, China plant is running at full capacity. GCE is increasing its focus on the low-cost notebook segment with plans to expand capacity at its Changshu, China site to 1.4 million square feet per month by the end of this year.
ADDISON, IL -- Tapco Circuit Supply announced that it has acquired Tulon Pacifica supplier of PCB cutting tools, automated tool resharpening and drill room services.
“Tapco continues to be focused on creating the industry’s premier source for drill room related services and products,” comments Tapco president Kurt Palmer. “Tulon has an excellent reputation for quality tools as well as state-of-the-art Automated Tool resharpening equipment. With these assets, we will be opening additional resharpening facilities in North America, with the goal of further improving our service and reducing turnaround time to customers.”
YAVNE, ISRAEL – AOI equipment maker, OrbotechLtd., has fired dozens of employees from its workforce of 800 in Israel, according to GlobalOnline.
The firm’s LCD testing system division reportedly has been affected most because of canceled new projects.
According to the Israeli publication Global Online, the firm also will shut down its third-largest business: the IC division. The division reportedly will merge with the company’s largest division: printed circuits.