TAIWAN - Due to implemented cost controls and stable sales in the first quarter of 2008, PCB maker Global Brands Manufacture (GBM) maintained stable gross margins and reports optimistic sales for the remainder of 2008, according to industry reports.

While GBM saw first-quarter sales slip by 2% on year to $279.4 million, its gross and operating margins remained flat, the company reported. However, because of the appreciation of the Taiwan dollar, the company recorded an exchange loss of $4.1 million.

Industry reports indicate that GBM maintained steady margins despite rising component costs due to its large PCB product portfolio, which includes both PCB production and assembly.

SAN JOSE, CA – Sanmina-SCI Corp. reported a net second-quarter loss, as it reportedly continues to move toward lean manufacturing and increased efficiency to reduce costs.

The company reported a quarterly net loss of $24.4 million as compared to a net loss of $26.1 million for the same period last year.

However, second quarter net sales grew 1.6% to $1.82 billion from $1.79 billion year-over-year.

"We did turn a corner," company chairman and CEO Jure Sola said during a conference call on Wednesday. "We know that this is still a very challenging business, but we are optimistic about the future."

Sola also said that market opportunities in the PCB business are improving, and that the company aims to increase its market share globally, and that it remains committed to improving operating performance.