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STAMFORD, CT – Worldwide semiconductor revenue was $261.9 billion in 2008, down 4.4% year-over-year, according to preliminary results from Gartner Inc.

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC) has reported that it is running at a utilization rate of 65% to 70% for the fourth quarter. This contradicts an article issued earlier in the week by The Financial Times reporting that the foundry’s utilization rate had dropped to as low as 20%.

SMIC acknowledged that its utilization rate has fallen from 91% in the third quarter but added that it is maintaining revenue guidance for the fourth quarter.

WILSONVILLE, OR – Tyco Electronics announced that it will cut 70 jobs at its Wilsonville plant. The layoffs are part of the company’s plan to eliminate 2,500 jobs worldwide by March.

According to a company spokesman, displaced workers will receive a severance package that includes outplacement services. Despite a positive fourth quarter, Tyco expects business to decline in 2009 due to rising costs and the unstable global economy.

WASHINGTON, D.C. and ARLINGTON, VA – The board of directors of AeA and the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) announced the two trade associations will combine their memberships and programs to form The Technology Association of America.

The merger is scheduled to be final by the end of the year. It will bring together technology companies throughout the United States and provide a stronger voice for the industry. Approximately 2,000 companies will be represented by the organization. It will advocate on technical issues on the state level, as well as provide programs.

AeA’s network of regional councils will combine with ITAA’s alliances with over 16,000 companies through 40 regional associations with the Technology Councils of North America. The Technology Association of America will use that network to form a united federal lobbying effort in Washington. In addition, through an exclusive membership in the World Information Technology and Services Alliance, there will be a global network of 69 technical associations.

“For all of its impact on everyday life, the technology industry has had insufficient clout in Washington and the state capitals –until now,” said ITAA chairman Hank Steininger. “Together, our associations will become the clear leader, continuing a chain of consolidation that ITAA began in January.”

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL – EMS provider SigmaTron International Inc. reported second-quarter fiscal 2009 revenues were $41.1 million, down 4% year-over-year.

Net income was $1.5 million, up 54% compared to the same quarter last year.

For the six months ended Oct, 31, revenues were $79.6 million, down nearly 4% year-over-year. Net income for the same period was $2.1 million, up 28.6% year-over-year.

“Unfortunately, starting the first week in November, we have seen our revenue drop approximately 30% from October's run rate. Given the condition of the economy, this slowdown comes as no surprise, and at this point, it will certainly continue for the third quarter and probably beyond. Recently, the company decided to postpone the planned expansion of its China facility, announced in July 2008, in response to the current economic conditions,” said Gary R. Fairhead, president and CEO.