BEIJING -- According to China-based CCID Consulting Ltd., handset production in China is expected to reach 605 million units in 2008, 10% ahead of the 2007. Over 30% of the production is slated for domestic use.

Exports will account for about 65% of the handsets produced. Market leaders, Nokia, Samsung Electronics, Motorola, Sony Ericsson and LG Electronics make up only 65% of the total production this year, down from the near 80% reported in previous years.

Announcing the new business, Cullen commented, “Each of MacDermid’s divisions provides chemical processes to the solar energy industry. From wafer cleaning, and conductor metallization to screen-printing and anti-reflective technologies, MacDermid already has a strong presence in the photovoltaics industry. As the industry evolves into more efficient cells, there is a demand for new metallization and imaging techniques. These are MacDermid’s core competencies. Use of our chemical processes allow PV manufacturers an elegant path to significant reductions in $/watt.”

FRANKFURT -- A leading German workers union will ask for pay hikes of more than 6.5% in the next round of contract talks, the union chairman Berthold Huber told a local newspaper.

The two-year contract signed by IG Metall, a union that represents three million metal and electronics workers, expires in October. The union is to expected to declare its wage demands next month, according to published reports.

In the contract signed in 2006, IG Metall negotiated a two-phase hike of 4.1% and 1.7%.