The emphasis on fabrication lessens by the year at Productronica. Fifteen years ago, the fab side occupied more than two full halls at the Munich trade show. This year, there were perhaps fewer than 40 standalone exhibiting companies, even including some vendors that piled into their local distributors’ booths. The big Japanese and Taiwanese players were not present. Insofar as fabrication is concerned, Productronica has turned into a regional show.

JINTAN, CHINA – Schweizer Electronic signed an agreement with the government of Jintan, China, to set up a sustainable printed circuit board and embedding production facility for $180 million, according to published reports.