CLEVELAND – OM Group Inc. reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $32.72 million, compared to a $47.99 million net income in 2007.
 
Included in the 2008 period was a non-cash inventory charge of $26.9 million, a non-recurring income tax benefit of $21.5 million and a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $8.8 million.
 

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TAIPEI, TAIWAN – The government’s stimulus efforts in rural China seem to be paying off, according to DigiTimes. PCB and copper-clad laminate (CCL) producers are experiencing increased orders due to China’s market demand.
 
DigiTimes reports that Uniplus Electronics has received orders for March and April at both of its CCL plants in China. In addition, the company has hired 100 to 200 workers at its Taiwan facility.
 
Taiwan Union Technology’s current capacity has reached full utilization, and the company plans to open a second production line next month.
 
HannStar Board’s utilization rates have improved as well, climbing to more than 60%, compared to 40% to 50% in previous months. Plotech is expecting sales to climb 40% in February due to recovery in orders. Its workforce has increased by 10%, and the company is forecasting 15% to 20% growth for March, according to DigiTimes.