TOKYO and HONG KONG – Saki Corporation, a Japan-based provider of automatic optical inspection machines, has signed a Sale and Purchase (S&P) Agreement with Schmidt Electronics Group Ltd. In the agreement, Saki will acquire an undisclosed percentage of Schmidt’s subsidiary, MacroScience Technology Ltd. (MSTL).
MSTL is a proprietary owner of x-ray inspection systems, focusing on mechanical and electronic components for the electronics SMT and Non Destructive Testing (NDT) industries. The acquisition will increase Saki’s product portfolio and expand the companies’ customer base.
A specific timeframe has not been given, but Saki will gradually acquire a majority interest in MSTL, while Schmidt retains a minority interest. In addition, Saki will assume management of MSTL operations.
“MSTL will now be able to capitalize on the worldwide sales and marketing network of Saki Corporation to further increase its market presence and penetration. On the other hand, the valuable human and knowledge assets of MSTL will play an important part in Saki’s future business growth,” explained Klaus Festl, chairman and CEO of Schmidt.
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA and SHANGHAI, CHINA – Samsung Electro-Mechanics Corporation has delayed its planned buyout of Unicap Electronics Industrial Corporation. Located outside of Shanghai, the company specializes in the production of circuit boards used for liquid-crystal displays.
SHENZHEN, CHINA – The HKPCA Show, the 2008 International Printed Circuit & Electronics Assembly Fair, opened to moderate traffic, easing some exhibitors concerns that the economic crisis would put a serious damper on attendance. Presented by the Hong Kong Printed Circuit Association and IPC – Association for Connecting Electronics Industries, the theme this year is “Thrive on Evolution.” The show, in its 7th year, primarily features material and equipment suppliers dedicated to the PCB fabrication industry, as well as some of the top PCB fabricators in South China.
CONCORD, CAand SOUTH
PLAINFIELD, NJ – R&D Circuitshas
invested in a PCB-800 plasma system, produced by March Plasma Systemsof Concord, for its
production facility in South Plainfield. R&D feels the purchase will
improve its on-site manufacturing capabilities for advanced printed wiring
boards (PWBs).
“We selected the PCB-800 because it meets our demanding PWB
production requirements. It can process advanced PWB materials, as well as very
high aspect ratio through holes and blind vias,” explained Dan Turpuseema,
director of engineering.
MAASTRICHT, THE NETHERLANDS – The European Institute of
Printed Circuits (EIPC) has appointed Ivan
Ho as director of Asian Pacific activities. He will act as a liaison between European
and Asian printed circuit board (PCB) fabricators, ensuring long-term
reliability within the supply chain.
Prior to his appointment, Ho worked for several companies,
including Ciba-Geigy, Photocircuits and Shipley. He is also the founder of TopNotch Partners consulting company.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA and CAMBRIDGE, UK – Plastic Logic has named Martin Jackson as its vice president of technology. He will oversee the company’s Cambridge R&D center and will serve as a key strategist for the company’s plastic electronics display technology. He will also take part in the evolution of eReader, working with the product-engineering group in Mountain View and the manufacturing team in Dresden, Germany.
Jackson brings over 20 years of experience in leading corporate and technical strategies in consumer electronics, semiconductor and communications industries. He has co-founded four startups and has served as the CTO for Artimi Ltd., GlobespanVirata and Frontier Silicon. “Martin brings unsurpassed industry and technical expertise and a track record that will strengthen our leadership position in plastic electronics,” explains Richard Archuleta, CEO.
