Printed Circuit Design & Fab Online Magazine - Fab News

Fab News

STATE COLLEGE, PA -- Chemcut Corporation has awarded an exclusive agency agreement to KBR (India) Laminates & Technology in India. KBR, based in Bangalore, has over 25 years of experience in the PCB Industry. The president, Mr. Ramani, has been active in the IPCA acting as vice president of the trade organization and is currently serving as treasurer.

KBR will handle Chemcut’s wet processing equipment promotion. Additional KBR product lines include; laminate materials, flying probe testers and dry film.

Juming Wang, Chemcut’s Asian business director said, “KBR is very well known throughout the PCB industry. They have the skills and resources needed to effectively promote Chemcut, and they are widely recognized as a customer service-oriented organization. We look forward to maintaining a long, productive relationship with their organization.”

HONG KONG– The 2008 International Printed Circuit and Electronics Assembly Fair (2008 HKPCA & IPC Show), held December 3-5, will launch “Marketing Track-Customer Perspective,” a new conference to enhance business networking and information exchange within the industry.

Global procurement experts will be on hand to discuss goals and expectations with suppliers. Attendees will learn the latest industry strategies over current market challenges from various industries such as IT server infrastructure, personal computers and contract manufacturers. In addition, PCB experts and customers will be able to interact, creating innovative solutions.

TAIWAN– On October 15, copper prices fell to $5,000 per ton, marking a 7% decline in a single day. Copper foil prices fell 5% in early October and are predicted to decline 5% to 6% in November. Further drops are expected for December, according to industry sources.

September saw copper prices at $7,000 per ton, on average, down 7% to 8% from August. Copper foil supplier Co-Tech is predicting a 5% to 6% decline in prices for November and as much as a 9% drop in December.

Copper clad laminate (CCL) makers, including Nan Ya Plastics, Uniplus Electronics and Elite Material, cut their average selling prices by 5% to 10% in October.

PORTLAND, OR– Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. (ESI) and Zygo Corporation have entered into a merger agreement in which both companies will merge in an all stock transaction. It is expected that the transaction will be completed by the first quarter of 2009. The 11-member board of directors of ESI will include three designated by Zygo.

Combined revenues for 2007 were nearly $458 million. The terms of the agreement include a tax-free transaction where Zygo shareholders receive 1.0233 shares of ESI stock for each share of Zygo stock. To complete the transaction, ESI will issue nearly 18.1 million shares on a diluted basis. The result will be 40% Zygo shareholder ownership of the combined company.

By joining forces, the companies predict growth strategy to increase by “combining the core competencies and market presence” of each. The merger is still dependent upon stockholder approval, customer closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

ENDICOTT, NY– Endicott Interconnect Technologies, Inc. has been awarded Category 1A trusted accreditation for integrated circuits for packaging and assembly services. The trusted accreditation, given by the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA), recognizes US companies that are designing, manufacturing and distributing highly critical components for our nation’s security.

EI recognizes the importance of the award. “It guarantees our customers’ access to a trusted supplier for mission critical applications,” explains Jay McNamara, president and CEO. It also gives EI the ability to fabricate classified designs and access leading edge technologies through industrial partnerships.

BANNOCKBURN, IL – The Emerging/Critical Interconnection Technology program will receive $2 million in federal appropriations for 2009, up 60% year-over-year.

The E/CIT program was created in 2002 to strengthen the Department of Defense and the US PCB industry.

Operated by Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane (IN) Division, E/CIT is designed to ensure the military has the latest technical capabilities, processes and equipment to support war-fighter requirements.

The program facilitates solutions to current military problems and evaluates leading-edge design and manufacturing technologies for future military and commercial requirements.

IPC is among the groups that has advocated for funds for the program.