Flexible PCB makers both in Taiwan and Japan recorded strong performance in the second quarter indicating that the global FPCB industry is moving forward in a positive direction, according to industry sources.

Second-quarter sales climbed 39% from a year earlier to NT $55.5 billion, slower than the 69% increase in the previous three months, according to monthly exchange filings.

The revenue for Printed Circuit Board (PCB) film continued to increase due to the growth of the electronics industry in Asia.

3CEMS Group plans to list its shares on the Taiwan Stock Exchange in 2013; TPT plans to acquire 51% share of Yeu Hwan, as well as demand from customers to start picking up in mid-September; Cicor's PCB and EMS segments post revenue growth in 1H2010; and Career expects 10% revenue growth in Q3.

Schweizer Electronic AG, one of the top three PCB manufacturers in Europe, posted revenues of Euro 51.7 million for the first half of 2010--an increase of 80% from the same period last year.

Compared to the previous year, the PCB Division increased its net proceeds during the period by 27.3% to CHF 17.8 million (first half of 2009: CHF 14.0 million); During the period, the ES Division achieved net proceeds of CHF 44.8 million (first half of 2009: CHF 41.5 million).

Flexible PCB maker Career Technology expects its revenues to grow 10% sequentially in the third quarter on demand from the table PC and touch-panel sectors.

Arieh Reichart, President and CEO, commented, "Our disappointment with this quarter's results is mainly due to our revenues, which were lower than our expectations and internal forecasts. We are working hard to improve our sales performance and hope to see improvement in the future."

The PCB industry in Asia is pulsing with activity. Shenzhen Fastprint is targeting production capability of up to 40-layer rigid multi-layer PCBs; KCE Electronics is aiming to grow its 2H revenue; and Wus Printed Circuit is now public.

"This was our sixth consecutive quarter of meeting or exceeding guidance," said Gregory K. Hinckley, President. "Our Flomerics and LogicVision acquisitions are performing well, and our new Valor division is on track to contribute to a strong second half. As a result, we are increasing guidance for the full year."

Compared to the previous year, the PCB Division increased its net proceeds during the period by 27.3% to CHF 17.8 million (first half of 2009: CHF 14.0 million); During the period, the ES Division achieved net proceeds of CHF 44.8 million (first half of 2009: CHF 41.5 million).

The PCB industry in Asia is pulsing with activity. Shenzhen Fastprint is targeting production capability of up to 40-layer rigid multi-layer PCBs; KCE Electronics is aiming to grow its 2H revenue; and Wus Printed Circuit is now public.

PCBs sales in Germany slid in May, according to data from ZVEI PCB and Electronic Systems, but were still a 40% improvement from May of last year. Cumulatively, sales for the first five months of this year were up 32% and incoming orders also reached record highs in May, jumping 137% year-on-year.

The sales increase was primarily due to increased sales of flex heater and coil insulation products for the general industrial market as a result of the economic rebound and increased sales of PCB materials related to the telecommunications infrastructure in China.

Most manufacturers in Asia are embarking on technology and manufacturing upgrades: Lin Horn is increasing its manufacturing of six- and eight-layer PCBs; WMT is targeting 24-layer boards; Unimicron is focusing on 300-micron ball pitch; and Taiflex plans to increase its FCCL capacity.

"Our facilities are busy with solid backlogs and high levels of capacity utilization," said Kent Alder, President and CEO. "The added capacity and diversity of the Asia Pacific operations fits extremely well with our growth strategy as a global company."

Mikel Williams, President and CEO, said, "With second quarter bookings of approximately $69.7 million and indications of continued solid demand in the marketplace, we are optimistic about our prospects for the second half of 2010."

The company has begun its financial year with one of the best first quarter results in its history. The 14% increase in revenues meant not only a respectable pre-tax profit, but it was also substantially in excess both of AT&S forecasts and of market expectations. Revenues totalled EUR 114 million--37% higher than in the first quarter of 2009/10.

Viasystems Group, Inc, today announced that estimated consolidated sales for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 were $239.4 million, representing approximately $53 million, or 28%, sequential growth over $186.6 million sales reported for the previous quarter. This was also the fourth consecutive quarter of improvement in orders booked.

It looks like the economy is on the mend. Momentum is building in all markets. Daily, news reports from around the world carry a similar upbeat message. Is the economic cloud finally lifting, or are we engaging in more false hope?

It looks like the economy is on the mend. Momentum is building in all markets. Daily, news reports from around the world carry a similar upbeat message. Is the economic cloud finally lifting, or are we engaging in more false hope?

This chapter lists the major types of materials used to make printed circuit boards and in particular those used to make HDI boards. It also includes a small section on materials for embedded passives/actives as HDI is an enabler for many embedded passive/active applications.

Wei Chen summarizes the latest news from China, including news that three companies--Tripod, GBMTech and Dynamic PCB--posted annual revenue increases for 2008 and a look at Founder PCB's first showing at CES 2009.

This edition of Crosstalk looks at both sides of the public company argument. Are they slaves to the quarterly balance sheet or can they follow a long-term strategy that marries product performance with profitability?

APCB Kunshan Plant to Double Production Capacity Next Year; Taxation Policy Changes in Mainland China to Adversely Affect Taiwan Companies' Profits; Shanghai Printronics' Songjiang Plant Commences Operation; IC Substrate Orders to Boost Nanya PCB's Performance in November; Unimicron Hit a New High with NT$ 3.97 Billion Revenue in October

PCB Makers Eye Mobile Phone Vibration Motor PCB Segment; FPC Maker Career Technology and Flexium Anticipate Year High in 4Q; Hannstar Board and GCE Benefit from Low-Cost Computers; Founder's PCB Department Received $9 Million Monthly Orders

It looks like the economy is on the mend. Momentum is building in all markets. Daily, news reports from around the world carry a similar upbeat message. Is the economic cloud finally lifting, or are we engaging in more false hope?

Much of NEPCON World Japan focused on printed electronics technologies, with products and technology on display and a keynote speech by a nanotechnology professor. But the exhibition should have done a better job of highlighting printed electronics as a stand-alone technology.

Wei Chen summarizes the latest news from China, including news that EMC and TUC have increased their investment in South China; a down market affected IC substrate makers in Taiwan; and that the PCB industry is counting on notebook PCBs and FPCs in 2009.

Wei Chen summarizes the latest news from China, including news that three companies--Tripod, GBMTech and Dynamic PCB--posted annual revenue increases for 2008 and a look at Founder PCB's first showing at CES 2009.

Wei Chen summarizes the latest news from China, including news that Japanese customers are releasing extended orders to IC substrate makers in Taiwan; a NT $2.291 billion revenue generated by Flexium; PPT boasts a 3.2% annual growth rate for 2008; and 23% annual growth rate for Boardtek.

Wei Chen summarizes the latest news from China, including news that TUC has postponed installation at its Zhongshan plant by up to six months; that Founder PCB Industrial Zone held an opening ceremony in Zhuhai; New Era sees potential from high-frequency wireless communications market; Cheer-Time posts NT $882.8 million revenue; and Compeq announces 11.37% growth year-on-year.

Wei Chen summarizes the latest news from China, including RUWEL merging with Chinese PCB company; Flexium posting record growth; a RMB $2.5 billion bond issued by Hon Hai; and record October revenues for Career Technology.

Wei Chen summarizes the latest news from China, including mobile phone-use PCBs rescuing Compeq's third quarter revenue; an improved profit rate for Nanya in the third quarter; steady growth in the FPC market for Mektek; and the completion of Bomin Electronics' HDI plant.

Wei Chen summarizes the latest news from China, including NT $2.98 billion in revenue for Tripod; a boost in Unimicron's third quarter profit; an 8 to 10% rise in China's manufacturing costs; and an agreement between Xindayu and Chongqing Founder Precision.

Wei Chen summarizes the latest news from China, including Hutchison Whampoa creating mobile phone business and a boost in FPC makers' performance due to demand from the mobile phone market.