China’s November factory PMI slipped again to 49.2, marking an eighth month of contraction and signaling continued pressure on electronics and PCB production, while HP’s plan to eliminate 4,000–6,000 jobs underscores the sector’s accelerating shift toward AI-driven operational models.

Samsung has introduced its first multi-folding smartphone, as it works to defend share in the growing foldable segment amid rising competition from Chinese manufacturers.

San Diego universities are expanding AI-focused programs that depend on high-performance computing and advanced electronics training, driving greater demand for hardware-centric skills across local campuses.

DigiKey is hosting a December 10 webinar with Hirose focused on the connector, power and high-speed signal challenges inside humanoid robotic systems.

Axiado has raised $100M to accelerate development of its security-focused control chip designed to reduce power use and board footprint in AI server architectures.

CE3S announced that Desco Industries will roll out its first training series for 2026, offering a structured four-part virtual program focused on the core technical requirements of modern ESD control.

Zukenreleases panel builder for E3 series.

PCEA has issued a call for abstracts for PCB West 2026, with submissions due January 23, 2026.

PCB West 2026 will take place Sept. 29–Oct. 2 at the Santa Clara Convention Center, with booth registration now open for returning exhibitors.

Entries for Circuits Assembly's 2026 NPI Awards, recognizing innovations in electronics assembly equipment, material and software, are due Dec. 15.

Looking for networking opportunities? Join the PCEA Discord server, bringing together engineers and designers from around the world on a private channel for discussing technical questions and career opportunities.

China’s November factory PMI contracted for an eighth month at 49.2, underscoring continued weakness in electronics and PCB manufacturing despite a recent US-China tariff truce.

HP is cutting 4,000–6,000 jobs worldwide as it restructures around AI-driven efficiency.

Taiwanese PCB manufacturers are seeing rising demand as global low-Earth-orbit satellite programs expand.

North American EMS shipments slipped 0.1 percent in October while bookings increased 6.4 percent, keeping the book-to-bill ratio at 1.26.

Safari Circuits has acquired Lacroix Electronics’ Grand Rapids manufacturing plant, preserving 116 PCB assembly jobs.

North American PCB shipments surged 24.4 percent in October, with bookings up 40.7 percent and the book-to-bill ratio holding at 1.0.

Nidec Advance Technology has partnered with China-based Gantu Technology to co-develop AI-driven inspection and test solutions for PCBs and advanced semiconductor packaging.

Samson has begun electronics manufacturing at its new Offenbach facility, completing the transition from Frankfurt.

Syrma SGS has started building a PCB facility in Andhra Pradesh to expand domestic production capacity.

SynQor, which designs and manufactures power electronics, will relocate its 250 employees in Massachusetts to Salem, NH.

Amber Enterprises India has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in Pune-based Shogini Technoarts.

Giga Computing is partnering with Syrma SGS for a production hub in Tamil Nadu.

Nidec Advanced Technology and Gantu Technology have signed a strategic partnership agreement regarding AI inspection and test solutions for electronic circuit boards and semiconductor advanced packaging.

Kimball Electronics promoted Andrew Regrut, the company’s treasurer and investor relations officer, to lead strategic development efforts.

The Analysis of Variance: Drawing Conclusions from Data that are Correct, Unambiguous and Defensible
PCD&F/CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY

Multi-scale Alignment Detection Transformer for PCB Defect Detection with Enhanced Cross-scale Feature Fusion
Measurement Science and Technology

Electromigration in Eutectic Gold-Tin (80Au20Sn-wt%) Solder Joints
Journal of Electronic Materials

EVENTS

PCB Update is a digital newsletter for PCB design, fabrication and assembly professionals, brought to you by Printed Circuit Engineering Association™. E-mail industry press releases or links to the editors of CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY or PCD&F: pr@pcea.net.