Speedline Technologies reported that its bookings during the second quarter of 2005 rose 44% over the first quarter, and reached their highest level since 2000. The backlog (not yet fulfilled orders) had climbed 68% versus the end of the first quarter. “We’ve witnessed a major upturn in business since April as large customers increased capital equipment spending to respond to growth in the consumer and automotive electronics”, explains CEO Pierre de Villemejane. “The market has enthusiastically responded to the introductions of our MPM Accela printer and Camalot XyflexPro+ dispenser with strong order rates”. He can see that the trend towards lead-free manufacturing drove global demand for new equipment. “Our process expertise in lead-free technology helped support higher bookings for our wave soldering and reflow ovens”. On a geographic basis, European bookings surged at the end of the second quarter, after a slow first half. Hungary, Turkey and Russia remain bright spots as investment continues in those countries’ manufacturing sectors. Germany also showed continuing strength. “The Americas have been strong since the first quarter, with Brazil making a major rebound and Mexico improving”, he said. “Asia was sluggish in the first quarter, but bookings were strong throughout the second quarter with China leading the way. The Accela printer already has been accepted on approved vendor lists at many worldwide OEMs and contract manufacturers. We’re also seeing brisk initial order rates for the XyflexPro+ dispenser”. De Villemejane made clear that the wave-soldering sales were bolstered by winning major competitive evaluations. “We secured preferred supplier status for these products at many of the top global electronic manufacturing services providers”. Reportedly, sales also were strengthened by a marketing agreement with Tamura FA that introduced the AccuFlex printer into the Japanese market. “We will see seasonal strength in the third quarter when bookings tend to peak,” the CEO resumed. “But with the lead-free trend expanding, and our stream of new products entering the market, we anticipate robust performance through the end of the year”.
EPP EUROPE 405
Share:
