The October numbers of the circuit board industry in Germany have been published by the ZVEI-Trade Association PCB and Electronic Systems The amount is 5% above the results for September 2009 and has thus reached the highest level of the first ten months. Although the figures are still low when compared to the previous year, the industry has recorded a continuous increase of the monthly turnover since May.

The orders received in October 2009 were the second highest of the year (maximum in July). Compared to September 11% more orders were issued. The reason for the improvement in the position is that the stocks of the companies using circuit boards have been drawn down below the general level of intervention and needed to be built up again. As it is hardly possible to fulfil short-term device orders, the circuit board users are cautiously building up their stocks again.

The positive trend of the past six months is confirmed by the Book-to- Bill ratio of 1.3. The number of employees remained constant but is reduced in comparison with October 2008 due to insolvencies and adaptation measures especially by large companies.

ZVEI-Trade Association PCB and Electronic Systems

Since the 1st of January 2010 the new ZVEI-Trade Association PCB and Electronic Systems has become the mouthpiece of the circuit boards, film integrated circuits and assembling industry segments. Its 170 members are drawn from the Verband der Leiterplattenindustrie e.V. [Association of the Circuit Board Industry] and the ZVEI-Association Electronic Components and Systems.