Murata, Cadence Partner to Streamline Circuit Design

HORSHAM, PA – Murata Manufacturing has partnered with Cadence Design Systems to make its inductor and capacitor product libraries directly accessible within Cadence’s electronic design automation tools. Murata’s models are now preinstalled in OrCAD X Capture, Allegro X System Capture and AWR Design Environment, allowing engineers to select components and run simulations without manual downloads or installations.

The collaboration aims to accelerate the design of power supply, high-frequency and noise suppression circuits, responding to the growing complexity of PCBs and the shift toward front-loaded design workflows. The preinstalled libraries provide immediate access to approximately 1,600 power inductors, 5,000 RF inductors, and 24,000 MLCCs. With dynamic and static models reflecting real-world characteristics, designers can evaluate signal integrity, power stability and noise more efficiently.

Murata plans to further expand the integration by automating updates via API, ensuring engineers have access to the latest models directly within Cadence’s platforms.

AT&S Expands into Defense Manufacturing

LEOBEN, AUSTRIA – AT&S is entering the defense sector as part of a strategic diversification plan aimed at boosting long-term stability amid rising geopolitical tensions. The company plans to manage this expansion from its Leoben facility, which is being evaluated for upgrades to meet defense production standards.

The move is designed to provide planning security and reduce exposure to economic fluctuations, with annual revenue expectations in the mid-double-digit million range. AT&S also emphasized that all defense-related activities will comply with Austrian and EU regulations.

AT&S aims to contribute to European security and resilience while expanding into a market segment with growing strategic importance.

Schweizer Electronic Ends Restructuring at Schramberg Site

SCHRAMBERG, GERMANY – Schweizer Electronic AG has concluded its staff restructuring program and ended short-time working at its Schramberg facility, citing a stable order situation for the remainder of the year and early signs of renewed growth in 2026.

The company completed its personnel adjustments through a voluntary program without a reconciliation of interests or social plan, supporting employees transitioning to retirement or new career paths. “The last few months have been a great challenge for all of us,” said CEO Nicolas Schweizer. “But we have used the crisis as an opportunity to review and adjust our cost structures and reposition ourselves.”

The Schramberg plant is expected to remain well utilized through year-end, with restructuring measures taking full effect in 2026. The site will broaden its focus beyond the automotive sector to reduce market risks and strengthen its position as a leading European PCB manufacturer.

Cicor Acquires EMS Sites in US, Morocco from Valtronic

BRONSCHHOFEN, SWITZERLAND – Cicor Group on Oct. 27 signed an agreement to acquire two production sites from. In a statement, Cicor said the move will strengthen its medical technology business, secure a strategic location in the US and enable a much-needed expansion of capacity in Morocco.

Cicor said the deal will add around 220 employees and additional revenue of at least CHF 20 million ($25.2 million), which could roughly double thanks to key customers in the US business. The transaction will not have a significant impact on Cicor’s balance sheet or the EBITDA margin, the EMS firm said.

The transfer of the business to Cicor is expected to be completed in the next few weeks.

Valtronic has over 40 years’ experience in the development, industrialization and manufacture of medical and diagnostic devices, including active implants. In addition to its headquarters in Switzerland, Valtronic operates medtech production facilities in Berrechid, Morocco and Cleveland.

The Cleveland site, Cicor’s first in the US, has capacity to double its current output.

The Berrechid facility, which shares a building with Éolane Morocco, acquired by Cicor earlier this year, will double Cicor’s capacity at the location. Cicor said the added capacity will enable it to meet “significantly increased demand” next year from a major industrial technology customer.

Ichia Expands in Malaysia

KEDAH, Malaysia – Ichia Technologies in late October held the grand opening of its RM490 million ($117 million) PCB and electronics manufacturing facility here.

The new manufacturing facility at Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP) is expected to create approximately 600 jobs.

The 55,000 sq. m (592,000 sq. ft.) site will focus on manufacturing printed circuit boards, assemblies and components for the automotive and telecommunication sectors.

Hanza Acquires BMK, Forms Europe’s Largest Public EMS

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – Hanza has entered into an agreement to acquire BMK Group, a German electronics manufacturing services provider with roughly 1,500 employees, solidifying its position as Europe’s largest publicly listed contract manufacturer.

The deal remains subject to approval at an extraordinary general meeting in November and regulatory clearance, expected by year-end.

Hanza said the acquisition is part of its growth strategy of building a network of five balanced manufacturing clusters across Europe.

BMK, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Augsburg, Germany, has expertise in electronics manufacturing and complex assembly. Its customer base spans multiple industries, with no single client representing more than 10% of annual revenue. Its integration will bring Hanza additional capacity, advanced EMS capabilities, and stronger positioning in Germany, Europe’s largest industrial market.

According to Hanza CEO Erik Stenfors, the move will give customers a stronger competitive advantage through a combination of BMK’s advanced electronics production and Hanza’s cluster-based model for regional manufacturing. BMK partner Dieter Müller emphasized that the merger creates both security and new opportunities for employees while accelerating growth in the German market.

IMI Consolidates China Operations to Boost Capacity Utilization

BIÑAN, PHILIPPINES – Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. (IMI) has completed the consolidation of its Kuichong operations into its Pingshan facility in Shenzhen, a strategic move designed to streamline its manufacturing footprint, improve operational efficiency and increase capacity utilization.

The company announced that final production at the Kuichong site concluded on Sept. 30, with the integration of operations into Pingshan set to continue in the coming weeks. IMI said the transition is structured to maintain business continuity and minimize disruption for customer accounts previously supported by the Kuichong facility.

The consolidation aligns with the company’s broader strategy to optimize its global manufacturing network and strengthen its competitive position in China’s electronics sector.

Precision PCB Acquires Assets of Microplace

ELGIN, IL – Precision Technologies has acquired the assets of Microplace, a Chicago area electronics manufacturing services company. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Precision Technologies, which operates as Precision PCB, said the strategic acquisition enhances its capabilities in assembly and strengthens its technical expertise.

Microplace, an Elgin, IL-based EMS established in 1996, supplies prototype and turnkey assembly to a variety of end-markets. The Microplace team will remain in place, ensuring continuity of service, technical excellence, and a seamless transition for existing customers.

“Microplace has built a strong reputation for quality and expertise in the electronics manufacturing industry,” said Amin (Jay) Rupani, president, Precision PCB. “We are excited to welcome their talented team into Precision PCB and look forward to building upon their foundation as we continue to grow and innovate together.”

Note Expands UK Presence with Acquisition of Kasdon Group

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – Note has signed an agreement to acquire UK-based electronics contract manufacturer Kasdon Group, strengthening its position in the British EMS market and securing a foothold in the high-growth defense sector, which represents about half of Kasdon’s revenue.

Note will pay approximately $35.6 million on a cash- and debt-free basis, including a potential earnout, corresponding to an adjusted EBITDA multiple of around 6. The deal will be funded through Note’s existing cash and credit lines.

Kasdon, based in Willenhall near Birmingham, offers turnkey manufacturing solutions and operates from a modern, expanding facility equipped with advanced production capabilities. The company reported more than $15 million in revenue for the year and employs roughly 50 people. Managing director Steven Stockley and his son Ryan will remain in leadership roles following the acquisition.

MacDermid Alpha Electronics Inks Deal to Acquire Micromax

Waterbury, CT – Element Solutions, the parent company of MacDermid Alpha Electronics, on Oct. 28 announced a definitive agreement with Celanese to acquire its Micromax subsidiary for approximately $500 million in cash, subject to adjustments. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

The acquired unit will be integrated into Element’s electronics segment and will boost sales to approximately $2 billion.

Micromax is a supplier of electronics inks and pastes for electronics. Its portfolio includes conductive, resistive and dielectric thick-film inks, as well as low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) materials for creating multilayer circuits. It serves end-markets such as aerospace, defense and healthcare.

“Micromax is a great fit for Element Solutions, enhancing our Electronics business’ customer value proposition and the breadth of high-value solutions we can offer to our supply chain,” said Benjamin Gliklich, chief executive, Element Solutions. “While operating in different segments than MacDermid Alpha Electronics, Micromax is similar in that it is a leader in its focus areas which are also reliant on products codeveloped with customers and that require high levels of applications expertise. Its product portfolio aligns with our core competencies in formulations capability and metals expertise with a high-touch, low capital intensity operating model.

Concord Control Systems Acquires 50% Stake in Fusion Electronics

LUCKNOW, INDIA – Concord Control Systems has taken a step into advanced electronics manufacturing with the acquisition of a 50% equity stake in Fusion Electronics. The deal, completed through a definitive share purchase agreement and announced Oct. 29, marks Concord’s entry into the high-value flex PCB segment and designates Fusion as an associate company.

Fusion Electronics operates India’s largest flex PCB manufacturing unit, with an annual installed capacity of 200,000m². The facility supports EBITDA margins above 20% and supplies major automotive clients including Ferrari, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Magneti Marelli and Hella.

By leveraging Fusion’s established position, Concord plans to diversify beyond its railway systems core, entering new electronics and industrial markets. The company’s three-year strategy outlines plans to double production capacity, integrate surface-mount and box-build capabilities, and create a standalone EMS platform for strategic industries.

“This acquisition strengthens our journey toward building India’s most advanced, high-value railway and electronics ecosystem – powering innovation, self-reliance and growth,” Concord stated.