Alpha Insights, Performance by Design: The Future of PCB Manufacturing in the Midwest
Happy’s Tech Talk #43: Engineering Statistics Training With Free Software
It’s Only Common Sense: Stop Whining About the Market—Outwork It
Japan PWB Market: 2015
December 23, 2014 | Dominique K. Numakura, DKN ResearchEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The Japanese were arguably the leaders in the PWB industry for technology and gross revenues during ‘80s and ‘90s. Portable electronics, laptop computers, and audio and video products generated a remarkable demand for HDI multilayer boards and flexible circuits that helped Japanese remain industry leaders. During the ‘80s and ‘90s, Japanese manufacturers developed many new technologies to satisfy market demand for build-up multilayer boards, high-density rigid-flex, and semiconductor substrates. The Japanese PWB industry grew year-over-year, and many electronics companies budgeted a lot of money for R&D, and at the same time reduced manufacturing costs by shifting much of their manufacturing facilities to low-cost labor regions--mostly in China and Southeast Asia.
The double-digit growth rate hit a roadblock when the U.S. IT recession was in full bloom during 2001. Fortunately, the PWB industry in Japan rebounded thanks to new electronic products such as cell phones, digital cameras, and LCD televisions. The multilayer rigid-flex segment posted significant growth when cell phones evolved into smaller devices, and a new market for module substrates was created by the introduction of new semiconductor packaging technologies. Total volume returned to the same level as it was in 2000 (the best year since the recession began).
Unfortunately, a second global recession hit in 2008. This slowdown once again started in the U.S, but this time it crippled the Japanese PWB industry. A small rebound in 2010 could not sustain its momentum, and business continued to spiral downward.
The Japanese PWB manufacturers were not optimistic over the next few years, and they do not expect any significant growth for the next four years. Conversely, PWB manufacturers in Taiwan, Korea, China, and other Asian countries are very optimistic. Their sales forecast for the next few years shows no signs of weakening, and they continue to invest in capital improvements for manufacturing capacities.
Read the full article here.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the December 2014 issue of The PCB Magazine.
Share on:
Testimonial
"Advertising in PCB007 Magazine has been a great way to showcase our bare board testers to the right audience. The I-Connect007 team makes the process smooth and professional. We’re proud to be featured in such a trusted publication."
Klaus Koziol - atgSuggested Items
Eaton Begins Production at Newly Expanded Texas Manufacturing Facility
10/09/2025 | BUSINESS WIREIntelligent power management company Eaton announced the successful completion of a $100 million expansion project at its Nacogdoches, Texas manufacturing facility.
The Latest Issue: Advanced Electronics Packaging Digest to Explore Critical Minerals, Substrates, and Reliability Standards Driving Next-Gen Electronics
10/09/2025 | I-Connect007I-Connect007 is pleased to announce the upcoming issue of Advanced Electronics Packaging Digest (AEPD) on October 13, 2025, featuring expert insights on the technologies shaping the future of advanced packaging. As the electronics industry evolves, this issue takes a closer look at the materials, designs, and standards redefining performance and reliability across global markets.
Advanced Rework Technology Inspires Students at National Manufacturing Day 2025
10/08/2025 | A.R.T. Ltd.Advanced Rework Technology Ltd. (A.R.T.), a leading independent IPC-accredited training provider, joined forces with Jaltek, a UK-based electronics manufacturer with over 35 years’ experience in designing and producing high-quality electronic products, to deliver hands-on workshops for students during National Manufacturing Day 2025.
ZenaTech Advances Taiwan Facility to Commissioning for NDAA-Compliant Drone Component Production
10/08/2025 | Globe NewswireZenaTech, Inc., a business technology solution provider specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), Enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that its Taipei, Taiwan-based Spider Vision Sensors (SVS) subsidiary has advanced to the commissioning phase and assembly line setup at its recently leased 16,000 square-foot drone components manufacturing facility.
Amkor Technology Breaks Ground on New Semiconductor Advanced Packaging and Test Campus in Arizona
10/08/2025 | Amkor TechnologyAmkor Technology, Inc., a leading provider of semiconductor packaging and test services, in collaboration with the Trump Administration, announces the groundbreaking and expanded planned investment of its new state-of-the-art outsourced semiconductor advanced packaging and test campus in Arizona.