PCB sales figures up in April 2011

Compared to the very high sales figures in March 2011, sales were almost 12% lower however. Cumulative - over the first four months of 2011 - sales increased 20%, compared to the same period of 2010. The current volatile order situation within the solar industry has led to a decline in order intake, which was 33% lower than in March 2011 and also when compared to April 2010. Observations and forecasts are being revised on short notice (due to the uncertainty concerning the revision of feed-in compensation). The short-term and guaranteed supply by PCB manufacturers is essential for securing Germany's status as a manufacturing base. © ZVEI The book-to-bill ratio in April reached a value of 0.73. For the next few months, no significant increase is expected. The adjusted backlogs from the previous months however secures current utilization. The headcount is now almost back at the pre-crisis level of April 2008.