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Further decline in German PCB market in January 2009
The turnover for the German PCB manufacturers in January was 1/3 higher than in December, reported the German Association of the PCB industry and the ZVEI Association Electronic Components and Systems. However, compared to January 2007, the volume declined by 40%.
The uncertainty regarding the future development is reflected in the low order inflow. This increased significantly - compared to December 2008 - but it is important to note that December has fewer working days in comparsion. Orders are placed on short notice and will remain under considerable price pressure. Earlier orders were postponed - but have now been partially or completely cancelled. This particularly affects long-term contracts. Overall, is the recorded order inflow for January 2/3 below that of January 2008.
The book-to-bill ratio has improved to 0.74 (compared to December), but is still at the lowest January-level for the past 16 years.
The number of employees will be adjusted further. Compared to December 2008, staff numbers decreased 3.2%; compared to January 2008, staffnumbers decreased by more than 10%. Further staff reductions over the coming months are to be expected.'
