BANNOCKBURN, IL – North American PWB shipments in June were up 24.4% year-over-year, while orders increased 27.8%, IPC reported today.

June rigid PWB shipments were up 25.3%, and orders increased 29.3% year-over-year. Flex circuit shipments rose 14.8%, and orders were up 11% compared to the same month in 2009.

The book-to-bill ratio was 1.12. A ratio of more than 1.0 suggests that current demand is ahead of supply, which is a positive indicator for sales growth over the next two to three months.

Year to date, PWB shipments were up 17.6% percent, and orders have grown 33.4% compared to the year-ago period. Sequentially, June shipments were up 14.8% and orders rose 8.6%.

Year to date, rigid shipments were up 19.3%, while orders have grown 35%. Sequentially, shipments increased 13.7%, and orders were up 9.7%. The rigid book-to-bill stood at 1.12.

Flex shipments increased 0.6%, and orders rose 15.5%. Sequentially, flex shipments went up 28.1% and orders fell 2.7%. The flex book-to-bill was 1.15.

Rigid PWBs represent an estimated 89% of the current industry in North America. Domestic production accounted for 83% of rigid and 81% of flex circuit shipments in June, says IPC.