LAHORE, PAKISTAN – A fire broke out at an electronics manufacturing factory here on Saturday, according to reports. No injuries or fatalities were reported.

SHANGHAI – A massive fire at a Shengrui Electronic Technology factory near Shanghai that broke out yesterday killed eight, including two firefighters, according to reports.

BANNOCKBURN, IL — Total North American EMS orders in March rose 8.9% year-over-year and decreased 8.7% sequentially, says IPC.

BANNOCKBURN, IL – Total North American printed circuit board orders in March increased 13.6% year-over-year, and were up 17.6% compared to February.

NEENAH, WI – Plexus reported fiscal second quarter revenue of $881 million, up 14.8% year-over-year and 6.1% sequentially.

BILLINSTAD, NORWAY – Kitron reported first quarter revenue of NOK 938 million (US$112.5 million), up 7% year-over-year. Growth adjusted for foreign exchange effects in consolidation was 9%.

TAIPEI – TrendForce today raised its forecasts for DRAM price hikes for the second quarter to 18 to 23%, up from its prior estimate of 13 to 18%. Actual increase in prices of various DRAM product categories will depend on the production capacities allocated to the respective products by DRAM suppliers, the research firm noted.

DRESDEN, GERMANY – Fraunhofer IPMS began a research project in March to establish a platform for trusted electronic devices in Germany.

SON, THE NETHERLANDS – Neways Electronics reported first quarter revenue of €119.3 million (US$143.6 million), down 6.2% year-over-year and up 4.2% sequentially.

MADISON, WI — The State of Wisconsin has agreed to new terms for Foxconn, reducing the ODM’s tax breaks, say reports. Details were not immediately disclosed.

NEW DELHI – Broadband India Forum has approached the telecom department and the finance ministry in India seeking a reversal of a hike in import duties on components and PCBAs, saying the move will drive up the cost of making telecom products and may offset benefits of the production-linked incentive scheme.

STOCKHOLM – Note reported first quarter sales increased 6% year-over-year to SEK 502 million. Adjusted for currency effects, growth was 11%.