WHITEWATER, WI -- Contract assembler Universal Electronics says business is up on demand for flex circuits, which the company says is growing close to 20% year-over-year.

TORONTO – Electronics manufacturer Celestica reported $69.2 million in net income in the fourth quarter ended Dec, 31, up 80.2% year-over-year.

Revenue was $1.75 billion, down 6.9% compared to the same period last year.

“Celestica continued to deliver strong operating results in the fourth quarter, despite the volatility in customer demand,” said Craig Muhlhauser, president and CEO. “Celestica delivered solid revenue and earnings growth and strong return on invested capital in 2011, finishing the year with the best net cash position among our major North American competitors.”

The EMS company guided for first-quarter revenue of $1.6 billion to $1.7 billion.

"Given the economic uncertainty going into 2012, we remain focused on making our customers successful by delivering the quality, speed and flexibility they require in this challenging environment, while continuing to execute our strategy and deliver strong and consistent financial returns," Muhlhauser said.

For the year, Celestica netted $195.1 million, up 9.3%, on a 10% gain in revenue to $7.21 billion.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- Jabil CEO Timothy Main today called out Foxconn's employment track record, deeming it "abusive" and asserting it will cost the Taiwanese EMS firm down the road.

ELKHART, IN -- CTS today announced fourth-quarter EMS sales decreased 8% year-over-year, in part caused by flooding in Thailand that damaged a company plant.

GLASGOW – European Circuits said today its plans for the first phase of a small expansion have been approved.

The first phase involves extending the existing mezzanine floor at the front of the building, increasing floor space by approximately 2,000 sq. ft. for new offices and a conference room.

Work is expected to start toward the end of February, with a completion date around May.

The printed circuit board fabricator and assembler also plans to expand its assembly area by about 1,500 sq. ft.

Phase 2 is planned for later this year.

Follow us on Twitter: @mikebuetow

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Dover reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $278.3 million,up 40.3% from last year.

HAWTHORNE, CA -- OSI Systems reported second-quarter net income rose 34% from last year to $12.3 million.

SAN JOSE – North America-based manufacturers of semiconductor equipment posted $1.16 billion in orders in December (three-month average basis), down 26.7% year-over-year and up 18.5% sequentially, says SEMI.

The book-to-bill ratio was 0.88, meaning $88 worth of orders was received for every $100 of product billed for the month. A ratio above 1.0 is considered an indicator of future growth.

The three-month average of worldwide billings in December was $1.32 billion, down 25.2% year-over-year and up 11.8% sequentially.

“The December data reflect a further increase in bookings for semiconductor equipment,” said Dan Tracy, senior director of Industry Research and Statistics at SEMI. “Recent capital spending announcements by leading device manufacturers indicate the potential for continued improvement in 2012.”