This Week in EBN Daily News Digest Print Archives Search Electronics Industry News Broadcast Business Semiconductors Supply Chain Mgmt. Despite retrenchments in the computer and communications sectors, companies interviewed here this week at the Applied Power Electronics Conference seemed more preoccupied with working off order backlogs that bulged during last year's shortages. Others expressed relief that they are finally able to procure key components at reasonable lead times to fill longstanding orders. Hedging their bets that sectors like communications will begin rebounding as early as midyear, most power supply vendors say they are expanding their product lines.
Forecasts are modest.
N.H. Given that the industry's fortunes increasingly depend on fewer suppliers, the actions of just a few customers could send the sector reeling, according to analysts. It's been difficult for the companies to adjust their manufacturing and order patterns to operate efficiently in the current business environment. Cisco Systems Inc. However, the power supply maker said the situation is temporary and expects stronger growth to resume in the third quarter. While acknowledging the slowdown, Pechi predicted that when the situation turns around, it will be a fast ramp-up. The timing of the turnaround is up for debate.