Flexible PCB makers Career Technology, Zhen Ding Technology Holding and Flexium Interconnect, which supply FPCBs to Apple for iPhones, are expected to post flat performance in March-April as they wait for Apple to launch new models for 2013, according to industry sources.
The three FPCB makers all saw their revenues hit record highs in the fourth quarter of 2012, buoyed mainly by strong sales of iPhone 5 and iPad mini, said the sources, but adding that the three vendors will see their sales dip downward in the first quarter of 2013 due to seasonal inventory adjustments at clients.
Career is currently operating at 60-70% of its production capacity on average, but keeps the lines for smartphones and tablets running at over 80%, the sources revealed.
Zhen Ding's FPCB lines are now running at over 80% of their capacity, but its production lines for rigid PCBs are operating at 70%, indicated the sources, noting that Zhen Ding's monthly sales are expected to reach NT$4 billion (US$133.69 million) in March and April, respectively.
However, the business outlooks for the three FPCB makers in the second half of 2013 are still promising, given that Apple is estimated to ship 160-180 million iPhones and 75-80 million iPads in the year.
Article translated by Steve Shen
