Demand has finally returned to the Japanese electronic component and semiconductor industries, starting from fall 2009. Demand from equipment manufacturers has remained strong into 2010. In a sudden change from the pits of the global economic depression, triggered by the Lehman Shock in fall 2008, now the biggest problem is a parts shortage.
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. of Japan is enjoying a rush on its multi layer ceramic capacitors (MLCC), a key product line there, explaining that while orders usually drop in the period from January to March, this year has seen a 10% rise, with an especially high jump in March. Orders for two or three months in the future are up, the firm adds. Consolidated financial results for fiscal 2009 (year ended March 31, 2010) show the firm is back in the black, with real performance as indicated by operating profit of 26.7 billion yen (fiscal 2008 ended with a 16.2 billion yen loss). Pretax profits are 24.7 billion yen, 6.9 times what they were the prior fiscal year.
Performance was boosted by digital appliance market growth in China and other emerging economies, and global demand for products such as smartphones and PCs. Economic stimulus packages in Japan, China and other nations contributed significantly, too.
From the fall of 2009, Murata Manufacturing plants have been running at full capacity, and the company is bullish about world demand forecasts for major equipment in fiscal 2010. The company's numbers suggest year-on-year growth for flatscreen TVs of 50 million units to 220 million, handsets up 120 million units to 1.38 billion, and PCs up 50 million units to 390 million.
An abrupt turnaround toward health is visible in the major electronics firms manufacturing electrical equipment and home appliances, too. Consolidated results for fiscal 2009 show that all eight of the majors will turn a profit this year (Fig.1). While plunging product prices will erode revenues, major restructuring in the form of personnel cuts and facility rationalization has dropped fixed expenses to make up for the difference.
Nikkei Electronics |
Nikkei Monozukuri |
Nikkei Automotive Technology |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
| The magazine for electronics designers and managers. | Design You Won't Regret - How to Reduce the Risk of Accidents | The comprehensive automotive technology magazine. |
Copyright © 1995-2010 Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.
All editorial content and graphics on this Web site may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the copyright owner.
