ESNA spoke with ReSolve, part of Arrow's newly launched reverse logistics group, which also includes Intechra, an IT asset disposition services company and Converge, an independent distributor, to discuss the importance of a reverse supply chain logistics program. 
The aftermath of Japan's earthquake last month has left the electronics supply chain struggling with production stoppages and shipment delays of electronic components and raw materials supply.
Because the DRAM market is highly volatile the current buyer's market could quickly swing into a seller's market during the second half of 2011. Buyers will need to keep an eye on several key issues.
DoE awards $2.4B in grants for battery, EV projects
The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) has awarded $2.4 billion in grants to fund 48 new advanced battery and electric drive projects, which is expected to create tens of thousands of new jobs in the U.S. battery and auto industries. According to the DOE, this is the single largest investment in advanced battery technology for hybrid and electric-drive vehicles.
These projects, awarded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will accelerate the development of U.S. manufacturing capacity for batteries and electric drive components as well as the deployment of electric drive vehicles. Auto makers will receive a significant portion of the grants. General Motors will receive $241.4 million, Ford $92.7 million and Chrysler $70 million. Electronic component manufacturers also received grants including Johnson Controls ($299.2 million), Saft America ($95.5 million, Honeywell ($27.3), Delphi ($89.3 million), Kemet ($15.1 million), and Powerex ($8.1 million).
The new awards breakout as follows:
- $1.5 billion in grants to U.S. based manufacturers to produce batteries and their components and to expand battery recycling capacity.
- $500 million in grants to U.S. based manufacturers to produce electric drive components for vehicles, including electric motors, power electronics, and other drive train components.
- $400 million in grants to purchase thousands of plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles for test demonstrations in several dozen locations; to deploy them and evaluate their performance; to install electric charging infrastructure; and to provide education and workforce training to support the transition to advanced electric transportation systems.
Click here for a complete list of award winners and here for their locations.
Delphi Automotive intros an aluminum cable as an alternative to more expensive copper cabling in automotive applications.