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.
DRAM market to grow 40% in 2010, says iSuppli
El Segundo, Calif. — iSuppli’s preliminary forecast projects that the global DRAM market will reach $31.9 billion in 2010, up 40.4 percent from $22.7 billion in 2009, after three consecutive years of decline. DRAM revenues fell 3.7 percent in 2009, 25.1 percent in 2008 and 7.5 percent in 2007, according to iSuppli Corp.
“This year will build on the momentum built up in the fourth quarter of 2009, when overall industry revenue increased by 40 percent sequentially,” said Mike Howard, senior analyst for DRAM at iSuppli, in a statement.
Howard attributes the growth primarily to increased bit shipments, and higher average selling prices (ASPs). He says ASPs rose by 16 percent and bit shipments increased by 21 percent, resulting in $8.5 billion in revenue in the fourth quarter.
The iSuppli report, “A Stellar Quarter for DRAM,” indicates that this strong revenue performance came after the disastrous first quarter of 2009. The worst quarter on record for DRAM since the Internet bubble crash in 2001, says Howard.
iSuppli expects the DRAM industry to experience solid revenue and steady profits due to DRAM suppliers doing a good job of managing manufacturing capacity.
Some of the big winners in the fourth quarter include Elpida with 64 percent higher sales compared to the third quarter, and Micron with a revenue increase of 50 percent compared to the prior quarter. Hynix also was up by 42 percent and Samsung increased its sales by 25 percent, according to iSuppli.
Delphi Automotive intros an aluminum cable as an alternative to more expensive copper cabling in automotive applications.