With Nittobo suspending production at its plants, the global supply of fiber glass yarns used to make PCBs is likely to be reduced, industry sources have speculated.
Fukushima, a prefecture close to the epicenter of the recent earthquake, is the location of Nittobo's major production hub. Nittobo's plants in the area have been shut down with no time-frame for when they will re-open.
Companies have to look for other sources of glass yarns outside Japan, said Kao Chi-tzu, president of copper clad laminate (CCL) maker Iteq. If Nittobo's Fukushima facilities cannot resume normal operations within a week, this should have a certain degree of impact on the PCB supply chain, Kao pointed out.
Kao further noted that Nittobo's supply disruption could mean opportunities for other fellow glass yarn producers, especially those specializing in high-end yarns.