Most passive component makers and upstream raw material suppliers have reported strong sales for March 2011 due to a low base in February and inventory build-up by downstream clients on concerns of possible interruptions in component supplies after the March 11 Japan earthquake, according to industry sources.

Walsin Technology (WTC) saw its consolidated revenues gain 21.7% sequentially to NT$1.36 billion (US$46.9 million) in March, buoyed by increased demand from the notebook, tablet PC and motherboard segments, said the company.

Walsin also stated the business outlook for the second quarter remains positive despite concerns over the stability of the component supply chain.

Inductor vendor Chilisin Electronics posted consolidated revenues of NT$284 million for March, up 53% on month.

Aluminum foil maker Liton Technology saw its revenues hit a record high of NT$206 million in March. Revenues for the first quarter totaled NT$507 million.

Liton will start up all 18 production lines of the first-phase of its Abazhou plant in Sichuan, China soon, and then will begin construction of the second-phase of the plant. The Abazhou plant will have a total capacity of 700,000 square meters of aluminum foils a month when the second-phase expansion project is completed, the company noted.

Component manufacturing equipment maker Laser Tek saw its consolidated revenues soar 74.9% to NT$256 million in March, bringing first-quarter revenues to NT$577 million.