Career Technology, which makes flexible PCBs (FPCB) for use in smartphones and other consumer products such as tablet PCs, has said revenues are likely to grow sequentially through September 2011. The company credited its positive outlook to a seasonal pickup in orders.

Career saw consolidated revenues increase 6.1% on month to NT$985 million (US$34 million) in May, beating its estimate of a slight drop. Initial concerns about disruptions to the company's supply chain caused by the March 11 disaster in Japan eased earlier than expected, said president Wu Yung-hui, adding that customers have also stepped up their pace of orders.

Career now expects to enjoy 10-15% growth sequentially in consolidated revenues in the second quarter. Component shortages stemming from Japan's earthquake in March turned out to have an insignificant impact on the company's operations, Wu indicated.

Wu also estimated that the sales ratio between the first and second halves of 2011 would be 45:55, or 40:60.

In addition, commenting on the overall industry, Wu said that smartphones, tablets, and other compact and slim-profile consumer devices will spur demand for FPCBs in the second half of 2011. Citing data from the Taiwan Printed Circuit Association (TPCA), the production value of Taiwan's FPCB industry will grow 10-20% sequentially in the third quarter.

Wu revealed that Career's capex will top NT$1 billion in 2011, the highest since 2007. The company plans to expand capacity at its production facilities in China, Wu added.