Fiber glass fabric makers post over 10% drops in September revenues

Taiwan-based Fulltech Fiber Glass, Glotech Industrial and Baotek Industrial Materials, suppliers of fiber glass fabrics for PCB bonding sheets and laminates, all saw their revenues decline over 10% sequentially in September 2011.

Fulltech has announced September revenues slid 14.9% on month to NT$329 million (US$10.8 million). September sales represented a 8.7% decrease compared to the same period of 2010.

Fulltech indicated that demand for fiber glass fabrics has been affected by weakness in the markets for conventional PCs and LCD TVs, despite that steady growth in the smartphone and tablet segments is making contributions. Fulltech expects more price-friendly smartphones and tablets, along with the launch of ultrabook devices, to stimulate buying sentiment and therefore push up demand for thin glass fabrics and yarns over the fourth quarter of 2011 and first-quarter 2012.

Fulltech accumulated NT$3.38 billion in revenues from January through September, up 21.7% from the same period of 2010.

Fellow fiber glass fabric companies Glotech and Baotek reported NT$194 million and NT$64 million, respectively, in September revenues. Both results showed over 20% on-month declines.

Industry observers expect the three fiber glass fabrics makers to see their October sales rebound to August levels on increased orders.