Stealth Components Maintains ISO 9001:2008 Registration

We are proud to announce the successful completion of the annual surveillance audit to maintain our ISO 9001:2008 registration on November 8, for our offices in Charlotte, North Carolina and Eschborn, Germany (Frankfurt). “Stealth Components, Inc. is committed to providing quality services and products that consistently meet or exceed our customers’ needs and expectations.  We will achieve this through the process of defining and understanding customer requirements.  Each Stealth employee is committed to our Quality Management System and a culture of continuous improvement across our products, our processes and our service to customers.”  Quality is Stealth’s main focus and getting certified again was our priority.

Stealth anticipates the internationally recognized quality accreditation will generate further competitive advantages in the marketplace and provide an additional sense of security and confidence for their customers.

“By maintaining our ISO certification we have proven our ability to follow the philosophy of continuous improvement which allows us to stay competitive in a growing market.” said Travis Neal, Quality Control Engineer at Stealth Components. “Stealth is very pleased to receive confirmation that our policies, processes and procedures in place are conforming to our original audit, we have to continue to improve our policies, processes and procedures to meet or exceed our customers’ needs and expectations ”, said Michael Hoang, Manager of Operations and Quality Control.

About Stealth Components, Inc.

For over 17 years, Stealth Components has experienced significant growth and has become a leader in the independent distribution of electronic components.  Located in Charlotte, North Carolina and Eschborn, Germany (Frankfurt), Stealth provides stock and source services of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components for domestic and international customers.  Stealth strives to help its customers eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions.  Stealth’s leadership, quality program and process efficiencies paired with our trusted network of suppliers enable us to provide electronic components with improved lead time while ensuring product quality is not compromised.

For more information contact:

Anaïs  Hahn

anaish@stealthcomponents.com

704.837.1719

Quality Program – The fight against counterfeit parts

How prevalent is Counterfeiting?

The number of reported counterfeit electronic component parts continues to rise at alarming rate as it remains on track with the record set in 2011. The actual number of counterfeit electronics parts worldwide is likely unverifiable.  Recent studies found that the total count of reported incidents for counterfeited parts came out to roughly 12 million over the last five to six years, breaking down to one counterfeit part discovered every 15 seconds. It has been recently estimated by the Alliance for Grey Markets and Counterfeit Abatement (AGMA) that the cost of counterfeit electronics components over all levels of the electronics industry is over $100 billion annually.


Our Commitment

Counterfeit components posing an increasing threat to the quality and dependability of the global supply chain, Stealth Components has joined the effort to raise awareness among electronic components buyers and to provide them with a defense against fraudulent parts. Stealth has identified several key characteristics which commonly differentiate suppliers with quality, customer-service-oriented practices from suppliers with bottom line, profit-oriented practices.

 Counterfeit parts prevention

Following are three indicators that buyers should use to assess the quality-commitment of their suppliers.

1. Ensure your suppliers have a documented Quality Management System (QMS).

2. Validate the level of historical traceability your supplier offers for each part they sell.

3. Verify your supplier’s testing and inspection procedures reflect current industry standards.

About Stealth Components, Inc.

For over 17 years, Stealth Components has experienced significant growth and has become a leader in the independent distribution of electronic components.  Located in Charlotte, North Carolina and Eschborn, Germany (Frankfurt), Stealth provides stock and source services of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components for domestic and international customers.  Stealth strives to help its customers eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions.  Stealth’s leadership, quality program and process efficiencies paired with our trusted network of suppliers enable us to provide electronic components with improved lead time while ensuring product quality is not compromised.

For more information contact:

Anaïs  Hahn

anaish@stealthcomponents.com

704.837.1719

Stealth Components International Expansion and Growth

Stealth Components continues to grow in Germany and the European market…  Pursuing the opportunities in Europe has led to the devotion of additional faculty and expansion of our vendor network.

International Expansion

From our initial investments in Stealth Components Europe, we continue to expand our strategic hub in Eschborn, Germany to service all European customers.  We continue to experience significant penetration into other European markets, which demonstrates our high expectations for opportunities and continued growth potential.

We are listening more closely to our customer, suppliers and employees. We have begun to adapt to our environment and localize. It has and will continue make us a better and stronger company around the world. With the independent electronic distributor market being so competitive, Stealth Components strives to continue to be the most efficient and reliable source for our customer.

Quality Program

Unfortunately for all of us, we realize that counterfeit and poor quality parts exist. To ensure that our customers continue to receive superior parts, Stealth Components is cultivating our partnership with additional testing facilities throughout the world and implementing a stronger Quality Assurance program. Our goal is to improve our service levels. Only with effective processes can we be assured of obtaining authentic, high-quality products, in a timely fashion. Our quality control process includes 100% inspection for every component procured and 3rd party testing for components that meet Stealth’s standards.

About Stealth Components, Inc.

For nearly 17 years, Stealth Components has experienced significant growth and has become a leader in the independent distribution of electronic components. Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, Stealth provides stock and source services of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete components for domestic and international customers.  Stealth strives to help its customers eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions. Stealth’s leadership, quality program and process efficiencies paired with our trusted network of suppliers enable us to provide components with improved lead time while ensuring product quality is not compromised.

For more information contact:

Anaïs Hahn

anaish@stealthcomponents.com

704.837.1719

US officials launch global defense against counterfeit components and their suppliers

With the unveiling of the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) this week, the US government made detection and avoidance of counterfeit electronics a global initiative. Both US and non-US suppliers to defense manufactures in the US, with be subject to the Act's regulations and requirements. 


IHS predicts approximately 362 non-US firms, from around the globe, are members of the US government's supply chain and will therefore be impacted by the NDAA.


With over 1,363 legitimate counterfeit cases being reported in 2011, according to IHS, the danger these falsified parts pose to US government's supply chain continues to grow. 


Counterfeit detection and avoidance procedures are more important than ever and should be incorporated into every company's supplier evaluation processes, to ensure only valid and properly functioning parts populate the global supply chain.  




Read More:

US counterfeit regulations impact global suppliers


Visit us online to find out Stealth Components can help your production line.

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

Electronics Manufacturers Embrace Sustainability Practices

 Many electronics manufacturing firms today have begun to enhance their environmental accountability practices through the implementation of green initiatives. These companies have realized that in order to ensure their successful longevity, the practice of sustainability management is no longer merely an option. 


Two major sustainability trends analysts have identified are proper e-waste disposal and risk management.  Electronics manufacturers are also beginning to evaluate their suppliers sustainability practices as an indicator of their dedication to corporate responsibility. 


Commitment to sustainability is quickly becoming a differentiating factor  for many in the Electronics Industry and will likely distinguish those companies that will experience continued success and those that may become obsolete.  


Read More:

How Sustainability Practices Can Differentiate Your Business


Visit us online to find out Stealth Components can help your production line.

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

Japan Struggles to Regain Footing in Global Electronics Industry

The perpetual deterioration of the Japanese manufacturing sector over the past few years has become increasingly apparent in the onslaught of vacancies in the Panel Bay area, which was once home to a plethora of electronics industry giants.  Not only are many Japanese electronics manufacturers battling increasing competition from emerging global contenders but also increasing costs and pricing constraints.    


These firms have also become threatened by potential rising energy costs and supply challenges which would occur as a result of the damage sustained by the Fukushima nuclear facility last year. 


Although the Japanese manufacturing industry remains optimistic as a whole, it is certain that in order to regain its world prominence a new strategy must be formulated. 




Read More:

Declining as a Manufacturer, Japan Weighs Reinvention


Visit us online to find out Stealth Components can help your production line.

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

Electronics Brands Are Encouraged to Verify CM's FLA Compliance

With major electronics supplier Foxconn now under investigation by the Fair Labor Association (FLA), contract manufacturers around the world are reviewing their own manufacturing practices to ensure their compliance with FLA regulations. As a key customer of Foxconn, Apple, Inc. has also come under some suspicion, earning the company a lot of negative publicity. 


This public relations debacle has served as a dire warning to many electronics brands, that worker's rights issues are of crucial importance to the electronics industry and that those who do not continuously evaluate the compliance measures of their CM's, will be placed under the scrutiny of the FLA. 


As a direct result, the cost of outsourcing labor in many countries will likely increase and drive many of the industry's primary players to find alternative manufacturing locations.  


Read More:

EMS industry: Moment of Reckoning


Visit us online to find out Stealth Components can help your production line.

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

EMS companies look to enhance proficiency over volume

A recent study has shown that a shift in general business approach is occurring for many companies within the EMS industry. In the past, EMS companies have primarily equated their competitiveness and success with output levels.  However, this parallel is quickly disintegrating as these same companies are now starting to develop their core competencies over increased output. 


The two areas most companies are focusing on today are manufacturing skills and supply chain management. Whatever the outcome, the competitive landscape of the EMS industry is likely to drastically change in the coming years. 


Read More:

Capability Trumps Capacity in EMS Industry


Visit us online to find out Stealth Components can help your production line.

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

April E-Waste Recycling Event at Stealth Components

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, MILLIONS of tons of electronic waste ends up in US landfills every year.  Toxic chemicals in these products can leach into the land over time or are released into the atmosphere, impacting nearby communities and the environment. 

Disposing of e-waste in this manner is illegal and yet waste collection companies  are not taking responsibility to ensure that consumers obsolete electronics are not ending up in landfills.  


A plethora of consequences occur every year as a result of improper e-waste disposal - dangerous toxins are released into the air, chemicals are absorbed into the soil, e-waste is shipped to developing countries around the world where people don't have the equipment to handle it safety and so many more! 


In an effort to limit these continuing consequences, Stealth Components is sponsoring an electronic waste recycling event from March 28th to April 19th. 


We look forward to everyone's participation in this event and are excited to have a hand in ensuring the prosperity of the environment!


Visit us online to find out more about Stealth Components.

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

Buyers Establish New Strategies for Evaluating Supplier Quality

In today's advancing marketplace, riddled with counterfeit components and unpredictability, it has become increasingly difficult for components buyers to adequately measure and evaluate the quality of their suppliers. However, there are several strategic precautions buyers can take that will certainly help indicate their supplier's level of quality commitment and aid in reducing risk to their production line.  

This supplier evaluation process begins with researching and finding out as much about the company's internal controls and quality management system as possible. Buyers will then be equipped with the information they need to make an official decision as to the true quality of the supplier.


Read More:

Reducing Risk Through Supplier Quality Audits


Visit us online to find out Stealth Components can help your production line.

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

China's restriction of mineral exports threatens Technology Industry

In an effort to stimulate growth within its own economy, China has recently put export restraints on several rare minerals that are required to make many of today's high-tech products. As a result, many countries with large electronics and technology manufacturing industries, such as Japan and the US, have filed formal complaints to the Word Trade Organization, condemning China's behavior. 


China continues to limit rare mineral exports today and  has not expressed any intention to repeal this policy anytime in the near future.      


Read More:

US, EU and Japan say China is unfairly limiting exports of minerals used in technology parts


Visit us online to find out Stealth Components can help your production line.

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

Introducing Stealth Component's Quarterly Newsletter…

In this premier issue, we feature cutting-edge quality strategies for electronic components buyers, today’s high demand manufacturers and more. Please click here to download your copy now.

We appreciate your continued interest in Stealth Components and encourage any feedback to be sent to results@stealthcomponents.com. 

Please visit us online as well, to find out Stealth Components can help your production line.

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

DRAM industry stability is threatened by Elpida filing

This week, Japanese DRAM manufacturer Elpida,  filed  for bankruptcy protection as a result of the company's dwindling financial health.  As Elpida holds such a substantial and influential position in the global DRAM market, analysts predict the affects to the industry will be significant, at least in the short term. 


Elpida is a major DRAM supplier in the mobile industry and as a result of the company's filing, smart phone and tablet manufacturers are likely to experience some of the most adverse affects. 




Read More:

Elpida filing to affect 2012 DRAM market 

Visit us online to find out Stealth Components can help your production line.

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

Advancing incorporation of components and chips creates challenges for testing facilities

As the assimilation of electronic components and chips progresses many engineers, at testing facilities all over the world, are finding it more and more difficult to perform comprehensive inspections of parts and products. Electronic component testing practices, having been relatively straightforward in the past, are being forced to evolve and advance to keep up with the modern industry trends.

As a result, it has become increasingly imperative that chip and components manufacturers and distributors foster trusting relationships with their testing partners in order to ensure testing procedures are up-to-date and all-inclusive.

Read More:

Test problems grow as chip integration increases 

Visit us online to find out Stealth Components can help your production line.

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

Fluctuating demand for specialty DRAM has led to challenges for the Consumer Electronics Industry

Primarily caused by ever-changing demand levels and production cutbacks, many chip makers, within the consumer electronics segment, are currently experiencing limited supply and increasing prices for the specialty DRAM components they need. Industry analysts predict the shortage to continue through March of 2012.

If you are in current need of any electronic components, please call us now. We are ready to help!




Read More:

Specialty DRAM prices to rise on tight supply

Visit us online to find out Stealth Components can help your production line.

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

Scarcity of "hitchhiker" metals impedes advancements in the Electronics Industry

Demand for "hitchhiker" metals, such as gallium, indium and selenium, is rapidly increasing as more and more electronics-based companies realize their potential to aid in the development of major technological inventions.
However, as these rare materials are primarily obtained from the mining efforts of other key manufacturing metals, like aluminum, their availability and supply is inconsistent and limited.

As a result, growth and expansion of global electronics capabilities may be some what slow-moving with regards to these uncommon natural resources.


Read More:

Rare metals shortage could threaten high-tech innovation

Visit us online to find out Stealth Components can help your production line.

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

Electrical Contract Manufacturers Expect Revenue to Decrease in 2012

According to an IHS iSuppli EMS & ODM Market Brief report, due to increasing global economic unrest, revenue for electronics contract manufacturers is expected to decline in 2012.  Analysts project that the revenue decrease for the industry as a whole will be less than 1 percent compared to last years 4 percent increase. 

Electronic manufacturing services (EMS) and original developing manufacturing (ODM) sectors are forecasted specifically to experience obstacles in their 2012 revenue generation. Growth for EMS is likely to remain stagnant, while growth for ODM is expected to contract by 2.3 percent. 

Read More:

Uncertain Economic Conditions Spur Decline in Electronics Contract Manufacturing in 2012 

Visit us online to find out Stealth Components can help your production line.

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

Electronic Assembly: Cost are up but prices are going down

Companies should sell there good for more than they spend to produce them, but what happens if this isn't the case? The pressure from the market to have always lower prices at any cost have now become the new normal. Endless, sequential cost-downs for electronic manufacturing services are virtually every OEM’s strategy for preserving next quarter’s margin if not actual profits. Suppliers of everything from raw-materials to components to major sub-assemblies are pushing-back on both the EMS and ODM community with the result being that entire end-market sectors are being abandoned or sold off by the OEMs as they can no longer squeeze out a profit by squeezing their suppliers.
Companies have to be careful, outsourcing is not a strategy but just a tool!

Read More:

Risk Factor #1: Prices are down but costs are up

Visit us online to find out Stealth Components can help your production line during the current shortage.

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

Thailand Flood Impacts Semiconductor Suppliers

The catastrophic flooding in Thailand is affecting the production of several key end products, most notably automobiles, car components, cameras, analog and discrete semiconductors, and hard disk drives. Semiconductor suppliers whose test and assembly operations have been affected include ON Semiconductor, ROHM Semiconductor, Lapis Semiconductor, Hana Semiconductor, Stars Microelectronics, Vigilant Technology, STATS ChipPac and Toshiba.


Read More:
Thailand Flood Impacts Semiconductor Test and Assembly Operations of Multiple Suppliers
IHS: Thailand floods to disrupt the electronics component supply chain

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components from over 600 manufacturers. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

Visit Stealth Components online to find out how we can help your production line during the current shortage.

Auto manufacturers continue to struggle to keep up with demand after March disasters

Japan’s auto manufacturing industry was disrupted greatly by the disasters. Auto manufacturers have decreased production by 14.9%. Damages to plants, recertification issues, and electricity shortages have played a major role in slowing production lines and profit loss.

Toyota expects to cut production by 40,000 vehicles resulting in a profit loss of $72 million. Toyota also plans to close 12 plants nationwide. Honda also announced that it will lose an output of 20,000 vehicles and will not return to normal production levels until after the summer.

Read More:

Toyota Output Loss May Top 40,000 Vehicles Amid Power Shortage

Power shortages force Japanese car firms into weekly shutdowns

Stealth Components is an independent distributor of standard long-lead-time, allocated, hard-to-find, and obsolete electronic components from over 600 manufacturers. We help eliminate gaps, reduce costs and avoid production line delays and interruptions for our global customers.

Visit Stealth Components online to find out how we can help your production line during the current shortage.