Bruce S. Moloznik, VP Global Marketing, Cookson Electronics, Alpha

In 2007, we observed a stabilization of lead-free penetration globally, but at different rates, regionally. We envision a more consistent level of lead-free conversion at current rates going through to 2008.

In 2008 and beyond, we see an increasing trend toward further environmental focus by the industry driven by both increased regulatory pressure globally, in Europe with REACH and China's RoHS, and with key Global OEMs internal corporate "greener" initiatives. This is an area of strength for Alpha products, and we have a very strong suite of Halogen and Halide free SMT soldering materials and industry leading VOC-free wave soldering fluxes.

Although already a strength of our offering, it is also going to be a major focus for our technology development team in 2008.

We will continue to invest in the rapidly expanding Asia-Pacific region and reinforce our position there, particularly around research and development, manufacturing and localized applications support. We opened a new 32,000 sq. ft. R&D facility in Bangalore, India, and have added to our existing facilities, a fully operational applications laboratory in Shanghai.

In the Americas and European regions, we are taking steps to compete in their more competitive manufacturing environments. We will continue to grow our market share in these less robust areas. We are taking major steps to enter high growth markets, such as solar, nano metal technology and package on package semiconductor applications.

Additionally, Cookson Electronics has taken an industry leadership position in dealing with the unprecedented volatility of tin and silver raw material prices. Our goal is to assure that we continue to invest in the development of the high value, enabling technology materials that will help our customers achieve their ever-increasing yield and throughput requirements.