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Contributor:
Michael Schwert
Michael is the founder of Cumulus, Inc. He has more than 20 years of marketing and sales as well as design experience in the electronic and electrical component industry. Prior to founding Cumulus, he was Director of Marketing for Cherry Electrical Products and held other marketing management positions with Panduit, BRK Electronics, and Ideal Industries.( More... )
Cumulus provides market information and consulting services for the global electronic components indusry. The company offers three publications: Switch Tracks, a quarterly report with market information on component switches; the Relay Report, a quarterly report with market information on component relays; and Market Notes, a monthly report on sales, bookings, and business conditions in the relay and switch market. Cumulus also manages projects that help leading global suppliers in the relay and switch industry to develop new products and reach new markets.
Schwert provides MarketEye with monthly articles that include timely and accurate market information for the electromechanical component sector of the electronics industry.
Switches & Relays
Article Archive
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2011 Europe Switch Market Recap
05.09.2012 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
European Switch Market Ends 2011 with Sales 16% Higher and Bookings 4% Lower than 2010 Keep reading...
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North America Switch Market Review
03.28.2012 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
2011 North America Switch Sales Down 5%, Bookings Off 3% Compared to 2010 Keep reading...
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North American Relay Market Up in 2011
03.21.2012 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
North America Relay Market Sales Up 5% and Bookings 25% Lower in 2011 Versus 2010 Keep reading...
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European Switch Market Update
02.08.2012 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
After Three Quarters, European Switch Market Sales Rose 16% and Bookings 2% Lower than 2010 Keep reading...
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Q3 North America Switch Market Update
01.04.2012 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert's article shows switch market sales down 4% and booking off 8% compared to 2010. Keep reading...
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North American Relay and Switch Market Outlook For The Balance of 2011
12.21.2011 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert takes a look at the Institute for Supply Management’s PMI, what needs to be done to match last year’s sales, and how the economy could hurt or help. Keep reading...
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Q2 European Switch Market Update
10.26.2011 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert provides us with an European switch market update, which shows sales Euros rising 23% and bookings 8% higher than 2010. Keep reading...
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Q2 North American Switch Market Update
10.05.2011 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert provides us with a switch market update, which includes North American switch market sales and booking dollars growing 2% in the first half of 2011. Keep reading...
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North American Relay Market Ends First Half of 2011 with Sales Up 17% and Bookings 23% Lower
09.14.2011 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert provides us with a relay market update, which includes the North American market ending the first half of 2011 with sales up 17% and bookings 23% lower. Keep reading...
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Switch Market Sales Dollars Shrink 2% and Bookings Jump 27% To Start 2011
08.24.2011 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert provides us with a switch market update. Keep reading...
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A Resurgence in North American Manufacturing
06.29.2011 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert asks, "Is manufacturing making a come back or just reinflating inventories from the great recession?" Keep reading...
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North American Relay Market Starts 2011 with Sales Flat and Bookings 25% Higher than Q4
06.22.2011 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert provides us with a North American relay market update. Keep reading...
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Market Overview: Switch Market Sales & Booking Dollars Grow 34% and 40% In 2010
05.18.2011 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert provides us with a switch market update. Keep reading...
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Market Overview: European Switch Finishes 2010 With Sales Euros Jumping 39% And Bookings 48% Higher Than 2009
03.30.2011 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert provides a 2010 European market overview, which shows switches finishing higher than in 2009. Keep reading...
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North American Relay Market Sales Up 71% and Bookings 91% Higher in 2010 Versus 2009
03.09.2011 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert gives readers a market update on the North American relay market's sales and bookings. Keep reading...
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European Switch Market Continues To Grow in Q3
02.02.2011 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert gives readers a market update on the European Switch Market Keep reading...
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Switch Market Sales & Booking Dollars Grow 41% and 54% For The First Three Quarters of 2010
01.12.2011 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert gives readers a market update on Switch Market Sales & Booking Dollars Keep reading...
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Market Overview: YTD Sales Up 78% and Bookings Come Down to Sales Level
12.15.2010 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert gives readers a market update on YTD Sales and Bookings Levels Keep reading...
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Market Overview: North American Switch Market Sales & Booking Dollars Grow 35% and 57% for the First Half of 2010
11.09.2010 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert gives readers a market update on North American switch market sales and booking dollars. Keep reading...
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European Switch Market Ends First Half Of 2010 With Sales Euros Jumping 32% And Bookings 52% Higher Than 2009
10.05.2010 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert reports a positive first half of 2010 with sales euros jumping 32% and bookings 52% higher than 2009. Keep reading...
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Market Overview: 2010 First Half Relay Sales Up 67% and Bookings up 198% Over Last Year
09.15.2010 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert reports a positive upswing in relay sales and bookings in the first half of 2010. Keep reading...
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Are We Going Back?
08.05.2010 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this week's MarketEye post Michael Schwert questions if there is a possibility of a second recession. Keep reading...
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The North American Switch Market Sales & Booking Dollars Grow 13% and 26%
07.13.2010 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert provides readers with a comparison of the North American and European switch markets from Q1 in this week's MarketEye post. Keep reading...
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Relay Market Q1 Sales Up 25% and Bookings Up 76% from Last Quarter
05.18.2010 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert of Cumulus, Inc. reports on relay market results for the first quarter. Keep reading...
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Is Your Company Ready for the Recovery?
05.03.2010 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarketEye, Michael Schwert reviews Q1 switch market results and poses the question, "Is your company ready for the recovery?" Keep reading...
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European and North American Switch Markets Fall 35% in 2008 vs. 2009
04.27.2010 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarketEye, Michael Schwert compares the 2009 North American switch market to the 2008 market. Keep reading...
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North American Relay Market Improves for a Second Quarter
03.02.2010 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarketEye, Michael Schwert looks at the North American relay market and reports improvement for a second quarter. Keep reading...
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PMI Points to Improvement
01.28.2010 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this MarketEye post Michael Schwert reports on the vigorous upswing in the manufacturing industry. Keep reading...
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North American and European Switch Markets Compared
01.05.2010 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert provides MarketEye readers with a comparison of the North American and European switch markets. Keep reading...
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Q3 North American Relay Market Sales Up 16% and Bookings Jump 49% Versus Q2
11.30.2009 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Contributor Michael Schwert gives MarketEye readers an update on the North American relay market for Q3. Keep reading...
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North American Switch Market Grows 5% in Q2 and Ends First Half Down 40% Over Last Year
11.02.2009 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
MarketEye contributor Michael Schwert provides a year-to-date overview on the North American Switch Market. Keep reading...
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European Switch Market Ends the First Half of 2009 with Sales Euros Down 45% and Bookings 43% Less than 2008
10.05.2009 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarketEye, Michael Schwert reports the European switch market results from the first half of 2009. Keep reading...
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For the First Half of 2009 the North American Relay Market Sales are Down 33% and Bookings 44% less than 2008
09.03.2009 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarketEye, Michael Schwert reviews the North American relay market sales in the first half of 2009. Keep reading...
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Are We There Yet?
07.30.2009 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarketEye, Michael Schwert cites several factors that indicate the economy is beginning to rebound. Keep reading...
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The North American Switch Market Starts 2008 with Sales Dollars Down 30% vs. Q4 and 42% Lower than Q1 of 2008
06.30.2009 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarketEye, Michael Schwert tracks and compares the North American and European switch markets. Keep reading...
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Q1 Sales Down 14% and Bookings 22% Lower Versus Q4
06.02.2009 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
MarketEye’s switch and relay analyst, Michael Schwert, delivers good news that the switch market is showing signs of improvement while the relay market hits a new low. Keep reading...
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New Hi-Tech Relays and Switches
05.04.2009 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarketEye, Michael Schwert enlightens readers on the latest technology in relays and switches. Keep reading...
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Relay Market Sales Down 11% and Bookings 7% Lower in 2008 vs 2007
04.06.2009 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In his latest MarketEye post, electromechanical analyst Michael Schwert reports reduced relay sales and bookings when comparing figures from 2008 to 2007. Keep reading...
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Monthly Switch and Relay Update
03.02.2009 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
MarketEye’s switch and relay analyst, Michael Schwert, provides a comprehensive update of the switch and relay market in this edition of MarketEye. He notes that sales and bookings numbers are down. Keep reading...
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Is the Best Defense a Good Offense?
02.02.2009 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In his latest MarketEye post, switch and relay analyst Michael Schwert shares his opinions and thoughts on the state of the global economy and how it is affecting the electronic component industry. Keep reading...
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North American And European Switch Markets Compared
12.29.2008 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Switch and relay analyst, Michael Schwert, compares and contrasts the switch markets in North American and European regions. Keep reading...
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Two Shows and Two Different Worlds
12.01.2008 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Switch and relay analyst, Michael Schwert, recently traveled to Hong Kong and Germany for two industry trade shows. He compares the two events in this issue of MarketEye. Keep reading...
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A First Look at the European Switch Market
11.10.2008 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Switch and relay analyst, Michael Schwert, provides an overview of the switch and relay industry in Europe. Future articles from Schwert will include a comparative analysis of the European market to the North American market. Keep reading...
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September 2008 Switch Update
10.06.2008 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this switch MarketEye article, analyst Michael Schwert reports that the North American switch market is up, bookings are the same, and prices are off compared to 2007. Keep reading...
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For the First Half-Year Relay Market is Down 13% for Sales and Almost 7% for Bookings Compared to 2007
09.15.2008 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarketEye, Michael Schwert reports on switches and relays noting slight improvement from last quarter but down overall from 2007. Keep reading...
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Where is Relay and Switch Market Heading in the Second Half of 2008; ZF Group Acquires Cherry Corporation
08.04.2008 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarketEye, Michael Schwert explains how the housing and automotive markets are negatively affecting the switch and relay market. He also talks about ZF Group’s acquisition of Cherry Corporation. Keep reading...
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Q1 North American Switch Market Sales Dollars are up 6% and Bookings up 8% Over Q4
07.14.2008 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
This week in MarketEye, electromechanical analyst, Michael Schwert reports that the switch market is improving. Keep reading...
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Relays Start 2008 where they Finished 2007; And are we in a Recession?
06.09.2008 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this switch and relay article, Schwert provides an overview of component performance and discusses the effect the economy has on the switch and relay industry. Keep reading...
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This is no Time for Isolationism
05.12.2008 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert discusses global trade and how it affects the switch and relay industry in his latest MarketEye article. Keep reading...
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Switch and Relay Markets Both Lose Ground in 2007
03.31.2008 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Switch and relay analyst, Mike Schwert reports an overall decline in the markets for 2007. Keep reading...
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Material Costs Jump, Demand Weakens, and the Dollar Slumps
03.03.2008 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Switch and relay expert, Michael Schwert, discusses rising material costs and the falling value of the U.S. dollar. Keep reading...
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Switch Market Ends First Three Quarters with Sales Down and Prices up While Relays Sales are Down with Slightly Lower Prices
12.31.2007 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Michael Schwert provides an in-depth analysis on switches and relays for the first part of 2007. Keep reading...
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Lead in Children’s Toys; Lessons in Outsourcing Control
12.17.2007 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarketEye, Schwert compares the recent news of lead in the paint of children’s toys to quality control in outsourcing the design and manufacture of switch and relay components. Keep reading...
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Markets Continue to Decline; Where is the Relay and Switch Market Heading as 2007 Comes to a Close and 2008 Begins
10.26.2007 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this MarketEye article, Schwert takes a closer look at the numbers measuring the general manufacturing, automotive, and housing markets. Keep reading...
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Switch Market Ends First Half with Sales Down and Prices up; C&K Name Returns to the Marketplace
10.08.2007 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this electromechanical edition of MarketEye, Michael Schwert discusses switch component markets and trends for Q3. He also provides information on the C&K Components company. Keep reading...
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North American Relay Market Sales are Down and Bookings Fall While the Switch Market Cools
09.05.2007 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarketEye, Schwert discusses the declining switch and relay markets. He surmises that the negative market is a result of a declining economy. Keep reading...
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India may be the Best Long Term Stake in Asia
07.30.2007 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarketEye, Michael Schwert highlights some reasons why India may be a better economical choice to move electronics operations than China. Keep reading...
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Switch and Relay Sales Increase in Q1 as Bookings Fall From A Year Ago
07.17.2007 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarketEye, Michael Schwert discusses switch and relay performance including sales and booking trends, pricing, and overall growth. Keep reading...
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ITT Sells Its Switch Business; When Will It Be Sold Again?
05.29.2007 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarketEye, Schwert discusses the sale of ITT’s switch business and analyzes how it will affect the industry. Keep reading...
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Review of Material Costs and Relay and Switch Prices
Plus! - Vemer Siber Buys Signal Lux and Forms Everel05.14.2007 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Last year Michael Schwert examined the rising cost of raw materials used in the manufacture of switches and relays. He concluded that switch and relay prices would increase. In this edition of MarketEye, Schwert updates this information and examines the movement in prices. Keep reading...
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Switch and Relay Markets Move in Opposite Directions in 2006
03.26.2007 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarkeEye, Schwert analyzes the disparate conditions of switch and relay performance. Keep reading...
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Markets in Decline and Disorder; Where is the Relay and Switch Market Heading as Q1 2007 Comes to a Close
03.12.2007 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarketEye, Schwert explains how the declining transportation and housing markets are affecting the switch and relay industry. Keep reading...
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Switch Mergers and Acquisitions Heats up the Winter
02.12.2007 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Electromechanical industry expert, Michael Schwert, provides a detailed synopsis of recent acquisitions and mergers in the marketplace. Keep reading...
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North American Switch Market Runs 8% Ahead of 2005; While Relays are Down 7%
12.26.2006 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Schwert discusses the disparities among the switch and relay markets. Keep reading...
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electronica: What’s the buzz in Europe?
10.30.2006 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
This week electromechanical expert, Michael Schwert, gives a summary report on the electronica trade show. He discusses new switch and relay products and the status of the industry. Keep reading...
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Ending this Year and Going into 2007, - A Time of Change for the Economy, Geopolitics, and the Electromechanical Component Market
10.30.2006 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
This week’s MarketEye includes a 2007 forecast of the electromechanical sector provided by industry expert, Michael Schwert. Keep reading...
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Making the Switch to Digital Switching Systems
10.02.2006 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this week’s MarketEye, Schwert takes a look at digital switching systems. This analysis on digital switching systems includes its construction, features and benefits, and what the future holds for this new technology. Keep reading...
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North American Relay Market Down Under Heavy Price Pressure and Switch Market Cools
09.11.2006 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
This edition of MarketEye includes a market overview of the switch and relay industry provided by Michael Schwert of Cumulus, Inc. Keep reading...
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New Products and Technologies Reappear in the Switch and Relay World
07.24.2006 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarketEye, Schwert discusses new product and technologies in the switch and relay industry. Keep reading...
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North American Switch Market Starts off 2006 With a Roar
06.26.2006 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this week’s edition of MarketEye, Schwert gives a detailed overview of the current status of the switch and relay market. He also discusses how it is affecting the North American economy. Keep reading...
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Breaking the Glass Ceiling on Switch & Relay Prices; Rising Costs with Little to no Margin Left
05.30.2006 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarketEye, Schwert provides an outlook on the low margins and the possible rising costs that may result in the switch and relay industry. Keep reading...
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The Road to RoHS Confusion
04.24.2006 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarketEye, Schwert discusses the impending effect of the RoHS legislation deadline on the switch and relay industry. Keep reading...
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Updates on the Automotive Industry, Rising Costs in China, and Trade Barriers
03.27.2006 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarketEye, Schwert provides an updated analysis on recent developments in the automotive industry, costs in China and trade barriers. Keep reading...
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North American Switch Market Ends 2005 with Sales Dollars up 3% and Units 3% Better Than 2004
02.27.2006 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
In this edition of MarketEye, Schwert provides a comparative analysis of the switch and relay market performance in 2004 and 2005. Keep reading...
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Takeovers, Acquisitions, Businesses for Sale, and Spin-Offs are Changing the Landscape of the Relay and Switch Industry
01.30.2006 // Posted by: Michael Schwert // Posted in: Articles, Switches & Relays
Schwert discusses the recent selling and acquisitions of switch and relay manufacturers. Keep reading...
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