Shortages, Challenges Engulf Packaging Supply Chain
Innovative business models emerge, but so does possibility of consolidation.
A surge in demand for chips is impacting the IC packaging supply chain, causing shortages of select manufacturing capacity, various package types, key components, and equipment.
Spot shortages in packaging surfaced in late 2020 and have since spread to other sectors. There are now a variety of choke points in the supply chain. Wirebond and flip-chip capacity will remain tight throughout 2021, along with a number of different package types. In addition, critical components used in IC packages, namely leadframes and substrates, are in short supply. Recent fires at a packaging substrate factory in Taiwan has made the problems worse. On top of that, wirebonders and other equipment are seeing extended delivery lead times.
Briefs
Program feeds health care workers
Allied Payment Network has created a giving program, called Be an Ally to Our Fort Wayne Heroes, to provide meals throughout December to hospital health care workers in Fort Wayne, where the company headquarters is located.
Allied CEO and founder Ralph Marcuccilli has enlisted the help of several area companies, and Allied challenges other area individuals and businesses to make donations through its GoFundMe fundraiser page, alliedpayment.com/fort-wayne-heroes. All funds raised will be used to underwrite the cost of the meals.
Fort-Wayne-based companies Summit Brands and Sweetwater Sound; Chuck and Lisa Surack; and Fort Financial Credit Union have donated funds to supply more than 2,000 additional meals.