Show goers that represent and distribute components used in sophisticated high-tech gear had a more positive outlook on today's industry conditions. It appears that the designs OEMs are putting into production are increasing in complexity, which bodes well for engineering-oriented manufacturers reps and distributors.

"Most of the systems and designs being sold today are for high-tech applications like security systems," said John Buffa, president at Buffa Company Inc., a manufacturers representative based in Yorba Linda, Calif. "We've been fortunate to keep our technical focus. It is the engineering focus that has enabled us to keep sales steady and end this year up 15%, compared with last."

Bruce Keller, vice president of sales for the Western region at Sager Electronics, a distributor based in Fountain Valley, Calif., said business is showing signs of picking up, but declined to provide specifics.

"There still is more activity at the engineering level then in actual production runs," noted Gary Luthy from 4-Star Electronic Component Sales Inc., a rep in Riverside Calif. "I'm still seeing delays in production. When customers do go into production, they are building more conservatively."

Some of the topics that continue to remain top of mind for Southern California reps and distributors, even those that are seeing the industry rebound, include tracking approvals for production offshore, the lack of new business coming into the state because of inadequate tax incentives, and the diminishing manufacturing base.

The sixth annual SOCALEE expo was supported by several Southern California industry chapters. Organizations include the National Electronics Distributors Association, Components Engineering Society, National Association of Purchasing Management, Electronics Representatives Association and others.

Typically a two-day tradeshow and technology forum, SOCALEE was condensed into a one-day event.

By: DocMemory
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