“U.S. semiconductor companies spent approximately $14 billion &#8212 17 percent of sales &#8212 on R&D in 2003,” says Scalise. “R&D jobs are among the highest-paying in the microchip industry, thus making such activities a prime target for countries seeking to outsource American jobs. Even more important, R&D is the key to future leadership in the semiconductor industry. The R&D tax credit has been very important in encouraging a sustained commitment to a high level of R&D spending in the U.S.”

(April 27, 2004) Sunnyvale, Calif.&#8212Honeywell has acquired the Thermal Solutions product line of Intri-Plex Technologies, Inc. (IPT). The acquisition adds leading-edge metal forming technology for advanced heat spreaders to the packaging materials portfolio of Honeywell Electronic Materials.