Which end markets are processors betting on to grow in 2003? The buzz seems to be that the best recession-proof customers for North American processors are in the medical, automotive and packaging industries.
Production of toys, housewares, appliances and anything electronic is moving to the Far East, according to the conventional wisdom. Construction is fairly dependable, but the margins are too slim for new players to survive on a small share of the market.
The conventional wisdom could be right, but, as usual, it looks like the key to success will be finding the right customers and making them very happy. Keeping a rabbit's foot in your desk drawer might not hurt.