Melexis sees 2009 sales at higher end of guidance

BRUSSELS, Sept 22 (Reuters) - Belgian semiconductor specialist Melexis (MLXS.BR) on Tuesday slightly raised its 2009 sales guidance, saying the short-term outlook was improving and sales would be towards the higher end of earlier guidance.

"The economic situation short-term is improving...Order rates have strengthened throughout the third quarter," Melexis said in a statement.

Melexis, whose chips are used in products to monitor oil pressure, control home lighting and regulate engine temperatures, said in July it expected sales for 2009 to be in the range of 118 million euros ($174.7 million) to 123 million euros.

Melexis designs and test chips, principally for the auto industry, but does not produce them. Its chief supplier is Xfab and its main customers auto suppliers, TRW Automotive (TRW.N) and Sensata Technologies. (Reporting by Antonia van de Velde)