MILWAUKEE — Sixty-five percent of manufacturers experienced revenue growth in 2013 but nearly half still consider the economy the biggest challenge, according to results of the ASQ 2014 Manufacturing Outlook Survey. And while 64% of of the more than 700 respondents worldwide expect increased revenue in 2014, that percentage is down from years past, albeit slightly.

NEWARK, NY -- IEC Electronics swung to a net loss due to problems at its Southern California Braiding operation. The EMS company reported a net loss of $8.67 million for the period ended Sept. 30, down from profits of $1.59 million a year ago, including a $14.2 million impairment charge related to the SBC unit.

TAIPEI -- Foxconn chairman Terry Gou anticipates the company's revenue will grow 15% next year, reversing a slower 2013, an Asia-based media outlet is reporting. Sales at the world's largest EMS are down 0.8% year-over-year through November.

WATERLOO, ONTARIO, CANADA -- BlackBerry has entered into a five-year strategic partnership with Foxconn, whereby the ODM will build smartphones for Indonesia and other emerging markets starting early in 2014.