JUAREZ, MEXICO -- Plexus plans to close its manufacturing facility here by year-end and lay off up to 250 employees. The company, which is building a new site in Guadalajara, said it faced "ongoing challenges" to securing sufficient business for the Juarez plant.

OSAKA, JAPAN -- Sales at Panasonic's Automotive and Industrial Systems unit increased 9% from a year ago to 2.1 billion yen, aided by currency effects and new demand for automotive infotainment systems.

JASPER, IN -- Kimball International today reported net sales at its EMS unit rose 10% year-over-year on growth in the industrial and automotive industries. Net income was $5.2 million, up 33%, on revenues of $181.3 million, the company said.

BANNOCKBURN, IL – The US Environmental Protection Agency’s reporting requirements for manufacturing byproducts sent for recycling are “burdensome, unnecessary, and actually discourage recycling,” an industry expert told Congress today.

ANGLETON, TX -- Benchmark Electronics reported net income of $67 million for its fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, up 272% from last year. Revenue rose 19.4% to $757 million for the period.

SCHAUMBURG, IL -- Sparton today announced fiscal second-quarter sales at its Complex Systems segment, which provides electronics manufacturing services,rose 30% year-over-year to $18.3 million. Adjusted operating income at the unit was up 5.5% to $1 million for the period ended Dec. 31.

BANGKOK – Fabrinet reported fiscal second-quarter revenue of $178.6 million, up 6.7% year-over-year. GAAP net income for the period ended Dec. 27 was $14.5 million, down 14.2% year-over-year.

MILWAUKEE, WI – In its 60th year in electronics manufacturing services, MEC has returned to its original name of Milwaukee Electronics.

KAUNAS, LITHUANIA – Kitron plans to expand its production here by building a 5,000 sq. m. factory starting in spring.

WASHINGTON — Worldwide semiconductor sales for 2013 reached $305.6 billion, the highest-ever annual total, the Semiconductor Industry Association announced today. Sales were up 4.8% over 2012, as a record-setting December ($26.6 billion) pushed the industry past its previous mark.

LOS ALTOS, CA -- A bevy of electronics-based options are driving new car decisions, according to a new report. World production of automotive electronics will grow 8.4% this year, up from a 6.8% gain in 2013, says Henderson Ventures in its monthly report.

LONDON -- Wearable technology device sales volumes this year will reach 90 million units, ABI Research projects. Big gains will come from healthcare and sports and activity trackers, the research firm says.