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.

BANNOCKBURN, IL – IPC is partnering with Tetra Tech to offer one-day conflict minerals workshops to help companies prepare for conflict minerals reporting and customer inquiries.                               

TIMISOARA, ROMANIA – TT electronics-IMS has opened operations here in response to demand for a manufacturing center in Europe, the firm says. The new 50,000 sq. ft. facility plans for a production ramp in April.

HSINCHU, TAIWAN – Foxconn says it is planning to open an R&D center here to aid its panel and touchscreen technology R&D center in Japan, according to reports.

TAIPEI – Nordson says its Advanced Technology Systems operation here has moved to a new facility that doubles its footprint.

NEENAH, WI -- Plexus has finished construction on a 410,000 sq. ft. plant here and will finish relocating employees by March. Workers have already moved to the new site from two leased company facilities in Neenah, and in the next few months staff will relocate from a third site in nearby Greenville.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- Jabil Circuit today announced fiscal first quarter revenue of $4.6 billion, flat with a year ago. The new income for the period ended Nov. 30 was 117.9 million, up 11.4% year-over-year.

SEOUL – Koh Young Technology says it expects to increase sales revenue in 2013 compared to last year, boosted by demand for its new line of AOI machines.

HONG KONG -- In a stock filing, ASM Pacific Technologies indicated it would pay $170 million, less working capital, for its previously announced acquisition of DEK. The agreement also calls for a contingency payment of up to $3 million based on certain closing conditions.