HAVERHILL, MA -- The field of competitors vying for cash prizes and free prototype builds as part of the Haverhill Hardware Horizons Challenge has been pared to 13.

OFAKIM, ISRAEL – Flextronics is expected to dismiss about 600 production workers at its plant here within a month, say published reports.

MILWAUKEE, WI – While more than 75% of suppliers are confident in their ability to meet their customers’ needs in 2013, one-third of respondents to a recent survey say they anticipate a problem with a supplier next year, resulting in a shortage of parts or services.

WASHINGTON -- Even as top chemical manufacturers are phasing out production of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants, the US EPA has slowed its drive to ban the toxic chemicals in response to intense lobbying from multiple fronts, including the Pentagon.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Jabil Circuit reported first-quarter fiscal 2013 revenue of $4.6 billion, up 6.2% year-over-year.

ZAPOPAN, MEXICO – Asys Group Americas opened a new office here, its second in Mexico.

SAN JOSE — The 90-day moving average orders at North America-based semiconductor equipment manufacturers fell 26.3% year-over-year in November, dashing hopes for a near-term turnaround.

EL SEGUNDO, CA – Overall cellphone shipments will increase approximately 1% this year but for the first time in 14 years, Nokia will not be the leader at year-end.

THATCHAM, BERKSHIRE, UK -- Electronic Manufacturing Solutions Ltd. (EMS) has acquired Applied Assembly for an undisclosed amount.