TAIPEI -- The chairman of Hon Hai (Foxconn) is aiming for sales to rise 30% this year, but acknowledges the goal will be difficult.

SALT LAKE CITY -- CirTran Corp., an electronics contract manufacturer and supplier of energy drinks, reported 2008 revenue rose 10.3% to $13.7 million. The company's losses dropped 40.7% to $3.9 million. Operating expenses decreased 53.7% to $5.8 million.

Gross profit fell 53.4% to $1.6 million, including a $1.1 million impairment in securities and a $1.9 million interest charge.

GLENVIEWl, IL -- Illinois Tool Works reported first-quarter sales fell 24% year-over-year to $2.91 billion. The conglomerate reported a loss of $39.4 million, down from net income of $303.6 million a year ago.

ARLINGTON, VA -- The Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI today predicted US manufacturing will likely decline for the next one to two quarters, based on a recent survey of manufacturing executives.