Mozilla is set to partner with contract manufacturer Hon Hai (Foxconn) on a Firefox OS project, sparking speculation that the pair will debut a tablet powered by the fledgling platform.

According to reports, the companies will make an announcement early next week.

While it is possible that Foxconn and Mozilla will showcase a smartphone, Focus Taiwan cited an “industry insider” who said that the pair are actually readying the first Firefox OS tablet.

What is also not clear is whether the device will be a commercial product sold to consumers, or a proof of concept targeting other device makers and developers.

Foxconn does not traditionally offer devices under its own brand, and likewise Mozilla does not have a hardware proposition, instead working with partners such as ZTE, Alcatel OneTouch, LG Electronics and Huawei.

The most likely option is that Foxconn will offer the device to either new or existing customers on a white-label basis, enabling it to be sold under established vendor, retail brand or even operator brands.

This will also enable it to bolster its position in the device chain, moving from being a contract assembler of third-party devices to an original design manufacturer.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Foxconn, which is best known as the assembler of Apple’s iPhone, is looking for new customers to reduce its dependence on a single customer.

Mozilla has previously partnered with Geeksphone to create Firefox OS smartphones targeting developers.