Hi Jerry,
The error message indicates receipt of malformed XML which is generally caused by a network error, for example an internet timeout. We have checked our server logs and the error cannot be traced to our machines - we suspect that something has failed between our servers and your machine.
Please try the Synchronize Manufacturers process again and let me know if you continue to experience any problems, in particular if the process appears to fail at any particular point. It would also be useful to know the connection type you use, e.g. dial-up or broadband, and whether you are using a proxy server.
Kind regards
Rob