For those who may have missed its March publication, McGladrey & Pullen’s Winter 2011-2012 Manufacturing & Distribution Monitor Report provides valuable insight into the strategies of today’s successful manufacturers, based upon information received from over 1,500 executives. In addition to identifying a great increase in executive-level optimism about the year ahead, the report highlighted the following strategies for continued manufacturer growth:

• Process Improvement Strategies
  • Improving supply chain integration and collaboration
  • Creating a culture of continuous improvement
• Human Resources
  • Investing in the development of high-potential employees
  • Providing on-the-job training to Youth Apprentice or new-to-industry workers
• Profitability
  • Moving from cost-based to value-based pricing for unique and differentiated products
• Globalization
  • Creating a comprehensive exporting strategy and related organizational goals

The next McGladrey Manufacturing & Distribution Monitor survey will be launched shortly. NEPIRC will keep regional manufacturers aware of how they can participate in the survey as soon as that information becomes available.