WASHINGTON– Today, the American Small Manufacturers Coalition (ASMC) released the results of its 2011 Next Generation Manufacturing Study, identifying key trends affecting the industry and steps U.S. manufacturers can take now to be successful in the next generation.
The study, conducted by the Manufacturing Performance Institute, finds that this is a critical point in time for U.S. manufacturing, and manufacturers must assess whether they have the workforce, business systems, equipment and strategies in place to successfully compete in the future. While external factors, like the economic downturn present challenges, manufacturers can remain competitive by focusing on six strategies assessed by the NGM Study as a blueprint for success.
Specifically, the study found:
“The manufacturing industry is widely recognized as a critical component of America’s economic recovery, but it is important that we provide small manufacturers with the tools to continue to be competitive in the global market,” said ASMC Executive Director Carrie Hines. ”The NGM study results provide a road map for the continued growth and success of U.S. small manufacturers.”
A majority of manufacturers surveyed said they look for outside help in a range of areas, such as regulatory compliance and business development, to achieve success. In addition, a majority say that their organizations have been positively impacted by the American Small Manufacturers Coalition and the state-level Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers that constitute its membership. ASMC and MEP centers nationwide help manufacturers develop and implement strategies in these six areas through customized training and consultation services.
The study, first conducted in 2009, surveyed more than 800 U.S. manufacturers nationwide. More information can be found at http://www.smallmanufacturers.org/2011ngmstudy/