Study: U.S. Manufacturers Face Challenges in Global Economy

June 30, 2009

A national study recently released by the American Small Manufacturers Coalition (ASMC) identifies critical threats to the ability of manufacturers in the United States to compete and win in a fast-changing global economy.

More than 2,500 manufacturers nationwide participated in the Next Generation Manufacturing Study, which was coordinated by ASMC and member Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers.

Next Generation Manufacturing refers to six strategies essential for global competitiveness today and in the future. They include customer-focused innovation, systemic continuous improvement, advanced talent management, global engagement, extended enterprise management and sustainable products and processes. The study included a 61-question Web-based survey that asked manufacturers to rank their progress in these areas.

“The results are a wakeup call,” said Michael Klonsinski, ASMC board chairman and executive director of the Wisconsin MEP, in a statement. “The consequences of inaction could trigger even more job losses in manufacturing and ultimately a lower standard of living for all Americans.”

The study found that a gap exists between the strategies U.S. manufacturers believe are critical to their future success and their actual progress in implementing those strategies.

Other findings include: One-third of respondents with less than $10 million in annual revenue are not at or near world-class in any strategy, in contrast to 14% of respondents with more than $100 million in revenue; green manufacturing methods and sustainability rank low among the strategic priorities of U.S. manufacturers despite increasing government regulation, growing consumer demand and new requirements from large manufacturers in their supply chains; and about 28% of respondents believe global engagement is highly important despite a near-term future in which markets, talent, competitors and partner opportunities are growing faster outside the U.S. than within its borders.

To download more information on the study and findings, visit smallmanufacturers.org. – J.L.

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