June 15, 2016– MFG.com, an online manufacturing marketplace, announced the release of MFGWatch 2016 Report & Forecast , a source of insights into the current status of North American manufacturing and key emerging trends. Based on survey results reflecting the perspective of both sourcing professionals and contract manufacturers, the report stands as a key resource for economists, journalists, industry professionals and others who seek to understand the major issues shaping the state of U.S. manufacturing today.
MFG.com employed two, 13-question online surveys, with one tool designed for sourcing professionals and the other for manufacturers. MFG.com limited the survey pool to companies that had used its Global Contract Manufacturing Marketplace, the largest of its kind in existence today. In total, over 76,000 surveys were sent.
The response rate was approximately 1 percent for buyers and 3 percent for manufacturers, respectively. Notably, respondents represented the aerospace, automotive, medical, defense, consumer product, machinery, electronics, energy and communications verticals.
Per MFGWatch 2016, both U.S. buyers and manufacturers see 2016 as a year of growth for their firms. This shared optimism is fueling investments in the workforce, technology and new manufacturing processes to increase competitive advantage. Interestingly, sourcing professionals intend to focus on maintaining or growing their supply base in 2016.
Contract manufacturers, on the other hand, see product quality compliance as a pressing concern to be addressed through the certification process.
MFG.com began publishing MFGWatch in 2009, and it became a resource of economists, journalists and others seeking information on the manufacturing industry. After a brief hiatus, MFG.com is pleased to once again offer this resource to the public.
