Innovation, Better Cash Flow Create Optimism

摘要

Many manufacturers are showing greater optimism in U.S. markets and are pushing ahead with new facilities, expansions and retooling projects. Vince DiPofi, chief strategy officer at SSOE Group, sees growth in the manufacturing sector in emerging markets as well as domestically. "There's definitely an upward trend in opportunities," he adds. In June, the National Association of Manufacturers reported that sales forecasts among manufacturers were the highest in two years, according to a NAM-Industry Week survey. The survey also suggests that not all manufacturers are ready to forge ahead with projects. Manufacturers expect to increase capital spending on average by 2.3% over the next 12 months, which is higher than reported in the past two annual surveys. However, 41.5% expected to increase capital spending levels this year, while 39.1% said capital spending will remain the same.