Survey: Midwest manufacturers upbeat about economy

Manufacturing companies are more optimistic about the economy than their non-manufacturing counterparts, according to the newest National Economic Trends Survey. The survey of nearly 2,000 organizations reflects a more optimistic view by employers across the nation for all types of companies, according to MRA – The Management Association, a Wisconsin-based employers association.

 

The survey by the Employers Associations of America, which included responses from 570 executives in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin, found that 92 percent of respondents in the three Midwestern states expect the overall economy will be about the same or better this year compared with 2011. 

 

Manufacturing respondents were the most confident about their business outlook, with 77 percent of manufacturers expecting an increase in their own sales, compared with 61 percent of non-manufacturers.

 

“This survey reflects the hundreds of conversations we’ve had with MRA members over the last few months,” said Laurie Johnson, executive director of MRA, which is based in Waukesha, Wis. “Midwestern employers are much more optimistic about business in 2012 despite the fact that they would like more clarity about significant growth triggers or inhibitors in the economic, political and global environment.”

 

Nearly half the manufacturers (48 percent) plan to hire additional staff in 2012, compared to only about a third (34 percent) of non-manufacturers, with most of the hiring expected during the first half of 2012.  The remaining organizations in each sector plan to maintain their current staffing level, with very few planning to reduce staff levels in 2012 (less than 5 percent).  

Manufacturing companies are more optimistic about the economy than their non-manufacturing counterparts, according to the newest National Economic Trends Survey. The survey of nearly 2,000 organizations reflects a more optimistic view by employers across the nation for all types of companies, according to MRA – The Management Association, a Wisconsin-based employers association.

 

The survey by the Employers Associations of America, which included responses from 570 executives in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin, found that 92 percent of respondents in the three Midwestern states expect the overall economy will be about the same or better this year compared with 2011. 

 

Manufacturing respondents were the most confident about their business outlook, with 77 percent of manufacturers expecting an increase in their own sales, compared with 61 percent of non-manufacturers.

 

“This survey reflects the hundreds of conversations we’ve had with MRA members over the last few months,” said Laurie Johnson, executive director of MRA, which is based in Waukesha, Wis. “Midwestern employers are much more optimistic about business in 2012 despite the fact that they would like more clarity about significant growth triggers or inhibitors in the economic, political and global environment.”

 

Nearly half the manufacturers (48 percent) plan to hire additional staff in 2012, compared to only about a third (34 percent) of non-manufacturers, with most of the hiring expected during the first half of 2012.  The remaining organizations in each sector plan to maintain their current staffing level, with very few planning to reduce staff levels in 2012 (less than 5 percent).