Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/599529
26 | /INSIGHT ON MANUFACTURING • November 2015 w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g . c o m By the NUMBERS U.S. manufacturers have reacted to the volatility in the economy by pulling back on the bullish outlook that dominated much of the first two quarters of the year. Optimism in the outlook for the U.S. economy dropped by 9 percent, to 60 percent from 69 percent, according to the Pricewaterhouse Cooper's 2015 Q3 Manufacturing Barometer. Optimism in the worldwide economy's prospects also dropped, to 23 percent from 38 percent. Yet, company revenue forecasts call for 12-month growth of 5.3 percent and 37 percent say they still plan to hire additional workforce during that same period. Optimism for growth declines as the economic pace slackens Women in manufacturing 71% say their experience has caused them to believe there is a pay gap between men and women in their industry. 53% believe the school system does not encourage female students to pursue careers in their industry. 73% believe women are underrepresented within their organizations' leadership teams. 51% have seen positive changes in the industry's attitudes toward female professional employees. Source: Minding the Manufacturing Gender Gap 2.0% PRODUCTION (DOWN FROM 2.8% IN JUNE) 0.7% CAPITAL INVESTMENT (DOWN FROM 1.9% IN JUNE) 0.3% FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT (DOWN FROM 0.8% IN JUNE) 1.5% EMPLOYEE WAGES (DOWN FROM 1.6% IN JUNE) 8.7% 2.0% SALES (DOWN FROM 2.7% IN JUNE) 0.1% EXPORTS (DOWN FROM A GAIN OF 0.4% IN JUNE) 0.5% PRICES (DOWN FROM 0.8% IN JUNE) 0.7% INVENTORIES (DOWN FROM A DECLINE OF 0.1% IN JUNE) HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS (UP FROM 7.9% IN JUNE) 67.3% PERCENTAGE OF RESPONDENTS POSITIVE IN THEIR OWN COMPANY'S OUTLOOK (DOWN FROM 76.3% IN JUNE) Expected growth rate over the next 12 months Source: National Association of Manufacturers Manufacturing Outlook Index Planned IT investments 10% 26% 26% 34% 82% UPGRADING INFRASTRUCTURE CLOUD ERP MOBILE ECOMMERCE NONE 10% Source: PwC