McGladrey® Manufacturing & Distribution Monitor - Summer 2011 edition

Results from our most recent survey indicate that U.S.-based manufacturing and distribution companies continued to be optimistic about their own companies and industry, yet their confidence is tempered by their pessimism regarding the state of the U.S. and global economies, industry regulation and government gridlock.

According to the McGladrey® Manufacturing & Distribution Monitor – Summer 2011 edition, perceptions of current business conditions remain positive for the second quarter of 2011, showing no significant decrease in the number of businesses describing their companies as “thriving and growing” (44 percent) and no increase of companies that see themselves in decline (3 percent).

Yet the level of pessimism regarding the state of the U.S. and global economies, federal regulation, and government gridlock grew from 38 percent in the Spring Monitor to a concerning 60 percent in the summer results. Encouragingly for the U.S. economy, 64 percent of companies reporting increased productivity also plan to increase their workforces in the coming year by an average of 7 percent. This discredits the common perception that manufacturers that have achieved productivity gains will be hiring fewer workers over the next twelve months.

The survey was fielded on June 16, 2011 and data collection concluded on July 6. The report aggregates responses from more than 620 executives. Along with this report, Monitor participants received access to a customized dashboard that provides views of their responses to the questions posed, along with comparisons to the aggregate responses for their industry category and geographic location.  The dashboard is automatically updated upon completion of each quarterly survey, making it an increasingly valuable analytical tool. The analysis in this report – along with the dashboard – provides a comprehensive view of the business environment.

This is the sixth consecutive year McGladrey has polled manufacturing and distribution industry executives. For 2011, McGladrey has expanded its study and now conducts surveys quarterly.

View the Summer 2011 Report