RSM McGladrey Annual Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution Survey

Learn more about the 2008 Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution Survey:

• Read the Executive Summary
• Download the 2008 Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution Survey
• View slides of the Webcast in which Tom Murphy, RSM McGladrey Executive Vice President, discusses 2008 survey findings

Detailed reports have been developed in order to illustrate survey findings and provide unique insights into several industries. Each specific report will be posted as they are released.

On July 9, 2008, RSM McGladrey released its third annual manufacturing and wholesale distribution survey of executives across the U.S. More than 960 executives – representing 911 companies – responded to questions on current business conditions, growth strategies, innovation, cost management, technology initiatives, operations, and globalization, providing a strong, statistically representative sample of responses. This year’s survey offers some expected findings – and others that may be a surprise.

• How are manufacturers and wholesale distributors planning to grow in today’s challenging environment? Nearly 75 percent report the same strategy.
• What rate of inflation do 80 percent of companies expect for their energy and raw materials needs?
• Which global strategy showed a 20 percent change from 2007?
• Is the global economy hurting or helping US employment?
• More than 75 percent of responding companies are missing out on one key opportunity to boost their bottom lines, and more 50 percent are missing another. What are they?