Milwaukee, WI––The second annual
ASQ Manufacturing Outlook Survey
shows a majority
of manufacturers are optimistic about an economic uptick in 2011 at their
organizations. The survey conducted by ASQ reveals 68% of respondents employed in the
manufacturing sector predict their organizations will experience revenue
growth.
Despite the
economic landscape, a year ago 64.7% of respondents predicted that revenue
would grow in 2010. This year 67% indicated that their organizations experienced
revenue growth in 2010. More than 1,200 manufacturing professionals from the United States and Canada responded to the online
survey from October 24 to November 5, 2010.
The two areas from the survey that showed the most promise were in the area
of payroll and operational budgets. 18% expect a pay freeze in 2011, compared
to 44.8% in 2010 at their organizations. In addition, 18% predict mandatory budget cuts in 2011, whereas
35.2% did in 2010.
Other findings include:
48%
expect of a salary/merit increase;
47%
expect organizations will continue to create processes to reduce costs, down
from 61.3% in 2010;
42%
expect their organizations to maintain current staff levels;
42
% expect that additional staff will be brought on in their companies; and
73%
expect no mandatory furlough days. In 2010, 72% indicated they did not have to
take furlough days.
As organizations made
sacrifices to survive a down economy, the survey inquired whether staff
reductions or other cutbacks implemented in 2010 negatively impacted the
quality of the products/services delivered. 33% of respondents believed that
the quality of their products/services was negatively impacted. 32% believed
that the quality did not suffer.
Respondents were also asked
what one tip they would give to manufacturers to ensure revenue growth in 2011.
The top four tips, similar to the 2010 outlook, from respondents were:
To continue to participate
in continuous improvement practices, and increase use of quality processes;
To increase
customer satisfaction;
To implement
more lean processes; and
To reduce costs
and eliminate waste.
