Survey Indicates U.S. Brands Remains Strong in Eyes of Consumers

Thomas, a leader in product sourcing, supplier selection and marketing solutions for industry, has released results from its second annual “Manufacturing Perception Report” coinciding with “Manufacturing Day.”

The national survey examines Americans' perceptions about the manufacturing industry, including sustainability and tariffs, as well as whether they plan to pursue a career in this sector, long considered the backbone of the U.S. economy.

While only one quarter of respondents think the current state of manufacturing is either growing or stable but strong, 95 percent of all respondents stated that manufacturing is important to the U.S. economy.

“Since the skills gap is one of the biggest issues the industry is facing, it's good to see that 60 percent of survey respondents would likely encourage someone entering the workforce to pursue a career in manufacturing, said Tony Uphoff, Thomas president and CEO. “In reality, there has never been a more exciting time for industry as output is at an all-time high and job growth continues to rise.”
Among the survey's findings:

· America's Brand: 62 percent of respondents prefer to buy products made in America; while 55 percent of respondents think the quality of U.S. made products is superior to the quality of products made in Asia or Central America, 57 percent of respondents think that products made in Europe are typically of the same quality as products made in the U.S.

· Manufacturing Careers: 79 percent of Americans think government funding should be used to support apprenticeship initiatives.
· Sustainability: 75 percent of respondents report that sustainability has a very important or large impact on the goods and services they purchase.

· National Security: A combined total of 87 percent of respondents feel a strong manufacturing sector is very or at least somewhat important to national security.

· Tariffs: 46 percent of Americans feel increasing tariffs on imported foreign goods and services is too disruptive for the U.S. economy.
“In honor of National Manufacturing Day – and every day – we're excited to share Americans' views, concerns and perceptions about the future of the industry,” said Uphoff. “We are pleased to see the value of American manufactured brands remain strong, which matches the overall positive trends we're seeing in the U.S. manufacturing industry.”

Tim Keneally, managing director in the Alvarez & Marsal Private Equity Services Operations Group, agrees that domestic manufacturing is due to strengthen as global supply chain managers seek to mitigate risk in foreign markets.

“With the exception of Mexico, of course, we see U.S. manufacturers hedging their bets on total landed costs by bringing more to North America. And all the concern about softening manufacturing numbers this quarter is simply alarmist…it's not really something we worry about.”

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