Survey: Outlook Mostly Positive for Hoosier Manufacturers
(photo courtesy of Jon Kline/Pixabay)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA survey conducted by the Indiana Manufacturers Association shows a majority of Hoosier manufacturers are mostly optimistic about the future of their operations post-pandemic. The organization says the 2021 Spring Business Survey measured manufacturers’ outlook on several factors, including federal unemployment benefits, supply chains and workforce availability.
The survey was conducted in late May and early June. The IMA says 63% of respondents indicated they were “mostly optimistic” about the future.
“Manufacturers have led the charge throughout this unprecedented year and they continue to do so. Indiana’s outlook remains positive, in no small part, due to thoughtful leadership throughout the manufacturing community,” IMA Chief Executive Officer Brian Burton said in a news release. “Our challenge now is to take the lessons of COVID-19 and use them to propel business forward with fresh ideas and discern how we can remain agile in times of uncertainty.”
Respondents said, however, finding qualified workers for open positions remains a major challenge. The survey says 59% indicated it has been “extremely hard” to find workers and 84% said “yes” when asked if the federal unemployment benefits had affected their ability to hire workers.
Supply chain issues continue to affect the Indiana manufacturing sector, according to the survey. Forty percent of respondents said they are dealing with serious, but manageable delays, while 42% said they were experiencing some manageable delays. Fifteen percent reported serious delays that are impacting the success of their businesses, while only 3% said supply chains were very reliable.
Meanwhile, 74% of respondents said they are encouraging employees to get vaccinated for COVID-19, while 25% said they had taken no action. Only 1% of manufacturers surveyed are requiring vaccinations for all employees.
You can connect to the full survey results by clicking here.