This press release was originally released on September 24, 2019 This release can also be found on New Jersey Business, ContractorSupply, Plant Services, Quality Magazine, Refrigerated & Frozen Foods, Supply Chain Management Review
America’s Brand Remains Strong in Eyes of Consumers!
New York– Thomas, the leader in product sourcing, supplier selection and marketing solutions for industry, today released results from its second annual “Manufacturing Perception Report.” 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.”
Additional data from the survey results is available upon request.
METHODOLOGY
The study was conducted online using Survey Monkey. Over a thousand participants were polled, spanning across the United States. Participants were all over the age of 18 and represented a broad range in income, geographic location and gender.
About Thomas
Thomas provides actionable information, data, analysis and tools that align with and support today’s industrial buying process. Its solutions include the Thomas Network at Thomasnet.com®, industry’s largest and most active buyer/supplier network. Through Thomas Marketing Services, the company provides full-service industrial marketing programs and website development. Thomas Product Data Solutions helps manufacturers connect with design engineers through advanced CAD/BIM and data syndication services. Thomas WebTrax® provides opportunity intelligence on in-market buyers to help marketing and sales teams track, identify, and engage high value prospects. Thomas Insights delivers original content to help marketers and supply chain professionals inform their decision-making, through leading titles including Inbound Logistics®, Industrial Equipment News® (IEN®), Thomas Industry Update, and the Thomas Index™.
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Contacts
Alex Kofsky
Alex@rosengrouppr.com
Rita Lieberman
RitaLieberman@thomasnet.com
