MC Machinery survey shows manufacturing opportunities created during pandemic

More than 60% of manufacturing employees surveyed by fabricating machinery manufacturer MC Machinery Systems, Elk Grove Village, Ill., said the pandemic has revealed opportunities for innovation, most notably collaborative manufacturing and automation.

More than 350 people participated in the online survey between April 24 and May 1, 2020. The respondents represented manufacturers in job shops, automotive, food, mold and die, aerospace, medical, and energy. Eighty-six percent work for or own manufacturing companies with fewer than 200 employees.

Eighty-two percent of respondents were working on-site at essential businesses, and 30% were manufacturing COVID-19-related products, including personal protective equipment, ventilator parts, testing supplies, hand sanitizer, and hospital equipment.

Sixty-two percent of respondents said the pandemic revealed manufacturing innovation opportunities. The biggest opportunities cited were collaborative manufacturing (29%), automation (21%), supply chain (17%), and virtual training/education (14%).

Respondents said the pandemic has had the greatest impact on sales (48%), production (25%), and supply chain (17%). Ten percent of respondents said sales, production, and supply chain were impacted equally.

However, 37% of survey respondents said there will be a low, short-term negative impact on revenue from existing customers. Thirty-eight percent said it is too soon to tell; 20% expect a high, long-term negative impact; and 5% expect no impact.

“This survey illustrates how versatile and proactive the manufacturing industry is,” said MC Machinery Marketing Manager Isabel Florence. “Not only are many manufacturers stepping up to help produce vital health care equipment and products, they are looking for ways to innovate and improve.”