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Survey shows 61 percent of Americans prefer products made in U.S.

New York-based Thomas has released results from the “Manufacturing Perception Report.” The survey examines Americans’ perceptions about the manufacturing industry, from careers to automation.

While 76 percent of respondents reported they were very or somewhat familiar with the manufacturing industry, the survey results reveal Americans are largely unaware of the robust state of the manufacturing sector.

“It was surprising to see that half of the respondents feel that the current state of the manufacturing industry is ‘stable but weak or in decline.’ In fact, the opposite holds true: the state of manufacturing is greater than ever—a trend we can expect to continue with innovation, a strong economy, and increased national awareness,” said Tony Uphoff, Thomas president/CEO.

The survey found that baby boomers (52 percent) and Gen X (50 percent) feel the quality of U.S. products is superior, whereas millennials (47 percent) and Generation Z (43 percent) think the quality of products is typically the same. However, overall there is a strong affinity for American-made products, with 61 percent of all respondents preferring products made in the U.S.

Fifty-one percent of respondents say the manufacturing sector is very important to national security. A combined total of 87 percent of respondents think the manufacturing sector is at least of somewhat importance to national security.

When asked about which industries automation will affect most, 34 percent of respondents said manufacturing. When asked about the biggest problem facing the manufacturing sector, more than one-third of respondents replied "robotics and automation."

Two-thirds of respondents say they are very likely/somewhat likely to encourage someone in the workforce to pursue a career in manufacturing. In addition, half of respondents think of the manufacturing industry as high-tech.

Though most respondents say they would be likely to encourage others to pursue a career in manufacturing, the industry is facing a large skills gap resulting in a need for job opportunities to be filled by the next generation.

“Manufacturing has been the backbone of the American economy since the 1800s,” added Uphoff. “We are experiencing a renaissance right now that has a lot of promise for job growth and stability for years to come.”