- FMA
- The Fabricator
- FABTECH
- Canadian Metalworking
Categories
- Additive Manufacturing
- Aluminum Welding
- Arc Welding
- Assembly and Joining
- Automation and Robotics
- Bending and Forming
- Consumables
- Cutting and Weld Prep
- Electric Vehicles
- En Español
- Finishing
- Hydroforming
- Laser Cutting
- Laser Welding
- Machining
- Manufacturing Software
- Materials Handling
- Metals/Materials
- Oxyfuel Cutting
- Plasma Cutting
- Power Tools
- Punching and Other Holemaking
- Roll Forming
- Safety
- Sawing
- Shearing
- Shop Management
- Testing and Measuring
- Tube and Pipe Fabrication
- Tube and Pipe Production
- Waterjet Cutting
Industry Directory
Webcasts
Podcasts
FAB 40
Advertise
Subscribe
Account Login
Search
Survey shows 61 percent of Americans prefer products made in U.S.
- October 2, 2018
- News Release
- Shop Management
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.”
subscribe now
The Fabricator is North America's leading magazine for the metal forming and fabricating industry. The magazine delivers the news, technical articles, and case histories that enable fabricators to do their jobs more efficiently. The Fabricator has served the industry since 1970.
start your free subscription- Stay connected from anywhere
Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of The Fabricator.
Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of The Welder.
Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of The Tube and Pipe Journal.
Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of The Fabricator en Español.
- Podcasting
- Podcast:
- The Fabricator Podcast
- Published:
- 03/26/2024
- Running Time:
- 67:51
This week on The Fabricator Podcast, Jason Becker, host of the Arc Junkies Podcast and owner of Underground...
- Trending Articles
USS Midway’s tuition-free welding program a win-win
San Diego landmark becomes floating classroom for student welders
K&S celebrates 50 years in business
Guiding metal fabrication’s automation transformation
Increasing revenue by applying production concepts to sales and marketing
- Industry Events
Coil Processing Workshop & Tours
- April 2 - 3, 2024
- Corpus Christi, TX
GOLF4MFG South
- April 15, 2024
- Charlotte, NC
16th Annual Safety Conference
- April 30 - May 1, 2024
- Elgin,
Pipe and Tube Conference
- May 21 - 22, 2024
- Omaha, NE
World-Class Roll Forming Workshop
- June 5 - 6, 2024
- Louisville, KY