Survey details "new normal" for small, medium-sized manufacturers amid pandemic

The Manufacturing Institute’s Center for Manufacturing Research and national CPA and advisory firm BKD have released the results from their first survey of small and medium-sized manufacturers. Manufacturing leaders were asked to describe the “new normal” for operations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key survey findings include:

• More than 77% expect to continue struggling to identify talent in 2021 and beyond.
• Nearly 64% have re-evaluated what work can be done remotely where possible.
• More than 83% have enhanced workplace safety measures and requirements.

“The survey … reveals the diverse ways that small and medium-sized manufacturers have adapted to the pandemic—and what they expect in the coming months,” said Center for Manufacturing Research Director and National Association of Manufacturers Chief Economist Chad Moutray. “It captures manufacturers, in their own words, describing the future of everything from virtual work and flexible schedules to new product lines and price pressures.”