From the Director

Salute to Central Pennsylvania Manufacturers

 

Once again many are wondering if there is a future for manufacturing in the U.S. This past downturn has been brutal for many manufacturers both large and small. However, a lesson that is emerging is the resiliency of manufacturing in this country with many more economists finally acknowledging that a strong manufacturing base is essential for a strong, dynamic and innovative economy.

 

What is also emerging is that the future of manufacturing in this country will be led by companies who are technology focused and have a strategy that emphasizes new product development with a global perspective.

 

A recent study conducted by the Manufacturing Performance Institute (MPI) defines the strategies and business actions that are necessary for world-class performance and success into this next generation of manufacturing. The strategies in the Next Generation Manufacturing Study include customer-focused innovation; engaged people/human capital acquisition, development and retention; superior processes/improvement; supply-chain management and collaboration; green/sustainability and global engagement.

 

While most manufacturers in the survey were aware of the importance of these six strategies, only a small percentage saw themselves as proficient in the implementation of any of the strategies. There is tremendous hope for the future of manufacturing, but manufacturers will need to be committed to closing the gap between awareness of what needs to be done and action. The recovery is coming, but without a strategy to become world-class in at least one or two of these areas over the next year, a manufacturer may survive but will miss the opportunity to win against their competitors over the next decade.