Manufacturing is an industry in flux. Characterized by increasing pressure from global competitors, the impact of new technologies, Industry 4.0, and the “smart factory,” the face of manufacturing is changing drastically for the better. In a recent manufacturing outlook survey from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), 94.6 percent of respondents believe their company’s outlook is positive coming out of the fourth quarter of 2017, and growth is expected in all categories.

Changing this perception into a reality is not without its challenges. Increases in automation, potentially positive legislative changes, and economic growth have caused increased demand and highlight a critical issue in the growing labor shortage. In fact, attracting and retaining a quality workforce is first on the list of current business challenges for 72.9 percent of respondents. More than 30 percent of respondents recognize that this lack of qualified labor is responsible for lost revenue opportunities.

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