As we settle into a new year, it’s a good time to take stock of last year and look on the horizon at what’s ahead. I want to focus on what’s really important: U.S. manufacturing.

It’s shaping up to be an exciting year for U.S. manufacturers so far. We hit some great momentum in 2013, and we anticipate an even better year in 2014. So much goes under the “umbrella” of manufacturing that it’s impossible to capture everything that’s going on at once. However, there are three dominant themes that comprise what’s trending with U.S. manufacturing.

1. Industry growth

Economic indicators show that manufacturing is a consistent bright spot for the economy. For example, the Institute for Supply Management’s monthly Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) is widely regarded as a broad gauge of manufacturing performance. 2013’s last reading was a remarkable 57 percent. Readings above 50 percent indicate growth. More important, this was the seventh consecutive month of growth. although the most recent reports show a drop in the index to 51.3 percent, the industry is still in a growth trend.

 …