Manufacturers are seeking out external support in developing their companies, and, in most cases, believe they are getting benefits from outside organizations. A majority of manufacturers indicate they’ve been positively impacted by industry associations; state manufacturing associations, including Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs); and consulting firms, according to the 2011 Next Generation Manufacturing (NGM) Study.
If you have used outside resources, which of the following have positively impacted your company?
|
|
Percent of manufacturers |
|
Industry association |
57.8% |
|
State manufacturing association (including MEPs) |
56.1% |
|
Consulting firm |
54.3% |
|
University/college |
41.2% |
|
National manufacturing association |
24.2% |
|
Local/municipal manufacturing association |
24.1% |
|
Other |
10.0% |
|
No positive impact |
5.0% |
2011 Next Generation Manufacturing Study
A majority of manufacturers look for support services (as needed or on an ongoing basis) to assist with the following activities:
- Regulatory/compliance issues (67% of manufacturers),
- Operations improvements (64% of manufacturers),
- Workforce skills development (64% of manufacturers),
- Strategic planning (52% of manufacturers),
- Innovation/R&D (52% of manufacturers), and
- Business development (52% of manufacturers).
Have you reached outside your company for assistance? If so, how did it affect your organization?
By George Taninecz, VP of Research, The MPI Group
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