2014 McGladrey Manufacturing and Distribution Monitor: Plans to add jobs amid growing optimism

CHICAGO, July 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the 2014 McGladrey Manufacturing and Distribution Monitor, nine out of 10 executives at small and mid-size manufacturing and distribution companies expect solid growth over the next 12 months and two-thirds plan to add jobs during that period.  In addition, two-thirds reported that they expect their profit (before interest and tax) to rise over the next year.

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Despite this positive outlook, executives indicated that they continue to face headwinds that could be holding them back from even further growth. As was the case with last year's survey findings, regulatory issues topped the list of concerns this year, with two-thirds of respondents expecting their growth to be limited by regulation over the next year – a concern that is more challenging, according to survey participants, than competition from other companies.

"There is no question that the industrial sector is growing, but industry executives clearly believe it could be growing more quickly," said Karen L. Kurek, national industrial products practice leader.

The survey includes responses from more than 900 industry executives at small and mid-sized U.S. manufacturers and distributors, and provides an annual update on the state of middle-market companies in the industrial sector.  

The McGladrey Monitor report focuses attention on the best practices of thriving and innovative companies. In May, customized benchmark reports (CBRs) were made available to survey participants.  These reports allow participants to assess conditions in their business, measure performances compared to other organizations and evaluate progress toward implementing best practices.  Client servers and business developers were encouraged to use the CBRs as a way to engage clients and prospects in discussions. For more in-depth details on the survey results, read the 2014 McGladrey Manufacturing and Distribution Monitor.

SOURCE McGladrey