US Manufacturing saw large growth in 2017 and a survey completed by manufacturers and supply chain management groups shows 2018 will be no different. The question for many of us is this: while demand for our products grows, will we see more people interested in becoming skilled laborers.

The Institute of Supply Management (ISM) released the results of its survey recently and estimates for expansion in manufacturing show a 5.1% increase in revenue and a 2.7% rise in capital expenditures. Of the manufacturing industries surveyed, fabricated metal products appeared in the top 16 for rising revenues. 67% of manufacturers expect 2018 to be better than 2017.

Another part of the survey discussed hiring. Most companies said they would boost their employment but at a much slower pace than in 2017. Last year, nationwide, manufacturers hired 2.3% more than in 2016. But this year, the growth looks to be at 1.2%. One of the reasons for the more than 1% downturn is the shortage in the skilled labor market.

For many years, there has been a slowdown of workers interested in the manufacturing world. Many manufacturers agree that here needs to be a change in how manufacturing jobs are portrayed. Manufacturers, in their quest to expand, have made use of robotics to aid workers and factory output. Today’s workers need to be technically savvy and learn how to program their robot counterparts as they work together on production lines.

At Maysteel, we are searching for workers who want to join our family. Check out our careers page and apply. 2018 is looking bright…make it bright for you as well!