U. S. manufacturing plants are preparing for a strong 2004, according to those plant engineers and operations professionals who responded to a 2004 Market Study conducted by Chromalox, the world’s largest manufacturer of industrial heat and control products. The survey was conducted online via a blind email survey.

      When asked about production forecasts for their specific facilities during 2004, 75 percent reported that production volumes would increase this year; only 8 percent anticipate a decrease. Of those expecting an increase, 71 percent report that it’s due to increased demand for their products, 35 percent due to a new product line, and 25 percent (multiple answers allowed) because of plant expansion.

      Even with these forecasted production increases, survey respondents still pointed to a significant amount of turmoil in their facilities.  Twenty-two reported staff cutbacks are still underway as a strategy for improving competitiveness.  Another 17 percent reported their company has made a top management change to improve competitiveness. 

      Beyond these management/personnel moves, however, companies appear to be making investments in their facilities.  Fifty percent reported installing “improved production technology” in an effort to improve plant competitiveness, the number one response out of 14 different competitiveness improvement strategies listed in the survey.   Respondents ranked their plant’s effectiveness in employing plant improvement technology at just an...

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