THOMASNET SURVEY INDICATES BUSINESS TRENDING UP… PERFECT STORM IS ON HORIZON

TODAY’S SESSION

•  Industry Market Barometer Survey Highlights

•  Implications for Manufacturing and Supply Chain

•  Meet the Experts, Hear Different Perspectives

•  Let’s Hear From You!

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS

Positive indicators everywhere §  63% grew in 2014

§  76% now sell overseas; 33% expect this to increase

§  9 out of 10 are making capital investments, increasing production capacity, optimizing operations and upgrading facilities

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS

52% Manufacturers are hiring

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS

Troublesome Trends

§  80% are Baby Boomers

§  38% plan to retire within 10 years

§  65% have NO succession plan

§  Millennials represent 25% of manufacturing workforce

§  81% have no plans to increase Millennial headcount

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS

Lingering Issues

say Millennials lack the discipline and work ethic to succeed.

say younger people view manufacturing as “blue collar” work.

43% 46%

Why Should You Care?

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS

“This year Millennials will outpace Boomers as the largest living generation.”

- United Census Bureau

IMPLICATIONS

Why is this important to you? Companies’ competitive advantage

increasingly depends on the strength and agility of their supply chains.

Tom Derry, Chief Executive Officer ISM