Top Small Business Manufacturing Trends in 2018

The global manufacturing market has experienced a myriad of changes in recent years. Particularly in the U.S., automation, offshoring and technology have made a major impact on manufacturing businesses of all sizes. 81% of manufacturers expect to see growth in their businesses in 2018. 72% of manufacturing companies expect to grow organically in domestic markets. 44% plan on developing new products and services. Of manufacturing businesses in the food and beverage sector, 71% experienced growth. Of those in the construction sector, 69% experienced growth. 64% of machining businesses experienced growth. 59% of automotive manufacturing businesses experienced growth. 52% of transportation manufacturing businesses experienced growth. 61% of manufacturers plan to spend more on personnel expenses in 2018. American manufacturing by small companies has increased by 48% since 2009.