Manufacturers stay upbeat amid volatility

Despite ongoing pressures—tariffs, labour shortages, inflation, and supply chain uncertainty—US manufacturers are staying confident. Nationwide’s latest survey shows that 8 in 10 leaders in mid-sized firms expect strong business performance in the year ahead.

The driver? Strategic investment. Firms are expanding supplier networks, building inventory buffers, and doubling down on business continuity. Nearly 1 in 3 are shifting to US-based partners, and digital adoption is accelerating—particularly AI and IoT tools that enhance efficiency, forecasting, and quality.

But the optimism isn’t without caution. Inflation, rising costs, and talent shortages remain top concerns. And while AI holds promise, high costs, integration hurdles, and skills gaps risk slowing progress. Crucially, two-thirds of leaders say younger workers don’t see manufacturing as a career—highlighting a long-term talent risk.

The takeaway for manufacturing executives: confidence is strong, but it’s earned through deliberate moves in tech, talent, and risk. The manufacturers gaining ground aren’t waiting out uncertainty—they’re building resilience into every layer of the business.

Read the full article to explore how your peers are preparing for what’s next.