PwC: Manufacturing Hiring Plans Hit Five-Year High
PwC’s Q3 2013 Manufacturing Barometer shows a gain in U.S. industrial manufacturers with an optimistic view of the global economy during the next 12 months to 40% in the third quarter from 31% in the second quarter and 29% a year ago. In addition, 60% are optimistic about the U.S. economy, and 78% think the U.S. economy grew in the third quarter, marking the highest level in seven years. “Despite the uptick in global economic sentiment, the U.S. remains the growth driver in the industrial manufacturing sector, with continued signs of healthy demand, pricing strength, new product investment, and hiring,” says Bobby Bono, U.S. industrial manufacturing leader at PwC.
The survey reveals that 58% of respondents plan to add employees during the next 12 months, up 16 points from the second quarter, with demand high for skilled labor (35%), professionals and technicians (35%), and production workers (30%). However, 77% said they need to fill skill gaps, the biggest of which are in middle management (70%) and skilled labor (67%). Another 50% of respondents said they had open positions that cannot be filled with skilled employees.
