Manufacturers have reported a significant improvement in their activity over the past 12 months, and they are more positive in their outlook compared to last year. Manufacturing leaders expect to see growth in sales, investment, and employment going forward.
According to the third-quarter survey conducted by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), nearly 90 percent of respondents said they are optimistic, just a shade fewer than the all-time high of 93.3 percent registered in the first quarter. Larger manufacturers are more upbeat than small- and medium-size firms, with 95 percent having a positive outlook for their companies.
