In the Strongest Companies, the Only Constant is Change

Perhaps more than at any previous IMTS, the strongest growing metalworking companies that attended this year’s show were looking for change. That is, they were more likely than in years past to be looking at and evaluating solutions that are new, different or more advanced from the processes and practices already in place in their shops. That is one conclusion that emerges from the Metalworking Operational Trends survey—a study annually conducted by Techspex and the research division of LoSasso Advertising Inc. to find out where the metalworking industry is headed and learn what steps companies are taking to succeed.
 
We are still analyzing the latest data, but a preliminary peek shows this: The pace of change at American manufacturing companies has accelerated to its highest rate since the survey began asking the question five years ago. Isaac Asimov may have coined the expression “the only constant is change,” but that phrase aptly describes American manufacturers right now. A deeper look reveals that companies that report “business trending up” are seven times more likely to be making significant changes this year than few or no changes. Companies forecasting “strong growth” are 18 times more likely to be making significant changes. In other words, while all change isn’t necessarily good, nor will all change ensure growth, it is clear that the stronger the company forecast, the more likely that significant change is taking place.

Check back here for more insights from the latest Metalworking Operational Trends survey in the upcoming weeks.