also rates highly as a concern, with 63% of respondents considering it an issue. Another 45% are
concerned about employee issues, including recalling laid off or furloughed employees, new or
additional layoffs, employee well-being, and employee health and safety cited. Fully 37% are concerned
about cash flow, and 30% are concerned about PPP loan forgiveness.
Other challenges that are top-of-mind for respondents include the fallout of government actions,
including higher unemployment payouts that make it harder to hire, the effect of long-term government
debt on the manufacturing industry, and concerns about a second wave of infections.
Manufacturing industry responses to a question asking how their business had changed included:
• “Primary sales channels have significantly decreased. Reallocated resources to other and new
markets to increase business. Also, we’re refocusing marketing spend to other channels.”
• “Our business focus has moved away from growing revenue to reducing costs, adjusting
operational methods to incorporate COVID-19-specific EHS practices, re-forecasting and rebudgeting
based upon a significant decline in revenue.”
• “Focus on the foundry industry sector, which does not serve automotive.”
• “We have been able to develop a line of PPE products that we will carry ongoing.”
• “Global and long-term reduction in demand for aerospace manufacturing. Survival is at risk.”
• “Increased delivery of medical gas regulators. Helped New York supplier set up oxygen delivery
system for a temporary hospital. Our overall business was mostly unchanged until last week –
we’re seeing a decline that might last into July.”
• “We’ve introduced new products that our customers are looking for.”
• “We are working with companies that want to make masks and shields. We’re developing
equipment to help them manufacture these items efficiently.”
• “Certain industries have declined. We are trying to add customers and/or orders from industries
that have done well.”
• “Pivot unsuccessful due to limited access to materials. Layoffs caused production and shipping
delays.”
• “We are a sole-source manufacturer with customers impending aerospace, recreational,
orthotics, and military. While some of our customers have decreased orders, others have
increased. We have also internally redirected personnel to produce PPE for donations to medical
and other front-line personnel.”
• “Adding COVID signage and face shields to sales force.”
• “Guns and weapons needs have increased.”
• “Shift changes for employees and/or working remotely.”
• “Significant decline in revenues due to slowdown in customer businesses.”
• “Need for webinars that can also provide hands-on training. Any disruption in the future will
require us to be able to deliver in this manner.”
• “Contracted with a company to produce ventilator parts.”