The Dayton Region Manufacturers Association (DRMA) has released its Top Issues List for 2022. Tayte French Lutz, our Materials Manager and Director of Marketing, serves on DRMA’s Government Relations Committee to help compile this list of manufacturing industry trends by conducting an annual survey of DRMA’s manufacturer company members in the Dayton region, including French. The committee then works to educate elected officials on these issues to bring attention to them and advocate on behalf of manufacturers to create awareness and positive change.
These efforts to help our customers reflect French’s core value of partnership. Instead of simply providing a product or service, we collaborate with industry associations and our customers to help solve problems. Discover Dayton area manufacturers’ top manufacturing industry trends and issues below. If you have any questions, please contact us.
2022 Top Manufacturing Industry Trends & Issues
According to DRMA’s manufacturer company members, complications from the COVID-19 pandemic continue to impact the industry. Additionally, workforce challenges remain the number one challenge for Dayton-area manufacturers, as has been the case in the last nine annual surveys.
Workforce Issues
The need for highly-skilled and trained professionals in the workplace is the top issue for DRMA’s manufacturer company members. Manufacturers are drastically understaffed. This is in part due to COVID-19, causing an increase in pay and employee leave regulations, along with other mandates. Finding high-skilled employees is a priority in order to meet customer obligations and the demand for goods and services. At French, we are doing as much as we can to help combat these issues for the benefit of our industry and customers.
Supply Chain Shortages
Manufacturers are experiencing supply chain shortages. These supply chain factors can hurt businesses, not only in economic hardship, but also in customer satisfaction and commitment. The DRMA works to educate elected officials on these supply chain issues. The members of the DRMA’s Government Relations Committee strive to shine a light on these issues to impact positive change.
Business Sustainability and Growth
DRMA members are focused on getting back to pre-pandemic operational levels. This means improving the labor issues along with cash flow. They’d like to see an increase in sales volumes, steady sales channels, and more access to customers. They are also hoping to see an increase of supply chain resources in 2022. French is a proud advocate for manufacturers to create positive change in the industry.
The Burden of Regulation on Business
DRMA’s manufacturer company members ask that regulations be kept to a minimum. They would also like regulations that are simpler to administer and comply with, minimizing intrusive and complex requirements, and should have a clear and critical need. Some examples of the burdensome regulations cited are expanded employee leave, energy policies, hiring and safety concerns, and vaccination requirements. We are working diligently to help our customers in any way we can.
Corporate Tax Rate and Complicated Tax Code
DRMA’s manufacturer company members support the concept that fewer corporate taxes encourage the growth of employment and industry. Therefore, they recommend supporting the efforts to make the tax code simpler and less burdensome on businesses.
Cost of Healthcare
The high cost of healthcare can take a toll on a business. DRMA’s manufacturer company members would like affordable healthcare to make it less of a struggle for their businesses. Rising healthcare costs have been one of the top manufacturing industry trends.
International Trade and Global Competition
This issue is a result of the effect of trade agreements, fair/free trade policy, tariffs, and international currency. DRMA members want equal international trade, with as little volatility as possible. For over a century, French Oil partners with customers in over 80 countries worldwide. We provide products with superior value and service that improve productivity and reduce overall production costs.
Recapping 2022’s Manufacturing Concerns
From 2021 to 2022, the rising costs for raw materials and components, plus the shortage of supply chain resources, has been one of the top changing manufacturing industry trends. It has become difficult to overcome certain logistical hurdles. The cost for transporting goods and services has increased, as a result. Meanwhile, decreasing issues include sales volume and cash flow issues.
Please contact us if you have any questions about this list or would like to speak with one of our helpful team members. We would be happy to assist you.