Feature

Are the darkest days of COVID-19 behind us?

When we talk about the state of the manufacturing industry, there is often, reasonably, a lot of doom and gloom. But, finally, it seems that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

02/03/2023 10:31:44

According to a new report, manufacturing is returning to pre-pandemic levels, with 70 percent of engineers finding that business has equalled – or even exceeded – pre-pandemic production.

Essentra Components’ The State of Manufacturing 2023 Report has revealed that the outlook for the industry is a lot brighter than it perhaps originally appeared. The aerospace, electronics and energy sectors have all experienced significant recovery, with 72 percent, 59 percent and 71 percent of respondents respectively reporting a return to pre-COVID-19 levels of production.

With the most devastating effects of the pandemic seemingly over, there are still, unfortunately, persistent issues facing the industry. It won’t surprise you to hear that the skills gap remains a prominent concern for manufacturers, with almost three-quarters (74 percent) stating that their new recruits lack the skills and qualifications needed.

Even more immediately concerning are continuing supply chain disruptions: exactly half (50 percent) of respondents claim that these have had a significant impact on their business, and 62 percent expect those issues to remain for up to five years. Some 15 percent even believe they could go on indefinitely.

In addition, contrary to the general trend, the automotive sector is still struggling, with 60 percent of respondents actually reporting a reduced output.

So, how are manufacturers responding to these challenges?

Read the full article in DPA's March issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.