WFHB Bloomington Community Radio

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Earlier this month, the certified public accounting firm Katz, Sapper & Miller LLP released the results of their seventh annual Indiana manufacturing survey.

The statewide study of employers in Indiana’s largest industry shows growth in Hoosier manufacturing.

According to the survey, nearly 80 percent of respondents over the last two annual surveys describe their businesses as “healthy” or “stable,” while nearly half used the term “challenged” to characterize their operations in 2009 and 2010.

The survey finds more than 70 percent of Hoosier manufacturers are actively investing in capital and labor, while less than 5 percent are continuing to cut costs across the board.

Human capital also continues to be a major obstacle confronting Indiana manufacturers. Survey respondents identified skilled production workers as the most significant labor shortage facing their companies.

The survey was commissioned by Katz, Sapper & Miller and developed in partnership with the IU Kelley School of Business – Indianapolis, Conexus Indiana and the Indiana Manufacturers Association.