Overview

The 249,000 manufacturing firms in the US produce goods for direct consumption and use in the manufacture of other products. Manufacturing operations use machinery, computer systems, and workers to form, modify, assemble, test, and package goods. Major customers include other manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers, retailers, exporters, and end-consumers.

Global Competition Intensifies

US manufacturers compete for market share domestically and internationally with producers in other nations.

Skills Gap Widens

As manufacturing advances technologically, demand for skilled workers is rising.