General economy, taxes, cost of materials now greatest concerns of manufacturers.(HEADLINES: SBRB)(Survey)

The general state of the economy, taxes and the cost of materials were the three leading concerns of small manufacturing businesses during the second quarter of 2007 according to the latest Small Business Research Board (SBRB) study released on July 11.

Owners of manufacturing businesses responding to the nationwide poll cosponsored by International Profit Associates (IPA) said health care costs, which had been the single most significant issue during the first quarter of 2007, fell to sixth. Concern about energy and fuel costs as well as finding quality employees ranked ahead of health care expenses as more problematic issues among manufacturing companies in the recent study.

The quarterly poll of small business owners and managers also measured their interest in expanding their operations over the next 12 to 24 months. Only 29% of the respondents said they intend to expand during this period. Of those respondents, 28% said they are considering expanding at current locations, while 21% said they will add more products and 20% indicated they intend to increase customer service. Adding more services ranked fourth with 16%. The addition of locations was cited by only 7% of the respondents.

The small business owners said adding more automation or technology as well as improving existing automation would be their primary means for enhancing productivity during the coming 12 to 24 months. Improved staff training, hiring of additional employees and incentive programs also were cited as important methods for improving productivity.

"While there are several categories that manufacturers have either no influence or, at best, can exert a relatively modest amount of control ...