Blumenthal, Murphy Release Findings Of 2012 Survey Of Connecticut Manufacturers

(Hartford, Conn.) – At the State Capitol today, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) was joined by Congressman Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Connecticut manufacturers to release the results of the 2012 Survey of Connecticut Manufacturers. In total, 191 Connecticut manufacturers responded to the survey.

The purpose of the survey is to give Connecticut manufacturers the opportunity to provide in-depth perspective and advice to Murphy and Blumenthal about an industry that has sustained Connecticut for three centuries. Blumenthal and Murphy asked manufacturers about ways to create jobs, how to find skilled workers to fill those jobs and then keep those jobs in Connecticut.

The survey showed that 77 percent said they were confident in the financial future of their company, and 52 percent expect to see an increase in gross revenues. 56 percent of the survey participants plan on hiring more workers in the next year, and 58 percent expect to increase wages.

Blumenthal said, “This survey shows that Connecticut manufacturers are confident, can-do job creators – most planning to hire new workers and raise pay – but still struggling to find people with the right skills to fill positions. The federal agenda must emphasize skill training and workforce development at our technical high schools and community colleges, so manufacturers can fill present and future openings. A very hopeful sign is that fewer layoffs are foreseen. The survey reinforces the need for tax reform like the Bring Jobs Home Act that will enable manufacturers to grow jobs and re-shore them from abroad. Two more priorities supported by the survey: stopping unfair trade like currency manipulation practices by China, and making solid investments in the roads, bridges, railroads, and other public facilities necessary to move raw materials, parts, and manufactured products.”

“We have spent our time in elected office listening to manufacturers in Connecticut about how the federal government can help them grow their businesses," Murphy said. "This report gives us the data we need to make the case for Connecticut manufacturing to policy-makers in Washington and across the country. We will use this information to push for policies that will create jobs in Connecticut and fight against policies that will ship Connecticut manufacturing jobs overseas. Connecticut manufacturers are confident about the future, and we share their optimism. We have a lot of work to do, but these results show that those who say manufacturing in Connecticut is dead are dead wrong.”

More than 70 percent of respondents say they face competition from foreign sources and 45 percent say that outsourcing has hurt their business. That’s why Blumenthal and Murphy are national leaders in the “Buy American” movement that will create jobs in America and especially in Connecticut due to our state’s long history of supplying America’s armed forces.

The report from the survey is posted at:

http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/download/2012-manufacturing-report