Survey Of Connecticut Manufacturers

Relates Confidence About The Future

HARTFORD — At the State Capitol recently, Congressman Chris Murphy was joined by Senator Richard Blumenthal and Connecticut manufacturers to release the results of the 2012 Survey of Connecticut Manufactures.

The purpose of the survey, of which 191 Connecticut manufacturers responded, was to give manufacturers the opportunity to provide in-depth prospective and advice to the lawmakers about an industry that has sustained Connecticut for three centuries. The officials 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; 52 percent expect to see an increase in gross revenues; 56 percent plan on hiring more workers in the next year; and 58 percent expect to increase wages.

Congressman Murphy, who is seeking a US Senate seat, said he will use survey information to push for policies that will create jobs in Connecticut and fight against policies that will ship state 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,” he said.

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 Rep Murphy and Sen Blumenthal have worked hard to support the “Buy American” movement that will create jobs in America and especially in Connecticut due to the state’s long history of supplying America’s armed forces.

Sen 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.”

He said two more priorities supported by the survey were 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.

The report from the survey can be reviewed at blumenthal.senate.gov/download/2012-manufacturing-report.