One of the top challenges facing manufacturers today is the skills gap that exists in the sector. According to Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute’s talent study the manufacturing skills gap is anticipated to leave 2.1 million jobs unfilled by 2030 and could cost the U.S. economy as much as $1 trillion. Add to this the fact that it takes an average of 70 days to recruit skilled production workers, and the need for manufacturers to attract and retain a quality workforce has never been more important.

Manufacturers’ raw material costs increased for the 15th consecutive month in August 2021. That is one of the key findings of the latest Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). Given this reality, how can manufacturers ensure they succeed going forward?