Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings

September 2021 Issue: Recipes for Success: Doughnut Maker is a Machine Builder First

By Editor Design World | September 13, 2021

Share

2022 indications bode well for manufacturing

At the National Fluid Power’s annual International Economic Outlook Conference, Alan Beaulieu of ITR Economics spoke on “U.S. & Global Macro Trends and Impacts,” and the overall outlook is positive for the manufacturing world. In examining the U.S. economic leading trends, it seems clear that there will be a slowing ascent in the next calendar year. But Beaulieu insisted that today’s anxieties (such as supply chain issues) will ease in 2022, and next year will be a more measured business that manufacturers will enjoy — and prosper in.

Interestingly, he explained that we shouldn’t worry about interest rates; they aren’t going up anytime soon, and when they do, it will not be by a large amount. In fact, he implored the business owners in the audience to “go out there and make an acquisition now.” Beaulieu said to be aggressive with their businesses but not to use too much cash — instead, borrow money and take advantage of these low interest rates.

Concerning the physical infrastructure bill that’s moving through Congress, he thinks that it will come to fruition and the money will be spent in the next 5-7 years. Beaulieu, while not a fan of deficit spending, said that very little investment in infrastructure has been a trend for years, and it is really needed. He described himself as a big fan of the bill, because we’ve ignored infrastructure for so long. And the coming infrastructure work will be a shot in the arm for the construction and related fields, positively impacting mobile equipment manufacturers.

Other interesting comments from Beaulieu included:

  • There is a lot of deficit spending that we’re getting away with now that we won’t be able to in the future. When inflation really heats up, it will become a disaster. This is not a “today” problem, but it’s a future problem.
  • If you believe the partisan logic that “the other party” is responsible for massive deficit spending, the data simply doesn’t support that. Both parties are equally guilty, especially when measured over decades.
  • There’s a political emphasis on climate change that won’t be going away any time soon.
  • What we’ve gone through over the last 18 months has made us agile and has shown us that we can change.
  • There are record high new orders through 2023. Manufacturing in this country is kicking it … it’s an exciting forecast for the coming year.
  • The U.S. is the second largest manufacturing and exporting nation in the world (China is number one). People who say we don’t manufacture anything here anymore, “don’t know what they’re talking about.”
  • Right now, it is the workforce that is in power. You’re going to have to play that game for years to come. If you don’t like that, your options are to automate — or quit.
  • You can make a very good living in the trades, and we’re finally starting to understand that in this country. If you get your child to learn a trade, they’ll be in as good of a position as that kid with a four-year college degree who graduates with a bunch of debt … and they’ll be primed to make a good living and someday retire successfully.

Paul J. Heney – VP, Editorial Director
[email protected]
On Twitter @wtwh_paulheney


Filed Under: DIGITAL ISSUES

 

Related Articles Read More >

June 2022 Special Edition: Test & Measurement Handbook
June 2022 Issue: Brighter future for laser-based materials processing
May 2022 Special Edition: 5G Handbook
May 2022 Special Edition: Power Transmission Reference Guide

DESIGN GUIDE LIBRARY

“motion

Enews Sign Up

Motion Control Classroom

Design World Digital Edition

cover

Browse the most current issue of Design World and back issues in an easy to use high quality format. Clip, share and download with the leading design engineering magazine today.

EDABoard the Forum for Electronics

Top global problem solving EE forum covering Microcontrollers, DSP, Networking, Analog and Digital Design, RF, Power Electronics, PCB Routing and much more

EDABoard: Forum for electronics

Sponsored Content

  • Renishaw next-generation FORTiS™ enclosed linear encoders offer enhanced metrology and reliability for machine tools
  • WAGO’s smartDESIGNER Online Provides Seamless Progression for Projects
  • Epoxy Certified for UL 1203 Standard
  • The Importance of Industrial Cable Resistance to Chemicals and Oils
  • Optimize, streamline and increase production capacity with pallet-handling conveyor systems
  • Global supply needs drive increased manufacturing footprint development

Design World Podcasts

June 12, 2022
How to avoid over engineering a part
See More >
Engineering Exchange

The Engineering Exchange is a global educational networking community for engineers.

Connect, share, and learn today »

Design World
  • Advertising
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Manage your Design World Subscription
  • Subscribe
  • Design World Digital Network
  • Engineering White Papers
  • LEAP AWARDS

Copyright © 2022 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings