The latest Barometer survey by Price Waterhouse Coopers has found that US manufacturers are positive about the state of the US economy, as well as their own sales performance.
Some 52% of industrial manufacturers surveyed said they plan major new investments over the coming year, up 13% since the last survey three months ago. Furthermore, 75% said they will invest in R&D, while 35% plan to buy another business.
Bobby Bono, PwC’s US industrial manufacturing head, said: “Companies have maintained historically high levels of liquidity and are increasingly looking to put this money to work in strengthening their operations, adding talent and improving technology in a highly competitive market place.
"Plans for R&D spending reached the highest level in the past five quarters, as management teams look to differentiate their products and enhance the value proposition they offer to their customers.”