The Indiana Manufacturers Association (IMA), an industry advocacy organization, recently conducted surveys to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the manufacturing sector in the state and found manufacturers remain optimistic despite the economic downturn, according to a press release from the IMA.

The organization notes that more respondents assessed their outlook as optimistic or very optimistic in the June survey than did in May. Looking further out toward the next two years, 64% of respondents gave an optimistic or very optimistic rating to their expectations in the next 18 to 24 months.

"Manufacturers' optimism remains high even as they make changes to their businesses to protect the health of employees," IMA President and CEO Brian Burton said in the press release. "The IMA continues in to support manufacturers through timely webinars with various partners, the promotion of Purdue MEP's Returning to Work Guide, a supply list where manufacturers may purchase personal protective equipment and safety gear, a resource page with links to valuable information and past webinar materials/recordings, and a forum for the exchange of information among forum members."

A total of 94 respondents to the June survey answered the question: “How optimistic are you about your future operations.” No respondent gave a rating lower than three on a scale that went from one to 10. Twenty-two respondents rated their optimism at eight, 13 of them chose nine and 17 went with 10.

In total, 15 respondents rated their optimism as five or lower.

Participants also responded to the question: “What is your outlook for the health of your business in the next 6-12 months?” The largest group, 39 respondents, rated their outlook as “stable.” Only 20 of the 94 respondents gave a “pessimistic” rating to their outlook.

Those with questions are also encouraged to reach out to the IMA at chickey@indianamfg.com.