(Des Moines, IA) -- A survey of Iowa manufacturers finds positive sentiment for the first quarter of 2021. The Iowa Association of Business and Industry is expecting stronger sales, capital expenditures, and hiring.
“The survey results are incredibly positive for Iowa’s economy,” said ABI President Mike Ralston. “This is a great way to build momentum as we begin the new year.”
ABI surveyed its board members in early December 2020. The survey found:
- 55% of survey respondents expect sales to expand over the next quarter.
- 52% expect the number of employees in their business to grow in Q1. That’s compared to 37% last quarter.
- 68% of survey respondents plan to make capital expenditures in Q1. That’s compared to 57% last quarter.
Ralston says the biggest issue remains finding people who want to work and learn a trade. He says manufacturers are experiencing shortages at every level of their operation, and the situation has been even more challenging during the pandemic.