A colder-than-normal January pushed industrial production up significantly as utility production rose 9.9% on the month—the highest rate on record—according to a report from the Federal Reserve on Wednesday. Overall industrial production volume, as a result, advanced by 1.4% in January from a decrease ... READ MORE >
Industrials
Labor shortage remains a major challenge for oil and gas: Spring 2022 outlook
At a glance Oil and gas companies are facing a labor shortage that poses serious risk to the industry’s efforts to recover from the tumult of the past two years. Some workers are moving to the renewable energy space, while others are leaving the industry altogether to join other, more lucrative or ... READ MORE >
Rising capex investments require ‘new collar’ workers: Spring 2022 outlook
At a glance Since the last economic recession, the industrial sector has lagged others in capital goods investments, but 2021 saw record industrial spending in this area as companies played catch-up. This elevated spending could have important implications for the industry’s future, especially on ... READ MORE >
The automotive sector as a blueprint for robotics in manufacturing: Spring 2022 outlook
At a glance While the automotive industry today has the highest robotic density compared to other manufacturing sectors, demand for automation is growing outside of the auto space. In 2020, U.S. non-automotive manufacturers’ robotics orders, led by the electronics industry with 23% growth, ... READ MORE >
Robots rise on the shop floor: Spring 2022 outlook
At a glance Labor challenges, along with the fact that capital is still readily accessible, have strengthened the case for companies to make investments in robotics and automation. The International Federation of Robotics projects the recent economic boom following the pandemic’s initial sharp ... READ MORE >
Manufacturing and energy industry outlook: Spring 2022
Robotics and automation will be crucial areas of focus for manufacturing and energy companies in the year ahead, especially as businesses across these sectors continue to navigate labor challenges, adapt to supply chain disruptions and hone their digital strategies. Our spring edition of The Real ... READ MORE >
Manufacturing slowed in January as labor market remained tight
Manufacturing slowed in January as demand moderated from a recent high in November, according to a report from the Institute for Supply Management on Tuesday. The top-line purchasing managers’ index fell to 57.6 on the month from 58.8 previously—the lowest since November 2020. Still, one should not ... READ MORE >
RSM US Manufacturing Outlook Index: Omicron’s dampening effect
The RSM US Manufacturing Outlook Index receded again in January, providing another indication of the direct effect of the omicron variant on the business community and a sign of the eventual moderation of the post-crisis surge in growth. While the manufacturing sector continued to grow, the ... READ MORE >
This week in energy: Oil releases, Ukraine tensions, Canada investments
In this week's energy industry analysis, we take a look at the release of more oil from U.S. strategic reserves, the swing in natural gas prices amid tensions between Ukraine and Russia, and an anticipated spike in oil and gas investment in Canada. Efforts continue to boost oil supply The U.S. ... READ MORE >
Chart of the day: Industrial production inched down in December
The omicron variant’s spread put pressure on industrial production in December as production declined by 0.1%, missing the estimate of a 0.2% increase on the month, according to data from the Federal Reserve on Friday. The unexpected decline was mostly offset by an upward revision of 0.2 percentage ... READ MORE >