Manufacturing leads the charge for change

The multi-industry survey, commissioned by Microsoft Dynamics, found that one fifth (20%) of all manufacturing companies in the UK has undergone a sale, merger or acquisition in the last 12 months and a further 15% expect to undergo the same process – as well as experiencing much other change – during the coming year. The M&A finding reflects Works Management’s own background research for a February feature on the subject (www.worksmanagement.co.uk/article/17092/Wholly-matrimony.aspx). Even with the credit crunch having a firm hold on the sector, almost six in 10 manufacturing companies surveyed (59%) said they were experiencing more change now that this time one year ago - more than any other sector. This is led by product and services development (57%), with change to technology infrastructure (51%) and to business systems and processes (47%) following closely behind. The research also found that for 70% of manufacturing companies, the majority of changes will involve amendments to existing technology infrastructure. With manufacturing having the highest scores for new products and for new purchasing restrictions, there is evidence that companies are taking a rounded view of the need for change.