Economy Drives Manufacturers To Go Lean
By David Feldman at 10 February, 2009, 4:17 am
Today’s manufacturing leaders and plant managers are looking to extend the performance of their production assets, just as consumers are waiting another year to buy a new car or washing machine. A majority say they would outsource non-core functions, specifically, the maintenance of their production machinery and assets, in order to bolster against recession, according to a survey by Advanced Technology Services and Nielsen.
Read More >>Bankruptcies to Extend into 2010
By David Feldman at 9 December, 2008, 4:43 am
The aftershocks of the current recession are likely to be felt well into 2010, according to a study released today by Bain & Company. The study finds that bankruptcies of U.S. companies with $100 million or more in assets will approach 100 in 2010. The estimate is based on an analysis of macroeconomic trends including a projected default rate of 7-9% of corporate issuers of speculative debt (rated B or lower) and a $500 billion shift away from consumer spending to consumer savings. Large company bankruptcies currently are tracking to be in the 50-75 range in 2008, which is in line with the Bain CRG Spring 2008 outlook. The study estimates bankruptcies next year to surge into the 95-120 range, an upward forecast from the spring based on the recent economic downward forecasts for the economy.
Read More >>How Will the Economy Affect Retail Sales this Holiday Season?
By David Feldman at 17 November, 2008, 9:22 am
The holiday season is a key time for retailers each year; however with the current state of the economy, retailers may have to become more strategic with how they operate in the coming months. In a recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive, 84% of U.S. adults are currently taking steps to save money as a result of the current economic climate. According to the survey, 70% of adults are reducing their discretionary spending. Only one-in-four U.S. adults are still willing to splurge this holiday season, given the economic times.
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