Slowing of U.S. Economy Leads to Decrease in Domestic Optimism, Says PricewaterhouseCoopers

Coinciding with new hiring plans and expansion into new markets, 41 percent of industrial manufacturers expressed concern over the lack of qualified workers and 39 percent were concerned about competition from foreign markets.

There were also more cost and price increases during the first quarter of 2007. Fifty-one percent of industrial manufacturers cited cost increases and 39 percent raised their prices. Looking out over the upcoming year, only 21 percent considered decreased profitability as a potential barrier to company growth.