Manufacturing is challenging because it requires large investment in hard assets.  The skills of the workforce and periodic shortages of materials make it even more complex.  In order to survive and succeed, many manufacturing organizations are transitioning to more of a marketing and sales mindset and are using innovation of product and/or process to differentiate themselves.  Out of necessity, they are also becoming more efficient partners in the supply chain.  In almost 30 years of working with manufacturers, we see these patterns in the most powerful manufacturing companies.  (These patterns also represent huge opportunities.)

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