Despite a generally mixed near-term outlook for the U.S. economy, manufacturers are continuing to call on design firms for help in staying competitive in an increasingly volatile marketplace.
Firms report that, while automotive and energy manufacturing projects have leveled off, projects related to biotechology, nanomaterials and advanced products for aerospace and other security-sensitive markets have risen. Likewise, food and beverage projects are steady sources of new work, while commodities tend to be market- or product-specific.