SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- A survey of about 250 Rhode Island manufacturers finds more than 80 percent of respondents plan to add workers in the next three years.
The survey, part of the Rhode Island Manufacturing Renaissance Project, contacted companies with 20 employees or more. Despite their desire to hire, more than half the companies said they were having difficulty finding both entry and advanced-level workers.
Although 56 percent of the respondents have already expanded operations, capital investments remain relatively small. Only 13 percent had made investments of $1 million or more, while 56 percent were under $250,000.
About a third said they need additional financing for capital improvements, research, adding inventory and market expansion. The survey was financed by a $60,000 grant from the Rhode Island Foundation.