Poll: manufacturing a national priority

Industry might be taking a beating in this economy, but poll suggests that Americans recognize the importance of manufacturing in the economic landscape.

According to a survey released by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute, 71 percent of Americans call manufacturing as a national priority, while 59 percent of respondents believe the U.S. “effectively” competes globally.

Manufacturing’s role in economic prosperity received significant weight in the survey, greater than technology, energy, healthcare, retail and financial services.

“Americans clearly still believe that manufacturing remains the backbone of the economy,” says Craig Giffi, Deloitte vice chairman.

But the poll suggests some troubling signs as well. Only 17 percent of those surveyed see manufacturing as one of the top two industries to find a job.