In its Q4 2014 Manufacturing Barometer, PwC found that 68 percent of senior manufacturing executives were optimistic about the U.S. economy, up from 57 percent in the third quarter. Optimism about the global economy also improved, to 38 percent from 30 percent in the last quarter.

Manufacturers told PwC they expected to finish 2014 with revenue up an average of 5.2 percent, a significant boost from a third quarter estimate of 4.6 percent. Moreover, executives forecast revenue in 2015 to grow by 5.8 percent. Some 85 percent expect positive revenue growth over the next 12 months, including with 17 percent who expect double-digit growth.

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