A new report has revealed how manufacturers believe their agility has fallen over the last 12 months, as firms continue to be significantly impacted by recruitment challenges and supply chain disruptions, reports The Manufacturer. In response, many manufacturing organizations are continuing to invest in their products, people, premises and processes.

The 2022 Manufacturing Agility Assessment, which was launched November 15 at Smart Factory Expo in Liverpool, U.K., painted a worrying picture of labor shortages and supply chain disruption, with 55% saying they have been significantly impacted when it comes to recruitment in the last year and 69% citing issues with sourcing material and components.

Conducted by tech specialist HSO and industry experts Hennik Research, the survey also revealed that nearly four fifths of companies had accelerated investment in products, people, premises and processes to mitigate world events — a 17% rise on the previous year.

This was reinforced by 76% admitting they had diversified activities to overcome global shocks and just over two thirds of the total 100 respondents (67%) stockpiling inventory during the past 12 months.

“The need to remain agile and the ability to adapt and react to changing situations is critical if firms want to not only survive but thrive,” said Grace Gilling, managing director of Hennik Research. “That’s why it’s so encouraging to see nearly four fifths of manufacturers increasing investment to mitigate economic shocks.”