(ASQ: Milwaukee) -- A vast majority of manufacturers are optimistic about an economic uptick in 2011 at their organizations, according to the second-annual ASQ Manufacturing Outlook Survey. The survey states 68 percent of respondents employed in the manufacturing sector predict their organizations will experience revenue growth. This outlook is a bit brighter than for 2010.

Despite the economic landscape, a year ago, 64.7 percent of respondents predicted that revenue would grow in 2010. This year, when asked if their organization did experience revenue growth, 67 percent indicated “yes.” More than 1,200 manufacturing professionals from the United States and Canada responded to the online survey between October and Nov. 5.

The two areas from the survey that showed the most promise were in payroll and operational budgets:

• Only 18 percent expect a pay freeze at their organizations in 2011, compared to 44.8 percent in 2010
• The survey shows that 18 percent predict mandatory budget cuts in 2011, whereas 35.2 percent did in 2010

Of the other 2011 organizational options offered, respondents anticipate:

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