Manufacturing businesses are making progress in areas including automation, digital tools and sustainability, but many have yet to embed these practices consistently across their operations, according to a new report by Sandvik Coromant.
The metal-cutting and manufacturing solutions company’s first Manufacturing Wellness Report, based on responses from nearly 1,000 manufacturers globally, gives the industry an overall manufacturing wellness score of 49 out of 100.
Sandvik Coromant introduced the concept of manufacturing wellness in 2023 to describe what it considers a healthy, future-ready manufacturing business. The company defines it as “the state of resilient, thriving manufacturing companies that have a positive impact on people and societies”.
The report assesses eight habits that Sandvik Coromant associates with resilience, productivity and sustainable growth, including developing people, embracing automation, using data effectively, reducing waste, working with partners and improving circularity.
According to the Sandvik Coromant report, progress across these areas remains uneven. Nearly one in four organisations surveyed said they have no access to manufacturing or process-related data, while almost half reported that they do not have a clear understanding of the performance targets set for their teams.
The report also identifies gaps in sustainability practices, with only 19 per cent of respondents reporting that their organisation has a formal circularity policy.
Automation appears more widely adopted, with 69 per cent of respondents reporting at least some automation in their manufacturing operations. However, Sandvik Coromant said the findings indicate that some stages remain less advanced.
The report further highlights external partnerships as a factor associated with stronger manufacturing wellness scores. Sandvik Coromant found that organisations collaborating with third-party partners scored significantly higher overall and were more likely to apply efficiency principles consistently.
“Our first global manufacturing wellness report shows an industry with strong foundations, but also significant unrealised potential,” said Helen Blomqvist, President of Sandvik Coromant.
“Manufacturers are collecting data, investing in technology and identifying skills gaps. The challenge now is to connect these efforts into a structured approach that improves performance across the whole value chain,” Blomqvist said.
Sandvik Coromant said the findings also show that manufacturers are already collecting data, investing in digital tools, exploring automation and taking steps towards greater circularity.
“The positive message from the report is that manufacturers are not starting from zero,” Blomqvist said. “Many already have the tools, technologies and ambition they need to improve performance.”
According to Sandvik Coromant, the opportunity is to connect existing technologies, people and processes through a more structured approach to improving manufacturing performance.
The company has also made its 28-question manufacturing wellness assessment available online. Sandvik Coromant said the assessment takes about 10 minutes to complete and provides manufacturers with a score to help identify strengths and potential areas for improvement.
