The latest Contract Manufacturing Index (CMI) for the second quarter of 2021 showed a 57% increase on the same quarter last year. Although slightly down (-8%) on Q1 2021, the month of June recorded the highest market figures since August last year. Indeed, at the end of June, the market was some 10% higher than in the quarter preceding the pandemic. This strong growth has continued into July but the market is still very sensitive to uncertainty in material supplies, transport shortages and the number of people having to self-isolate due to the Covid-19 ‘pingdemic’.

Sourcing specialist Qimtek produces the CMI, which reflects the total purchasing budget for outsourced manufacturing of companies looking to place business in any given month. This represents a sample of over 4000 companies that could be placing business. Together, these companies have a purchasing budget of more than £3.4bn and a base of over 7000 suppliers.

For further information www.qimtek.co.uk