Cautious optimism is how most manufacturing executives are approaching the economy over the next six months, according to the results of a recent survey by accounting and consulting firm Baker Tilly. While 57% of respondents said they had a somewhat optimistic" or "very optimistic" outlook for the U.S. economy in the next six months, 47% said the same about the manufacturing sector.

In addition, executives indicated that the massive layoffs that have been occurring at manufacturers of all sizes may be reaching an end. While 20% of respondents indicated they intend to reduce staffing levels over the next six months, 70% said they were planning to keep their staffing levels where they are. On top of that, 9% said they were planning to increase staff.

And while several companies said …