Clear Seas Research, a company of BNP Media, which is Stone World‘s parent company, has been conducting regular surveys entitled “Industry Perspective on the Challenges of Today” to monitor how manufacturers in the architectural, engineering and construction industries are coping with the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Of those polled, 19% were from the northeast, 24% from the west, 25% from the Midwest and 32% from the south. At this time, discussions surrounding the reopening of the U.S. economy have begun. There is existing controversy surrounding the gradual reopening of the economy, with great consideration being given to both the health of people and the economic health of our country. But judging by the results of the survey, as well as talking with industry professionals, there is one point to agree on – now is the time to plan a strategy to retain customers and find new ones for the future.

How to successfully sustain business through this difficult time is certainly at the forefront of most people. Slightly under half (47%) of participants said business is on schedule, which has dropped from 55% last month. A total of 37% are experiencing delays, which has increased from 33% when first polled, and 16% reported job cancellations – up from 12% at the end of March.