It's important not only to determine which areas of the country are the most receptive to manufacturing businesses, but why, and for what industries? Knowing this can help companies make plans for how to develop their operations further, using tools like manufacturing software.

A study from Monster.com recently released information around the current status of manufacturing. According to the rankings, released through Businesswire, Houston, Texas represents the best manufacturing market, topping a list that includes other well-known cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

Among the different sub-branches of manufacturing listed as prime sources of jobs are "pharmaceutical preparation" and the manufacturing of things like medical, broadcasting and navigation equipment. The specific kinds of jobs needed in these sectors appear to be welders, general production workers and supervisors, with this last one being in the most demand.

Although this same study contains information stating that manufacturing employees are unhappy, Monster's Vice President of Global Insights, Jeffery Quinn, cites the findings as good news for the American economy.

"With conditions in the US economy turning more favorable for manufacturing in general, there are several indicators that manufacturing jobs are returning to the US as evidenced by recent public announcements," Quinn said, optimistically.

A manufacturing company that is based in Indiana might notice that their operations are already solvent within this state. If your company has yet to fully select an area in which to establish a "base of operations," they can start by setting up not just the best physical location but acquiring suitable manufacturing software systems as well. With demand high, it may be a wise moment for business owners to consider focusing their resources on expanding.