Rubix: Manufacturers Optimistic Despite Ongoing Uncertainty

According to the latest Rubix Uptime Index, European manufacturers are growing increasingly confident despite continuing uncertainty surrounding supply chains, geopolitical tensions, economic volatility and workforce shortages. 

First launched in 2025, the index measures the resilience of manufacturers across Europe and how prepared they are to maintain operational uptime amid ongoing disruption. 

The June 2026 findings show manufacturing confidence has increased from 70 to 75 over the past six months, suggesting businesses are becoming more resilient due manufacturers adjusting their operations to better withstand instability.

Manufacturers are proactively strengthening operations to maintain productivity amidst market volatility, rather than waiting for improvement, the report says.

Recruiting talent remains a challenge

David Cullern, Group Vice President of Key Accounts at RUBIX Industrial Supply, highlights the importance of the index: “Across Europe, manufacturers are still operating under pressure. Costs remain volatile, supply chains are more stable but far from predictable, and the availability of skilled staff continues to challenge day-to-day operations. 

“Yet despite this, confidence is rising. The Rubix Uptime Index has increased from 70 to 75 over the past six months. But this is not a story of recovery. It is a story of adaptation. Manufacturers are no longer waiting for stability. They are learning how to operate without it, tightening processes, improving visibility, and making smarter use of the resources available to them.” 

The research suggests this is creating two distinct trends across the sector. Some manufacturers are responding by investing in training and upskilling existing employees, while those struggling to develop or recruit skilled workers report that labour shortages continue to limit operational efficiency.

According to the index, manufacturers demonstrating the highest levels of confidence share three key characteristics. They take proactive action before problems escalate, invest in long-term operational capabilities rather than short-term fixes and combine people, processes and technology to improve resilience instead of relying solely on recruitment.

How manufacturers are adapting

The report identifies several ways manufacturers are strengthening their resilience in response to continued market uncertainty.

One key strategy is reinforcing internal operations by developing more robust systems and maintaining greater visibility across production. This enables businesses to anticipate disruption earlier and make adjustments before production is affected.

Manufacturers are also placing greater emphasis on building reliable supplier relationships. Stronger partnerships provide better visibility into supply chain bottlenecks and component shortages, helping businesses make more informed decisions when sourcing parts or scheduling repairs while supporting more effective equipment and inventory management.

The index also points to the growing role of artificial intelligence within manufacturing. As adoption increases, AI is helping automate routine tasks, improve operational oversight and predict equipment failures, allowing maintenance to be planned more effectively and maximising uptime.

Alongside these measures, Rubix recommends that manufacturers simplify and standardise processes, strengthen collaboration between teams, build systems that reduce manual workloads and make greater use of external expertise to improve long-term resilience.

The index also points to the growing role of AI within manufacturing. As adoption increases, AI is helping automate routine tasks, improve operational oversight and predict equipment failures, allowing maintenance to be planned more effectively and maximising uptime.

Alongside these measures, Rubix recommends that manufacturers simplify and standardise processes, strengthen collaboration between teams, build systems that reduce manual workloads and make greater use of external expertise to improve long-term resilience.