BATON ROUGE — The Industry Economic Outlook Index measured 65 on Monday, remaining above the expansion threshold of 50 despite a shifting workforce, geopolitical and economic uncertainty, according to the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance. 

The survey was conducted in late September through early October with 30 participants from across Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, St. Charles, St. Landry, St. James, St. John the Baptist and West Baton Rouge parishes. 

According to the survey, most plant managers expect production, employment and capital investment to remain unchanged in the coming quarter, with about 40% of respondents expecting their company's capital investment to increase.

Plant managers identified several factors that could affect operations and investment decisions in the coming months, including seasonal demands, skilled trade shortages and the workforce shifting to other areas due to housing market issues, tariffs, tax competitiveness and increasing labor costs.

While the economy and workforce continue to develop in the Baton Rouge area, most manufacturers predict stability with room for growth due to expansions and changing needs.