Mixed outlook for manufacturing as momentum slows

CHICAGO – Some manufacturers are hunkering down, others are marching on and a few are moving out of their comfort zones. This mixed pattern is likely to stretch through the middle part of next year, when the fog of uncertainty is expected to lift. In the interim, many manufacturers appear to be stalled. “There is a bit of disconnect between manufacturing in 2012 and 2013,” said Adolfo Laurenti, deputy chief economist at Mesirow Financial. He explained that the past year’s momentum largely has hit a wall. Manufacturers worry that expiring tax cuts, the possibility of tax hikes and government spending cuts could push the U.S.