b'TINY TERRORCOVID-19 has upended major manufacturing industries, especially transportation-related ones.By Alan RichterA t 60 to 140 nm (0.000002" to 0.000006") in diameter, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which causes COVID-19, is invisible to an unaided observer but has cre-ated an eye-popping disruption to the manufacturing economy.According to San Francisco-based Fictiv, which offers a digi-tal manufacturing platform, the global manufacturing and sup-ply chain ecosystems have been among the hardest hit by the down-level effects of the pandemic. The companys 2020 State of Manufacturing Report said 89% of surveyed senior deci-sion-makers in the U.S. indicated a direct business impact from COVID-19. The report was based on replies from 215 individuals at manufacturers of medical devices, robotics, automobiles, air-planes and consumer electronics.Nonetheless, some industries have fared better than oth-ers. Due to the need for certain products, such as ventilators and personal protective equipment, the medical industry has boomed since the start of the pandemic, said Chief Operating Officer Jean Olivieri.A lot of part factories have seen a high demand and have been able to produce medical goods that have not been sup-ported beforehand, she said.Overall, 97% of survey respondents said COVID-19 has created business opportunities, and most manufacturing leaders expect the disease to make their companies stronger.Hitting a Speed BumpUnlike medical devices, automotive production wasnt deemed essential from March to early May when stay-at-home orders prevented auto plants from operating.It was a very front-loaded impact, said Eric Anderson, se-nior analyst of North American light vehicle forecasting for IHS Markit Ltd. in London.ctemag.com/cteguide.com17Outlook.indd 17 11/13/20 11:41 AM'