There is a strong case for contract manufacturing (CM) to be recognised as an industrial sector in its own right. It has quite different needs from the dedicated manufacturing function in companies that produce for their own markets. But it is currently lumped in with all manufacturing in terms of national statistics and planning. Imagine your dream job. It might include being given all the thinking time that you need, with plenty of fired-up, like-minded people around to discuss new ideas and challenges, state-of-the-art software tools at your disposal when you need them, the chance to travel to clients and suppliers around the world, and opportunities to deliver papers at international conferences.