The 2025-2026 Wisconsin Manufacturing Report shows confidence in the business climate despite workforce shortages, shifting tariffs and other market challenges.
Released by the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity, the fifth annual report utilizes over 400 interviews with manufacturing executives and four statewide focus groups to gather its data.
Some of the key findings include the growing influence of AI in manufacturing, with companies seeing it as an important tool, and slightly better hiring pools, though retaining skilled workers is still a top concern.
Another key finding includes three in four executives saying automation was important to offset worker shortages, and confidence in the business climate and financial outlooks is positive.
“As manufacturers face ongoing uncertainty, this year’s report confirms something important — Wisconsin manufacturers are resilient, optimistic and ready to act,” Buckley Brinkman, executive director and CEO of WCMP, said in a statement. “By focusing on productivity, workforce development and smart technology adoption, manufacturers can turn today’s confidence into long-term competitive advantage.”
Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry employs nearly 480,000 workers and generates over $72 billion in gross state product.
The report was produced by the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity in collaboration with the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership Network, including WMEP Manufacturing Solutions and the University of Wisconsin–Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center.
