MADISON, WI – [December 30, 2025] – The Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity (WCMP) released the published 2025-2026 Wisconsin Manufacturing Report. The fifth annual report is data-driven analysis of the state’s manufacturing sector that provides a comprehensive look at the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping Wisconsin manufacturing. The report was developed from interviews with more than 400 manufacturing executives and four statewide focus groups.
Manufacturing remains the backbone of Wisconsin’s economy, employing nearly 480,000 workers and generating more than $72 billion in gross state product. The 2025–2026 report finds that manufacturers remain historically confident in both the business climate in general and their own companies’ outlook despite navigating workforce shortages, shifting tariffs, and other market uncertainties.
Key Findings:
- Workforce Challenges Persist, but Pressure Is Easing – Manufacturers continue to cite attracting and retaining skilled workers as their top concern. While hiring remains difficult, fewer executives report extreme difficulty finding talent, particularly among larger firms. Flexible approaches and investments in wages, training, and technology remain central workforce strategies.
- AI Moves into the Mainstream – For the first time, most Wisconsin manufacturers embrace artificial intelligence. Most see AI as an important tool rather than a transformational force, and adoption is accelerating across administrative, operational, and production-related applications.
- Growth Returns as a Priority – Improved productivity, capacity optimization, and a renewed focus on domestic markets are driving growth strategies. For the first time in several years, manufacturers are actively pursuing new customers, with referrals and word-of-mouth remaining the leading source of new business.
- Automation Being Used to Offset Worker Shortages – Three in four executives say automation is critical to their company’s future, though budget and financing constraints continue to limit adoption, particularly for smaller manufacturers.
- Optimism at Record Levels – Confidence in the business climate and company financial outlook has reached its highest point since the report began, signaling readiness to invest and grow when uncertainty subsides.
“As manufacturers face ongoing uncertainty, this year’s report confirms something important—Wisconsin manufacturers are resilient, optimistic, and ready to act,” said Buckley Brinkman, Executive Director & CEO of WCMP. “By focusing on productivity, workforce development, and smart technology adoption, manufacturers can turn today’s confidence into long-term competitive advantage.
“The Wisconsin Manufacturing Report can help manufacturers, policymakers, educators, and economic development leaders make informed decisions based on these objective, actionable insights into the state’s largest industry.”
The report was produced by the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity in collaboration with the Wisconsin MEP Network, including WMEP Manufacturing Solutions and the UW–Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center, with sponsorship from First Business Bank, Top Floor Technologies, and Chortek.
To access the full 2025–2026 Wisconsin Manufacturing Report, visit www.wicmp.org.
For media inquiries or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Joylynn Gilles
Phone: 608.729.4151
Email: gilles@wicmp.org
About WCMP
The Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity (WCMP) advances the competitiveness of Wisconsin manufacturers by delivering research, insights, and strategic support. WCMP collaborates with industry, education, and government partners to ensure manufacturers have the information and resources needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.