Laurie Harbour

Partner, Wipfli Advisory LLC

Location: Detroit, MI
Contact: +1 248 306 9805
Email: laurie.harbour@wipfli.com

Laurie Harbour is a partner with more than 35 years of manufacturing and consulting experience. Prior to joining Wipfli, she was the co-owner of Harbour Results, Inc., and has spent her career helping clients develop strategies, improve operations, reduce risk and optimize business performance. Clients benefit from Laurie’s ability to work with leadership teams to assess the current state of their business and provide strategic and operation recommendations for improvement.

Benchmarking
Digital and analytics
Strategy and operations

American Mold Builders Association – former Board Member
Manufacturers Association of Plastic Processors – former Board Member
Precision MetalForming Association – Board Member
North American Die Casting Association – Advisor
Forging Industry Association — Advisor
2018 Plastics News Automotive Newsmaker of the Year
Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Women in Manufacturing Recipients
Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame Inductee
Plastics News — Women Breaking the Mold

University of Michigan-Dearborn

Bachelor of arts degree in operations management and human resources

INDUSTRY EXPERTISE

Manufacturing

SERVICES

Performance management Technology consulting

Thursday, October 30, 2025
Celebrate Michigan Manufacturing Excellence (opens in new tab)
Publication: Michigan Manufacturers Association
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Manufacturing at a Crossroads: Navigating Uncertainty with Strategy, Technology, and Workforce Renewal (opens in new tab)
Publication: Quality Magazine
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
PODCAST: Laurie Harbour on future of EVs & more from OEM lens (opens in new tab)
Publication: Auto Remarketing

Latest case studies, resources, and insights

ARTICLE | FABRICATED METALS
How a “shop-to-floor” strategy improves operational performance for metalformers
Learn how a metal formers’ operational strategy built on shop-floor data, KPIs and real-time insights improves operational performance and drives sustainable growth.
Learn More
ARTICLE | AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING
Is reshoring actually happening? Here’s what automotive supply manufacturers should know.
Seeking refuge from high tariffs, some auto parts suppliers are giving reshoring a second look. Learn why embracing automation and new tax incentives can make it work.
Learn More
ARTICLE | AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING
Automotive nearshoring: Should auto parts manufacturers consider moving to Mexico?
More auto parts manufacturers are exploring nearshoring production to Mexico to confront rising costs and tariff challenges. Could it make sense for your business?
Learn More
ARTICLE | MANUFACTURING
2026 manufacturing industry outlook: It’s going to be another tough year. Here’s what you can do.
2026 will be another tough year for manufacturing. But if you refocus on what you can control, you can adapt, rebuild and come out stronger on the other side.
Learn More
ARTICLE | MANUFACTURING
Building a smarter sales strategy for manufacturers
Build a smarter sales strategy for manufacturing. Learn how to align sales, operations and leadership to turn busy work into sustainable growth.
Learn More
ARTICLE | MANUFACTURING
Business leaders confront tariff uncertainty as costs mount
Navigate mounting tariff uncertainty with strategic planning. Learn how businesses adapt operations, manage costs and build resilience amid changing trade policies.
Learn More
WEBINAR | DISTRIBUTION
Policy pulse: Trade and tariff developments
Attend this webinar to learn how new trade and tariff policies may affect businesses in the U.S.
Learn More
ARTICLE | MANUFACTURING
Tariffs are not a strategy: A call for action in U.S. manufacturing
See how manufacturers dealing with the current tariff situation can look beyond the short term to enhance operations and position themselves for future success.
Learn More
WEBINAR | DISTRIBUTION
Tariff strategies: Adapting in a changing landscape
You need to know what’s happening with global tariffs and trade policies. Our webinar will help you understand how trade policies are evolving and affecting you.
Learn More
ARTICLE | MANUFACTURING
Trump’s proposed auto tariffs’ impact on the supply chain and consumers
Newly proposed tariffs on automotive manufacturing are set to have a big impact on the industry, setting off a ripple effect across the entire supply chain. Learn how your business may be affectedand how to protect yourself against regulatory uncertainty.
Learn More
ARTICLE | MANUFACTURING
Understanding the new tariff landscape: Insights for manufacturers
New tariff and trade policies are creating uncertainty for manufacturers. Learn what’s ahead and how to prepare.
Learn More
ARTICLE | MANUFACTURING
Manufacturing’s 2025 renaissance starts with a strategic pause
Manufacturing’s strategic pause wasn’t about waiting — it was about transformation. See how successful manufacturers are using this period to strengthen operations and prepare for an industry renaissance in 2025.
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ARTICLE | MANUFACTURING
Mastering manufacturing excellence: The role of benchmarking and best practices
Discover how benchmarking and best practices drive manufacturing excellence, improve operational efficiency, and set realistic goals for sustained success.
Learn More
ARTICLE | MANUFACTURING
Charting your course on the technology roadmap
Technology is your key to success in manufacturing. Learn how you can get set up for success.
Learn More
ARTICLE | MANUFACTURING
A revenue roadmap: Mapping out your sales strategy
Formalizing your sales strategy and process is a key to success in the manufacturing industry. Learn how you can find your edge and reach your target customers.
Learn More
ARTICLE | MANUFACTURING
Drive awareness and action to optimize your product launch process
Having solid processes in place to optimize your product launches can help grow your company. Learn more about the importance of this critical part of business.
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ARTICLE | MANUFACTURING
Managing talent problems: Is HR or operations responsible?
Attracting and retaining top talent is more important than ever in manufacturing. See how you can hire smarter and build a winning team.
Learn More
ARTICLE | MANUFACTURING
The four dimensions of competitive positioning
A one-dimensional approach to competitive positioning in manufacturing can leave your company missing out on opportunities. Learn how to excel in all four dimensions of positioning.
Learn More

Laurie Harbour

Focus Areas

Professional Membership and Activities

Education

Celebrate Michigan Manufacturing Excellence (opens in new tab)

Manufacturing at a Crossroads: Navigating Uncertainty with Strategy, Technology, and Workforce Renewal (opens in new tab)

PODCAST: Laurie Harbour on future of EVs & more from OEM lens (opens in new tab)

How a “shop-to-floor” strategy improves operational performance for metalformers

Is reshoring actually happening? Here’s what automotive supply manufacturers should know.

Automotive nearshoring: Should auto parts manufacturers consider moving to Mexico?

2026 manufacturing industry outlook: It’s going to be another tough year. Here’s what you can do.

Building a smarter sales strategy for manufacturers

Business leaders confront tariff uncertainty as costs mount

Policy pulse: Trade and tariff developments

Tariffs are not a strategy: A call for action in U.S. manufacturing

Tariff strategies: Adapting in a changing landscape

Trump’s proposed auto tariffs’ impact on the supply chain and consumers

Understanding the new tariff landscape: Insights for manufacturers

Manufacturing’s 2025 renaissance starts with a strategic pause

Mastering manufacturing excellence: The role of benchmarking and best practices

Charting your course on the technology roadmap

A revenue roadmap: Mapping out your sales strategy

Drive awareness and action to optimize your product launch process

Managing talent problems: Is HR or operations responsible?

The four dimensions of competitive positioning