What did 456 manufacturing leaders tell Wipfli about the key trends shaping the industry’s future?
The manufacturing industry now faces enormous pressure and rapid change. How are your peers adapting to meet the moment?
To help answer that question, we conducted the 2026 Wipfli manufacturing benchmarking report. During the study, we spoke with 456 manufacturers, who shared key insights and trends, including:
- 60% of respondents expect an increase in revenue from 2025 to 2026, leading to an overall boost in sentiment from 2025.
- However, profit margins are shrinking as costs go up on multiple fronts: Labor, materials, fuel and tariffs.
- To stay profitable, manufacturing businesses are seeking to improve operational efficiency through workforce and technology investments.
What could all this mean for your company?
Get the 2026 manufacturing benchmarking report to learn how to navigate today’s challenges
If you are a 2026 survey participant, you have special access to the results. Use the password provided to you via email to download your copy of the report.
Non-participants can buy a copy by emailing Cara Walton at cara.walton@wipfli.com.
Includes the executive summary, manufacturing pulse results and comprehensive analysis across financials, operations, technology and investments, sales and workforce.
Includes the executive summary, manufacturing pulse results and analysis across operations, technology and investments, sales and workforce.
Includes the executive summary and an overview of the operations, sales and workforce sections.
Go deeper with custom benchmarking studies
Wipfli offers custom benchmarking services to help you compare your company against top performers or peer groups. Every quarter, we collect and analyze data from 350+ companies in molding, die casting, metal forming, forging, tool building and precision machining. Then, we apply that data to help your company:
- Pinpoint cost and efficiency opportunities.
- Evaluate market and customer trends.
- Make informed decisions about equipment, technology and site planning.
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