Solutions for future-ready manufacturing
Manufacturers today face a complex mix of economic, technological and workforce uncertainty. Navigating this environment requires agility and innovation, but achieving that isn’t easy without the right people, resources and digital foundation.
Whether you’re experiencing an increase in prices or greater energy and logistics expectations, your company is likely seeing significantly squeezed profit margins.
Manufacturers are shifting focus to operational optimization to protect margins and help ensure long-term viability in this inflationary environment. And this drive for efficiency is pushing many to rethink how they deploy both technology and talent.
From automating repetitive tasks to streamlining production workflows, success increasingly depends on how well companies can integrate digital tools with a skilled workforce.
Adopting new manufacturing technologies
Smart manufacturing is no longer optional for companies looking to stay competitive and drive profitability — it’s a strategic imperative. By leveraging connected systems and real-time data, manufacturers can unlock greater efficiency, agility and insight.
However, the path to smart manufacturing isn’t always straightforward. For many equipment-intensive operations, the cost and complexity of retrofitting or replacing legacy systems can be a significant barrier. Integrating new technologies into aging infrastructure requires careful planning, investment and a clear understanding of operational priorities.
To fully realize the benefits of tech investments, companies need more than just new systems. Success depends on a well-defined digital strategy, scalable infrastructure and strong change management practices, including comprehensive employee training and support.
Building the right technology foundation helps manufacturers turn digital transformation into a powerful driver of growth and resilience.
Navigating manufacturing labor challenges
The pressure to find skilled labor is increasing as manufacturing industry operations and technologies grow more complex. Yet many companies are struggling to find workers who have experience with advanced machinery, especially in the face of an aging workforce and a shrinking talent pipeline.
To address this challenge, manufacturers are investing in upskilling and reskilling programs to build internal capabilities. Others are turning to automation, deploying technologies like robotic welding and CNC machining to reduce reliance on manual labor and maintain productivity.
Regardless of the approach, bridging the skills gap is essential. Manufacturers must not only develop technical talent but also cultivate leadership readiness to support long-term operational success. Maintaining a resilient talent pipeline is key to sustaining performance in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven environment.
Engaging experienced manufacturing consulting services
With over 90 years of experience serving manufacturers across the U.S., Wipfli’s manufacturing consulting professionals know the strategies and tools you need to drive sustainable growth.
Our advisors work closely with your leadership team to identify barriers to profitability, efficiency and scalability — then guide you through practical, results-oriented solutions. We also take a process-based approach, working to understand your business’s unique demands so that our support is targeted to your specific needs.
Tax services
Minimize exposure and maximize opportunities with support for tax planning, accounting and compliance. We help you navigate the complex tax landscape, including tariffs, and take full advantage of opportunities such as R&D credits, energy incentives, hiring incentives and cost segregation studies.
Outsourced services
Wipfli’s manufacturing outsourcing services can help you reduce the cost and complexity of managing your back office and focus on high-value work. Our flexible, scalable support for key functions, including HR, IT, operations and finance connects you with the experienced staff and leadership you need to drive growth.
Organizational performance consulting
Wipfli’s organizational performance services start with data. We leverage our manufacturing benchmarking and assessment services to help you take a data-based approach to enhance your strategy and operations, including support for strategic planning and production optimization. We also offer leadership development services that help you leverage people data to increase retention and improve workplace culture.
Digital services
Wipfli helps manufacturers navigate rising costs and rapid tech disruption by aligning technology investments with strategic business goals. Our technology services for manufacturing span critical areas including ERP, CRM, cybersecurity, data analytics and e-commerce. With a process-driven approach, we help you make high-impact tech decisions.
Transaction advisory services
Maximize value at every stage of the M&A life cycle with end-to-end transaction advisory services. From buy- and sell-side support to financial due diligence, tax strategy, and post-deal integration, Wipfli combines deep industry expertise with agile execution to drive sustainable growth.
International expansion services
Access tailored, industry-experienced guidance to help your business scale profitably and sustainably. We help manufacturers grow globally with support including services for transfer pricing, global supply chains and international tax compliance.
Assurance services
Wipfli’s assurance services for manufacturers provide the financial clarity and compliance confidence needed to navigate today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Our manufacturing audit and accounting services go beyond compliance, offering actionable insights to identify risk, optimize performance and support strategic decision-making.
Private client services
Wipfli supports manufacturing leaders with private client services that bridge the gap between business success and personal finances. Our team delivers guidance for tax strategy, wealth transfer, business transition planning and more — all tailored to your unique needs and financial goals.
Risk advisory services
Wipfli’s risk advisory services offer a strategic, enterprisewide approach to identifying and mitigating risk. From ESG and internal controls to cybersecurity and fraud prevention, Wipfli delivers integrated solutions that help manufacturers protect assets, maintain compliance and build long-term resilience.
Who we serve
Wipfli serves a full range of manufacturers, including plastics, metal forming, equipment, tool and die, stamping, molding, die casting and precision machining.
With comprehensive manufacturing services reaching your operations, finance, technology and workforce development, we’re equipped to support nearly every aspect of your business transformation.
Our team
Mike Devereux, CPA, CMP
Mike Devereux has identified millions of dollars in tax incentives for manufacturing clients, led hundreds of research and development (R&D) tax credit study engagements and demonstrated leadership and exceptional judgment in the tax structuring of various acquisitions. He speaks nationally to various professional and industry trade organizations and associations about opportunities to reduce federal and state tax liabilities and has written dozens of articles for trade publications.
Laurie Harbour
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.
Rob Kane, CPA
Rob Kane is a tax partner in Wipfli’s Madison office. He is an accomplished CPA and business advisor with more than 25 years of experience in providing tax, audit, accounting and business solutions to organizations including privately held, private equity-owned, and ESOP/employee-owned businesses.
Sean LaFortune, CPA
Sean LaFortune is a partner in Wipfli’s outsourced CFO and controller service line. With over 20 years of experience in providing advisory services, his extensive consulting background includes clients in a broad spectrum of industries, specializing in manufacturing and distribution.
Nathan J. Henrigillis, CPA, MST, MPA
Nathan Henrigillis works with closely held and family-owned businesses in the manufacturing and distribution sectors, providing them and their ownership group with tax compliance and planning services. His tax planning and compliance expertise enables him to identify additional tax planning opportunities, thereby adding more value for his clients.
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