Making Way May 2025

The Wisconsin Manufacturing Report

In March the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity (WCMP) released its 2024-25 Wisconsin Manufacturing Report. This fourth-annual study featured interviews with 400 manufacturing executives and five focus groups across Wisconsin, plus added perspectives from industry leaders.

The report was produced in collaboration with WMEP Manufacturing Solutions, UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center, and the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Network, with sponsorship from First Business Bank and Top Floor Technologies.

Key report findings included:

• The biggest challenge facing manufacturers continues to be attracting and retaining skilled workers. The labor shortage is driving increased investments in employee retention, training programs and automation.
• More manufacturers are integrating artificial intelligence into administrative functions, with growing interest in AI-driven production efficiencies. Simultaneously, cybersecurity awareness is increasing, with more companies taking proactive steps to protect their data.
• While fewer manufacturers believe Wisconsin’s economy is growing, confidence in their own company’s financial outlook remains high, with businesses focusing on innovation and efficiency.
• Manufacturers are leveraging automation to enhance productivity, with large firms leading the way. However, financial constraints remain a key obstacle for smaller companies looking to implement new technologies.
• Wisconsin’s diverse manufacturing base continues to provide stability, resilience and a competitive edge in the national and global markets.

“As we navigate a rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, this report provides a clear roadmap for Wisconsin manufacturers to stay competitive,” said Buckley Brinkman, executive director & CEO of WCMP. “By embracing new technologies, addressing workforce challenges, and capitalizing on industry strengths, we can build a more resilient and innovative manufacturing sector.”

Listen for more insights:

On May 8, Buckley Brinkman joined IOM Editor Kate Bruns and NEW Manufacturing Alliance Executive Director Ann Franz on the NEW Manufacturing Insights podcast. Hear more from Brinkman about the study and how WCMP is navigating the latest global manufacturing challenges and economic concerns at insightonbusiness.com/podcasts.

Read the full report online: wicmp.org/report-conclusions/2024-wi-manufacturing-report

UWO names new chancellor

Manohar Singh, interim president of Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, Connecticut, has been named the next chancellor of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, the UW Board of Regents announced last month. Singh will assume the leadership post July 1. “As a first-generation college graduate, Manohar Singh believes in the power of higher education to improve lives and is a collaborative leader who builds consensus,” said Jay Rothman, president of the Universities of Wisconsin. “His background in finance and administration will further benefit UW Oshkosh.”

Safety first

Neenah Foundry was among the manufacturing recipients of the Wisconsin Safety Council’s 31st annual Workplace Safety Awards, which were presented April 14-16 at the organization’s annual conference in Wisconsin Dells. Officials said the Workplace Safety Awards, previously known as the Corporate Safety Awards, were renamed this year to put more emphasis on the team members who promote safety and well-being, highlighting the joint effort required to maintain safe workplaces.

On the map

Experts discussed technology, tariffs and Wisconsin’s circular bio-economy at the annual Port of Green Bay Symposium April 17. “We walked away with a lot of valuable insights from this year’s symposium,” said Port Director Dean Haen. “We really thank our speakers and all those who participated and engaged with them. They gave us a deeper understanding of the dynamic factors that are shaping our regional economy.” For a deeper look at the insights shared, presentations from the symposium are available at portofgreenbay.com/symposium-presentations.