Enlighten Us!

Since 2008, Enterprise Minnesota’s State of Manufacturing® survey has taken the temperature of owners and executives across the state, offering insight into concerns, challenges, and expectations for the future. The quality of the data is unmatched and garners attention and respect because manufacturing leaders are generous with their time as they offer thoughtful – and unvarnished – responses.

Now in year 17, a key focus of the survey is gauging how executives are navigating uncertainties including tariffs, automation and AI, and the new state-mandated employee benefits. We’re also asking executives how they feel about economic confidence, workforce challenges and projected growth, profitability, and capital expenditures.

As our president and CEO Bob Kill says, “Seeing the trends over time helps us understand the flavor of the overall industry.” As he’s interacted with manufacturers around the state this year, the common theme has been uncertainty.

“I think we’re going to see supply chain issues and tariffs popping up and the uncertainty around costs, and we’re most likely going to hear more angst around the paid family and medical leave and earned sick and safe time laws in Minnesota.

Since its inception in 2008, the SOM has produced objective data that manufacturers, business leaders, and policymakers use to gain understanding of a foundational component of Minnesota’s economy. A critical aspect of the survey and manufacturers’ steady participation has been its objectivity and credibility.

Both readers and participants have deep respect for the polling firm, Meeting Street Insights, which has conducted every survey since its inception. Founded by pollster Rob Autry, the firm capitalizes on Autry’s sterling reputation and 25-year career in political and business polling. He has conducted more than 8,000 polls and focus groups during his career, including polling for four presidents and six presidential campaigns.

We’re counting on participation from over 500 executives of small- and medium-sized manufacturers statewide. And Meeting Street will break out the data by each of the state’s six McKnight Initiative Foundation regions in Greater Minnesota.

We’re also conducting eight focus groups with manufacturing executives across Minnesota. These gatherings dig deeper into the questions, offering more context and insight into manufacturers’ experiences during the past year, and their predictions for doing business in 2026.

We look forward to “survey season” every year. Every aspect of the process – the poll, the focus groups, and the events surrounding the release of the data – adds to our insight into manufacturing and allows manufacturers across the state to connect with each other and all those who support the industry. So, manufacturers, if Autry and his team reach out to you, please enlighten us with your thoughts!

Industry News

Philips to invest more than $150 million in US manufacturing, including Plymouth-MN facility
August 18, RoboticsAndAutomationNews.com

Arctic Cat resumes production at its Thief River Falls plant
August 15, BusinessNorth.com

Minnesota economy remains stable despite layoffs, tariffs, DEED says
August 15, St. Cloud Live

Emmer greets transit head in St. Cloud, touts Trump’s plan for jobs, manufacturing
August 14, InForum News

Gov. Walz, DEED announce $12 million in funding for workforce development, including manufacturing
August 13, KAALtv