State of Manufacturing®

The State of Manufacturing® is back for 2026 — and we want you there. Join us on November 11, 2026, when Enterprise Minnesota unveils the results of the 18th annual survey of Minnesota manufacturing executives at our signature release event. You’ll be among the first to hear what’s shaping the outlook for the industry — from workforce and growth to the policy and economic forces influencing decisions on factory floors across the state. Following the main event, we’ll take the findings on the road with regional rollout events across Minnesota. All events are free and open to everyone.

Find all of our upcoming events here.

For nearly two decades, the State of Manufacturing® has served as Minnesota’s most trusted barometer of manufacturing industry health — giving executives, policymakers, educators, and community leaders the data they need to make informed decisions. Each year, Enterprise Minnesota surveys manufacturers from across the state to capture a candid picture of the trends, challenges, and opportunities defining the industry.

The results are more than numbers. They spark conversations in boardrooms and at the Capitol, shape workforce and economic development strategies, and shine a light on the people and businesses that make manufacturing one of Minnesota’s most vital economic sectors. We invite you to be part of that conversation at the 2026 State of Manufacturing® events — beginning with our statewide release on November 11, 2026, followed by regional rollout events in communities across Minnesota.

Register for a manufacturing executive focus group here – 8 locations around the state.

Survey release events:

• Nov. 11 – **Survey Release Main Event, Minneapolis**
• Nov. 18 – Regional rollout event, Marshall
• Nov. 24 – Owatonna
• Dec. 1 – Duluth
• Dec. 3 – Sauk Centre
• Dec. 8 – East Grand Forks
• Dec. 9 – Glenwood

Feeling Better, Not Bullish

While confidence among manufacturers improved from 2024 and fears about a recession were down, few saw the state’s economy as expanding, and most said Minnesota’s business climate is worse today than it was five years ago.

Expectations for gross revenues and profitability improved modestly from the 2024 downturn, but smaller manufacturers remained pessimistic heading into 2025.

Facing New Headwinds

While workforce challenges remained, their intensity declined in 2024 to the lowest levels since the pandemic. Inflation concerns fell sharply, replaced by worries over government policies, taxes, and tariffs.

Smaller companies cited cost pressures, while larger manufacturers were focused on regulatory burdens and what was seen as an unfavorable business climate in the state.

To read the full 2025 Pollster’s Analysis, click here. 

To view complete the complete 2025 survey results slide deck, click here. 

To view all other information from our 2025 survey, including a recording of the presentation, visit our Research and Archives page here. 

Highlights from the 2025 SOM survey: 

Since 2008, the State of Manufacturing® survey has been providing industry-leading insight and analysis to business leaders, public policy makers, educators, and the media.

Find complete survey data, including focus transcripts, cross tabulated data, and legacy resources on our Research page.