State of Manufacturing®
The State of Manufacturing® is the premier annual survey of Minnesota’s manufacturing industry, highlighting the trends, conditions, and outlook of executives from around the state.
SOM 2026: Steady Hands in Choppy Waters
The results of our 2026 State of Manufacturing® survey reveal that more than half of manufacturers sour on Minnesota’s business climate while remaining confident in their own companies.
Minnesota manufacturers’ pessimism about the state business climate continues its march, as business leaders face multiple challenges. Yet even as leaders confront rising health care costs, inflation, and new government regulations, they feel confident about steering their own businesses to success, according to the 2026 State of Manufacturing® (SOM) survey.
Enterprise Minnesota’s 18th annual survey finds leaders statewide navigating their companies through choppy waters. They are calling on their innate innovation, experience with tough times, and perseverance to find a way forward.
View the complete 2026 State of Manufacturing® results slide deck.
Read the Pollster’s Analysis
View the complete analysis and outcome from our 2026 survey of Minnesota manufacturers.
Bringing recognition and insight to Minnesota’s manufacturing industry
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 these conversations at our regional rollout events in communities across Minnesota.
Survey release events (Click to learn more):
Nov. 18 – Marshall
Nov. 24 – Owatonna
Dec. 1 – Duluth
Dec. 3 – Sauk Centre
Dec. 8 – East Grand Forks
Dec. 9 – Glenwood
Dec. 11 – Grand Rapids
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors
Granite Partners
MN DEED
Old National Bank
Olsen Thielen
PRO Resources
Productivity Inc
Widseth
Requests for interview
Mark O’Leary, president & CEO of Enterprise Minnesota is available for comment and interview regarding the State of Manufacturing® survey. If you would like to schedule an interview, please contact Robert Lodge ([email protected]).
The State of Manufacturing survey is made possible through the support of our generous partners. If you are interested in being a part of the State of Manufacturing survey, please contact us.
The State of Manufacturing survey is conducted by Meeting Street Insights and is underwritten by Enterprise Minnesota.
Past Survey Results: Research & Data
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.
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