Wisconsin Manufacturing Needs Talent—Here’s How to Stay Ahead

Workforce challenges top the list of concerns for Wisconsin manufacturers, with 58% citing employee retention and 54% highlighting the difficulty of attracting qualified talent. These findings come from the latest Wisconsin Manufacturing Report, published by the Wisconsin Center For Manufacturing & Productivity.

Manufacturing remains the backbone of Wisconsin’s economy—spanning 72 counties, generating more than $66 billion annually, and supporting 470,000 jobs. The state ranks second in the nation for manufacturing density. But despite the sector's strength, the workforce shortage continues to be its most urgent challenge. While Wisconsin's talent pool is highly skilled, demand far exceeds supply. As a result, boosting productivity has become a top priority for manufacturers looking to remain competitive and fuel for future growth.

Nearly 80% of manufacturers across the state report difficulty filling open roles with qualified candidates, highlighting the ongoing workforce shortage across the industry.

Workforce concerns topped the list of manufacturer's concerns, rated by the level of how important the issue was:

• Keeping qualified employees (58%)

• Finding and attracting qualified employees (54%)

• Overall inflation (46%)

• Costs of materials for your products (43%)

• Costs of employee salaries and benefits (42%)

To address these mounting challenges, manufacturers are adopting a range of strategies aimed at strengthening their workforce and operations. The most common approaches include:

• Increasing wages and salaries (68%)

• Providing employee training (57%)

• Raising prices (48%)

• Enhancing benefits (44%)

• Stepping up recruitment efforts (43%)

Key Drivers of Future Company Growth

According to the report, manufacturers see the following as the top growth drivers in years ahead:

• Finding new customers and markets (57%)

• Keeping qualified employees (47%)

• Finding/attracting qualified employees (45%)

Related: Why Partnering with a Search Firm Elevates Talent Acquisition

Top Manufacturing Counties in Wisconsin

The five counties leading the state in manufacturing by both presence and employment are:

• Milwaukee County – 1,334 manufacturers, 45,777 employees

• Waukesha County – 1,085 manufacturers, 38,649 employees

• Brown County – 512 manufacturers, 29,333 employees

• Dane County – 770 manufacturers, 28,385 employees

• Winnebago County – 322 manufacturers, 24,985 employees

Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry continues to play a vital role in the state’s economic strength, but its future hinges on solving one of its biggest challenges: the workforce shortage. Wisconsin manufacturing needs talent. As employers face growing pressure to attract and retain skilled talent, many are turning to strategic investments in training, technology, and recruitment. With workforce development emerging as a key driver of growth, manufacturers that proactively adapt will be best positioned to thrive. For those looking to compete for top talent in a tight labor market, partnering with an industry specialized search firm can offer the competitive edge needed to build a resilient, high-performing team.

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