MILWAUKEE, Nov. 4, 2026 (PRNewswire) — Manufacturers are heading into 2027 with their strongest optimism in years, but confidence in turning stronger demand into profitable growth remains measured, according to Wipfli's latest Manufacturing Pulse Survey.

The Q4 2026 survey of 342 manufacturing facilities found overall sentiment has reached its highest level since 2022, supported by stronger growth expectations and improving business opportunities. Still, persistent costs, labor challenges and pricing pressures are keeping profitability firmly in focus.

"Manufacturers have good reason to feel more confident going into 2027. We're seeing stronger demand, better quote activity and real opportunities for growth, but growth doesn't automatically translate into better profitability," said Laurie Harbour, partner, Wipfli. "The manufacturers that come out ahead will be the ones that pursue the right programs, price them correctly and stay disciplined around costs, cash and operational efficiency."

Manufacturers prepare for growth

The survey points to increased activity heading into 2027:

• Approximately two-thirds expect revenue growth, including 46% projecting increases of 5%-10% and 20% anticipating growth of 10% or more.
• Only 25% are very confident they will achieve their 2027 revenue and profit goals, while 69% are somewhat confident.
• 70% expect to hire, either to fill existing openings or support growth.
• 52% are becoming more selective about the opportunities they pursue, signaling a greater focus on the quality of new business.

The research also found considerable differences across end markets, with data centers, aerospace and defense among the areas showing signs of stronger momentum. The full report explores those differences across industries, manufacturing processes and company sizes.

Margin pressure raises the stakes

Higher costs of doing business remain manufacturers' leading concern, alongside talent and wages, continued inflation and raw material pricing. Manufacturers also continue to navigate tariff impacts, with Section 232 affecting 71% of survey respondents.

Pricing remains another challenge. Just 29% of manufacturers reported successfully passing through most requested price increases in 2026, while 45% passed through some.

That combination makes operational discipline increasingly important as manufacturers prepare for growth.

"The opportunity is there, but the priority for 2027 should be quality of earnings," Harbour said. "Manufacturers need to understand what their growth is contributing to the business, protect cash and the balance sheet, and look for productivity gains before simply adding cost. The quality of the growth matters just as much as the quantity."