MILWAUKEE – November 04, 2026 -- Only 25% of manufacturers are very confident they will hit their 2027 revenue and profit goals, even as sentiment reaches its highest level since 2022, according to Wipfli's Q4 2026 Manufacturing Pulse Survey of 342 manufacturing facilities.
Two-thirds of manufacturers expect revenue growth in 2027
Approximately two-thirds expect higher revenue. Of those, 46% project increases of 5%-10% and 20% anticipate growth of 10% or more. Another 69% describe themselves as somewhat confident of reaching their 2027 targets.
Hiring plans are broad: 70% expect to add staff, either to fill existing openings or to support growth. Some 52% are becoming more selective about which opportunities they pursue. Data centers, aerospace and defense show stronger momentum than other end markets.
Section 232 tariffs affect 71% of respondents
Higher costs of doing business top manufacturers' concerns, followed by talent and wages, continued inflation and raw material pricing. Section 232 tariffs affect 71% of survey respondents.
Pricing power is limited. Just 29% of manufacturers passed through most requested price increases in 2026, while 45% passed through some.
Wipfli urges focus on earnings quality over volume
"Growth doesn't automatically translate into better profitability," said Laurie Harbour, partner at Wipfli. She said the 2027 priority should be quality of earnings: understanding what growth contributes to the business, protecting cash and the balance sheet, and seeking productivity gains before adding cost.
The full report breaks results down by industry, manufacturing process and company size. Wipfli is making it available exclusively to survey participants.