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Navigating the future of manufacturing: Insights from industry leaders
25 Nov 2025
News
Navigating the future of manufacturing: Insights from industry leaders
In mid-October, the Grow Minnesota! team hosted a focus group with manufacturers of varying sizes and scope, ranging from small, single-facility operations in Minnesota to large multinational companies. The member companies participated to discuss current opportunities and challenges facing the manufacturing sector. Several key themes emerged throughout the conversation.
Workforce development and employee retention
Workforce remains a key concern for manufacturers. While general labor availability has started to improve, competition for skilled workers remains high. After several years of a tight labor market, companies are benefiting from implementing comprehensive strategies to address workforce challenges, including improved training programs, increased compensation packages and additional career pathway development. Several companies shared how they’ve redeveloped their onboarding strategies to accommodate different generational learning styles, including virtual and augmented reality simulations. Leaders shared a particular focus on making manufacturing environments less intimidating for younger workers and addressing workplace dynamics and expectations to build confidence and pride in manufacturing careers.
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