The 2024 Wisconsin Manufacturing Report (WMR) painted a clear picture of the challenges manufacturers in the state confronted over the past year. From labor shortages and skill gaps to the increasing need for digital transformation, manufacturers faced significant hurdles that impacted growth and productivity. As we move into 2025, we can explore solutions to overcome them. With the right talent acquisition strategies, manufacturers can turn these obstacles into opportunities for growth.
Top Workforce Challenges Facing Wisconsin Manufacturers
Challenge 1: Persistent Labor Shortages, Skills Gap
What Happened in 2024: Wisconsin manufacturers faced significant challenges in securing skilled talent for critical roles. The labor market remained tight, with 79% of executives reporting difficulty in filling open positions, and a third describing the process as very difficult. This struggle to find qualified workers affected a broad range of manufacturing roles, making it harder for companies to meet production demands and maintain operational efficiency. Many companies also faced challenges in attracting talent due to competition and the need for specialized skills in advanced manufacturing processes.
Our Solution for 2025: At The Panaro Group LLC, we help manufacturers overcome labor shortages by quickly sourcing skilled candidates through our on-demand recruiting services. We focus on identifying passive candidates with skills in areas like automation, robotics, and precision manufacturing. Leveraging our extensive network, we target professionals who may be open to new opportunities, even if they aren't actively seeking a job. Our Rent-A-Recruiter™ service provides scalable, flexible solutions to meet your hiring needs efficiently and effectively, helping you build teams that support growth and operational success.
Challenge 2: Employee Retention and Engagement
What Happened in 2024: With a tight labor market, employee retention became a major issue. Manufacturers found it increasingly difficult to keep skilled workers as competitors offered more attractive benefits, higher pay, or more flexible work arrangements. This turnover disrupted operations, affected morale, and increased training costs.
Our Solution for 2025: Retention starts with recruiting the right people from the start. We work closely with manufacturers to enhance their employer brand and highlight the aspects of their work culture that matter most to candidates, such as career growth opportunities, competitive compensation, and a positive work environment. We also provide insight on non-monetary perks that appeal to today’s workforce, including wellness programs, flexible hours, and professional development initiatives.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for 2025
Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector is poised for growth in 2025, but success will depend on strategic workforce planning. Of the 60% of manufacturers that report having a formal strategic plan, the majority of those plans emphasize workforce priorities. In fact, nearly half of manufacturers identified finding and retaining employees as two of the most important drivers of future growth. As companies prepare for the future, securing the right talent will be essential to overcoming challenges like skills shortages and adapting to technological advancements.
We are committed to supporting Wisconsin’s manufacturers as they continue to evolve and thrive in a competitive landscape. Let’s work together to build a stronger workforce for 2025 and beyond! By partnering with The Panaro Group LLC, manufacturers can turn the hurdles of this year into opportunities for the year to come. Our plug-and-play recruiting solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of the manufacturing sector, helping companies recruit top talent quickly and efficiently.
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Wisconsin Manufacturing Report of 2024: https://www.wicmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-WI-Manufacturing-Report-v4-Oct-2-POST.pdf
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