MADISON – Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) – the combined state chamber and manufacturers’ association – celebrates each October as Manufacturing Month and the first Friday of the month – today – as Manufacturing Day. Throughout October, WMC, its members and partners, and communities throughout the state will highlight the importance of manufacturing to Wisconsin’s economy.
Manufacturing is the state’s top industry, contributing over $73.7 billion to the economy. The state’s over 9,000 manufacturers employ one in six Wisconsin workers – providing nearly half a million high-tech, high-skill, high-wage jobs.
“Wisconsin is a state that makes things,” said WMC President & CEO Kurt Bauer. “Our manufacturers not only drive Wisconsin’s economy, they produce valuable and necessary products, contribute to their local communities, provide fantastic careers, and much more.”
To celebrate the month, WMC rolled out the 2025 Made in Wisconsin Poster, an educational tool that showcases the breadth of manufacturing output in the state. Fifty-one Wisconsin-made products are featured on the poster, hailing from every corner of the state. WMC distributed the poster to lawmakers, local chambers of commerce, key education partners, and more.
WMC also partnered with Baker Tilly and Michael Best & Friedrich LLP to launch nominations for the annual Manufacturer of the Year awards program. The program, now in its 37th year, aims to highlight the state’s vibrant manufacturing industry by recognizing in-state companies that are dedicated to quality careers, good business practices, financial growth, innovative processes and reinvestment into local communities. Nominations are now being accepted at www.wimoty.com.
Each year, WMC partners with Johnson Financial Group to host its Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest to showcase the industry. The program culminates in October when a champion manufacturer is crowned the winner of the competition. The contest, now in its 10th year, has featured well over 1,500 products and has garnered over 1.5 million votes since its inception. The general public is encouraged to vote daily throughout the month at www.madeinwis.com.
WMC will also host a number of manufacturing-centric events throughout October, including manufacturing roundtables and its largest annual event, Business Day, where the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin is revealed.
Additionally, WMC will celebrate the month by releasing a video featuring an iconic foundry (preview the video here) and by engaging in a robust campaign on social media.
Local manufacturers are encouraged to participate in events such as student education collaborations, facility tours, hiring events, and more.
“We’re proud to celebrate our manufacturers and put a spotlight on their impact,” Bauer continued. “These efforts are important to educate the public, especially our future workforce, about the opportunities and successes of the manufacturing industry.”
Click here to read more about Manufacturing Month.
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