June 2, 2025 - We polled over 500 manufacturing and distribution business leaders to understand the trends, opportunities, and challenges this sector is experiencing today and identify the outlook for the future. Our 2025 Manufacturing and Distribution Pulse Survey Report offers insights into what is on the horizon for the industry and how leaders plan to respond.

Growth Outlook

We asked respondents to forecast actions likely to be taken — all within their control — in the next three years to increase the value of their business. The top three likely actions are significant workforce expansion (38%), expansion into a new facility or plant (37%), and capital investments involving improvements, building, or equipment exceeding $1M (34%). Leaders seem poised to invest to be future-ready.

Potential Sale Plans

Just under half of respondents foresee a sale of their business in the future: 17% definitely and 31% probably. Experience teaches us that the likelihood of those business sale plans hinges on company success with the growth strategies addressed above and leveraging the value drivers in the section below.

Almost half (48%) say their company is considering selling in the next three years, and upgrades in organization structure/talent (37%), sales infrastructure (35%), and R&D (35%) are most critical to maximize company value.

Our full report explores how manufacturing and distribution business leaders are driving value through systems, processes, and people to remain ready for inevitable market changes.

Citrin Cooperman’s Manufacturing and Distribution Pulse Survey Report

Citrin Cooperman’s Manufacturing and Distribution Industry Practice strives to provide our clients with insights that will help them continue to grow and succeed in today’s quickly evolving environment. Our sixth annual Manufacturing and Distribution Pulse Survey Report aggregates insights from manufacturers and distributors in driving future growth, managing through instability, and improving their strategic business planning. Access our report to discover timely insights into the opportunities and challenges facing manufacturers and distributors today.

Access the 2025 Manufacturing and Distribution Pulse Survey Report