Minnesota’s manufacturing sector took center stage at the 2025 Minnesota Manufacturing Summit, bringing together makers, thinkers, and problem-solvers for a day of collaboration. The summit underscored the sector’s economic impact on the state as well as its reputation for reinvention, transformation, and culture-driven innovation. Consistent across speakers, vendors, attendees, and Minnesota’s Coolest Thing finalists was a forward-looking vision of how Minnesota’s makers are navigating uncertainty with bold ideas and true leadership.
Economic Foundations: Manufacturing’s Role in Minnesota’s Economy
The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce tracks data on the current state of Minnesota’s manufacturing industry. It is a cornerstone of the state’s economic identity and continues to be an engine for economic growth.
- In 2024, Minnesota’s manufacturing sector employed over 320,000 workers, representing roughly 1 in 8 jobs in the state.
- Manufacturing contributes about 12% of Minnesota’s GDP, with that sector producing roughly $46.3 billion in output.
- The average annual wage in manufacturing in 2024 was approximately $83,000, or about 12 % higher than the average across all industries in the state.
These figures set the stage for a day of innovation and collaboration. Through thick and thin, Minnesota’s manufacturers have shown that creativity and resilience is their competitive advantage. That spirit carried through every conversation at the summit, from workforce and technology to culture and community.
Event Sessions and Themes
Top on the minds of the day’s attendees was an understanding of a dual reality: a palpable feeling of market uncertainty combined with a hardening resolve to move forward in spite of it. Many industry leaders who have been practicing a “wait and see” approach through changes to tariffs, supply chain volatility, and workforce shifts walked into an event ready to connect with others and share solutions. The summit’s program wove together three major threads:
1. Talent and Workforce Ecosystems
Panels tackled how manufacturers are partnering with community colleges, K–12 systems, and workforce training programs to build local pipelines of skilled labor. Conversations ranged from dual‑training models to retention strategies.
2. Digital Transformation & Operational Excellence
Presenters spotlighted how Minnesota companies are leveraging automation, data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and systems integration to optimize throughput and reduce downtime.
3. Culture, Trust & Sustainability
Attendees heard from leaders who are shifting ESG, safety, and inclusion from compliance checkboxes to strategic pillars, arguing that strong internal cultures and stakeholder trust are foundational to innovation.
Collectively, these conversations reflected a sector in motion. While uncertainty may persist, attendees want to lead with collaboration and innovation. The summit affirmed that Minnesota manufacturers are not standing still but actively shaping what comes next.
Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota: Innovation Inspired by Minnesota’s Connection to the Outdoors
One of the summit’s high points was the reveal of the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota, a title awarded by public vote after narrowing 64 nominees to four finalists. This year’s finalists share a common thread: they are tactical or recreational innovations built to help users traverse and experience the outdoors. In Minnesota, where nature, terrain, and seasonal extremes define life, these inventions resonate deeply.
- SR Series G7+ Aircraft (Cirrus Aircraft): Enables regional connectivity, giving pilots access to remote landscapes.
- Vistabule Teardrop Trailer (Minnesota Teardrop Trailer LLC): Taps into camping and road‑trip culture, a nod to Minnesotans’ love for the open road and lakeside retreats.
- MRZR – Military RZR (Polaris Inc.): Bridges rugged defense applications with terrain exploration, delivering maneuverability, modularity, and resilience.
- Trackchair (ATZ Manufacturing): Expands mobility opportunities for people with disabilities to reach trails, dunes, and backcountry zones.
After weeks of matchups and tens of thousands of votes, Polaris MRZR was crowned the winner. Built in Roseau, Minnesota, on a dedicated military production line, the MRZR is a purpose-built, tactical off-road vehicle with features such as blackout lighting, collapsible roll cages suited for helicopter transport, arctic kits that function in –40°F, and sufficient payload capacity to rival a HUMVEE inside compact transport constraints. It represents both engineering excellence and a mission-driven innovation that sits at the intersection of outdoors culture, tactical precision, and manufacturing pride.
The impact of networking and manufacturing storytelling
As a sponsor, Inprela was honored to host a booth at the event. We enjoyed impromptu networking discussions and shared ideas on narrative strategy, content differentiation, and brand positioning for manufacturers. Many attended even stopped by to get a polished headshot captured on a magazine cover.
One particular highlight was when fellow manufacturing marketer, Amanda Gregory, stopped by our booth. Amanda, a well-known presence in B2B and industrial marketing circles, engaged with attendees and offered glimpses into her forthcoming book from MAKE publishing, “Blake Prepares for Manufacturing.” MAKE’s book series introduces kids to manufacturing through storytelling, following 11-year-old Blake as he learns essential skills like communication, problem-solving, and accountability in a fun, age-appropriate way. Gregory’s book series gives students an age-appropriate, engaging way to learn about this industry that has an incredible impact on our daily lives, setting the stage for manufacturing in Minnesota to thrive for generations to come.
Until Next Year…
Manufacturing in Minnesota remains a force. From economic grounding to the unveiling of Minnesota’s coolest manufactured product, the 2025 Minnesota Manufacturing Summit succeeded in weaving together purpose, performance, and human connection. It was a chance for the state’s innovators and culture makers to meet face to face, and to reinforce that behind every product is a story waiting to be told.
