TXM Global Manufacturing Snapshot Report 2025

TXM Lean Solutions is launching today our Global Manufacturing Snapshot Report. The result of surveying hundreds of manufacturing leaders across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada, the report provides a clear picture of the challenges facing industry. It shows how manufacturers are responding to shifting demand, rising costs, and an increasingly disrupted global landscape.

Key findings from the report include:

Demand pressures: Over 50% of respondents reported softer sales compared to last year and this was nominated as the number one challenge by respondents.
Cost challenges: Manufacturers across the board cost increases with labour, materials, and energy cost rises having the biggest impacts.
Labour shortages: 60% faced significant challenges attracting skilled workers, with many increasing wages to retain talent.
New Technology not Meeting Expectations: while most manufacturers were investing in new software and automation, the results are often disappointing. Less than 40% of software projects and less than 50% of process automation projects are meeting or exceeding expectations.
Operational improvement: Lean thinking is seen as the top strategy to improve productivity with 60% planning to adopt Lean manufacturing as their primary improvement strategy, ahead of new technology adoption and outsourcing.
Evolving Supply Chains: 80% of manufacturers have adjusted supply chains since the pandemic, with bringing production in-house (vertical integration) the number one response.

“Manufacturers around the world are navigating uncertainty, but they are also showing remarkable resilience in the face of tough external conditions” said Tim McLean, Managing Director at TXM Lean Solutions. “Our report shows that most businesses adjusting supply chains and focusing on improving operational performance to respond.

The TXM Global Manufacturing Snapshot Report containing detailed insights and expert analysis from TXM Lean Solutions’ Managing Director Tim McLean is available for download on our website.

Author: Timothy McLean

Timothy McLean is the Managing Director of TXM Lean Solutions and is an author of Lean books.