Manufacturing in Minnesota: A Conversation with James Woelfel

In this episode of Traction with the Tiger, host Chris Wittich sits down with James Woelfel, Audit Senior Accountant in Boyum Barenscheer’s Manufacturing Group, to discuss the current state of manufacturing in Minnesota and what the economic data suggests for 2026.

They break down key economic indicators, including business confidence, new orders, capacity utilization, and manufacturing GDP, and explain how manufacturers can use both historical and forward-looking data to make more informed business decisions. The conversation also covers the real concerns Minnesota manufacturers are raising, including tariffs, interest rates, workforce challenges, and the state’s policy and regulatory environment.

James introduces Boyum Barenscheer’s Manufacturing Economic Report, a one-of-a-kind resource built specifically for Minnesota manufacturers. The report provides monthly insights into Minnesota, Midwest, and national manufacturing trends, helping business leaders understand the broader market and plan with greater clarity and confidence.

This episode is designed for manufacturing owners, CFOs, controllers, and operations leaders who want practical, data-driven insight to support growth, investment decisions, and long-term planning.