Why Manufacturing Execs Are Bullish on 2026

A recent survey of manufacturing executives conducted by Forvis Mazars found strong optimism for future growth, despite supplier price hikes, tariff shock waves, and other pressures. Bryan Wright, national manufacturing sector leader at Forvis Mazars, sits down with the podcast to share what’s driving this positive sentiment, how AI and automation are shaping the sector, and how he sees manufacturing M&A playing out in the year ahead. The Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast is produced by the Association for Corporate Growth. To hear more interviews with middle-market dealmakers and industry experts, subscribe on Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.