2025 MANUFACTURING CFO OUTLOOK SURVEY

Manufacturers Pivot to Growth Mode in 2025 

Will 2025 be the year of manufacturing innovation?

How will manufacturers realize their bold growth projections for 2025? 

According to the 2025 Manufacturing CFO Outlook Survey, which polled 100 manufacturing CFOs, manufacturers are planning holistic strategy pivots to accelerate growth over the next 12 months. 

To fuel growth, CFOs are investing in innovation, reevaluating their supply chain strategies, and pursuing multi-dimensional strategies for operational value creation. However, the year ahead is not without challenges. Data security risks and change management hurdles could disrupt their planned AI initiatives. Potential tariff and trade policy shifts and continued demand volatility will create a dynamic supply chain management environment. 

CFOs’ plans indicate they will meet these forces head on. To navigate these challenges and capture new growth, they will make investments in cyber and data security, supply chain technology, their workforce strategies, and other operational improvements.

Explore what lies ahead for the industry by reading the 2025 Manufacturing CFO Outlook Survey.

Preview highlights from the full report below.

Report Highlights

Business Growth Tops Manufacturing CFO Priorities

Manufacturing CFOs plan to pursue sustainable growth through a broad range of tactics, from enhancing customer relationships to introducing new products and services to revisiting pricing strategies. We also expect to see a surge in transactions as manufacturers pursue M&A, including strategic acquisitions and divestitures that free up resources to reinvest elsewhere.

51% of manufacturing CFOs plan to introduce new products or services to drive revenue growth.

Want to accelerate your growth strategy? 

Learn how BDO helped a manufacturer simplify their operations and increase EBITA.

20% of CFOs say their biggest obstacle to successful generative AI adoption is incomplete or inaccurate data.

CFOs Drive Innovation, but Face Barriers to Adoption

Manufacturing CFOs are increasing their involvement in digital transformation and AI strategies as they look to drive innovation across their organizations. However, successful adoption will hinge on how well manufacturers can overcome challenges like access to high-quality data and employee enablement.

Looking to deploy generative AI in your organization?

Read our insight to learn how to build a strong business case for generative AI.

New Threats Push CFOs to Reevaluate Supply Chain Strategy

Manufacturers spent the last year developing leaner supply chains. Now, manufacturers are facing demand volatility and impacts from potential tariffs and trade policy changes, which will put their supply chain agility to the test. Fortunately, planned investments in supply chain technologies should enable them to be more responsive to demand or policy changes.

48% of manufacturers plan to invest in implementing an Advanced Planning and Scheduling System for their supply chain.

Is your supply chain workforce ready for 2025?

Find out how you can upskill your professionals to prepare for a new age of AI-enabled work.

The manufacturing industry is poised for transformative growth and innovation in the year ahead, driven by the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like generative AI to enhance efficiency, revenue, and profitability. However, the road ahead won’t be without its challenges — supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and shifting macroeconomic forces will test the resilience and adaptability of the industry. Success will depend on navigating these complexities with agility and leveraging innovation to turn challenges into opportunities.
Bill Pellino
Tax Principal; Manufacturing Industry National Leader