Economic Insights

Q: How do I view the reports?

PMA members can view reports here (login is required).

For nearly 50 years, PMA has delivered critical industry intelligence to its members. Through our expanded partnership with Wipfli, we continue to provide the data and market context manufacturers need to plan with confidence.

Building on the Metalforming Insights series—covering financials, operations, sales, workforce, executive compensation, and wages and benefits—PMA now offers Economic Insights, a quarterly macroeconomic report launched in 2026.

Delivered each March, June, September and December, Economic Insights provides a timely snapshot of industry conditions, combining macroeconomic analysis with metalforming-specific data. The report draws on a range of trusted sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis, IBISWorld, and PMA’s own Metalforming Insights data—ensuring a comprehensive and reliable view of both economic and industry trends.

Each report includes:

Capacity utilization and quote activity
Performance-to-actual trends
Key industry outlooks impacting metalformers
Broader macroeconomic indicators to frame market conditions

Together, these insights equip executives with a clearer view of current performance—and what’s ahead.

Wipfli LLC

PMA partners with Wipfli LLC to provide these reports to PMA members. By partnering with Wipfli, we are combining manufacturing, metalforming and market expertise to provide an unmatched resource of business-critical data and insights for PMA members.

Business today is more fluid than ever. Helping manufacturers achieve their goals takes imagination, discipline and a process that delivers results today while anticipating tomorrow’s demands. That’s Wipfli. With more than 7,500 manufacturing, retail and distribution clients and over 300 industry-focused professionals, Wipfli ranks among the top 20 advisory and accounting firms in the nation. From operational improvements and performance enhancements to large-scale digital transformation, Wipfli helps clients achieve lasting results and set their sights on new goals. With its dedicated specialists, you benefit from insightful thinking across critical areas of your business — gaining greater financial success, tax optimization, operational excellence and an engaged workforce.