(ZEISS: Maple Grove, MN) -- A 2025 report from ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions USA reveals that 93% of U.S. manufacturers view quality assurance as mission-critical to solving industry challenges.

Drawing on responses from more than 1,100 manufacturing professionals across 49 states, the “U.S. Manufacturing Insights Report 2025” provides a deep dive into the trends, opportunities, and challenges facing major industries, including aerospace, automotive/new energy vehicles, electronics, and medical. With participants ranging from shop-floor operators to C-suite executives, the report offers actionable insights into how U.S. manufacturers are addressing workforce shortages, reducing rework costs, and driving efficiency through advanced quality solutions.

“Quality’s role has evolved from manufacturing stage to critical enabler of innovation, cost savings, and strategic growth,” says Mark Smith, president and head of ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions North America. “The findings of this report show that accuracy and speed of metrology technologies and software are pivotal, as precise data help drive efficiency—enabling manufacturers to see more, know more, and deliver confidently.”

Key findings

• The state of manufacturing is stable, according to 42%, indicating no significant growth or decline.
• Top manufacturing challenges include a lack of skilled personnel (47%), time-consuming inspection processes (47%), and the cost of rework and iterations (38%), emphasizing the importance of easy-to-use inspection technologies and software as well as precise data.
• Quality is universal, with 93% of manufacturers citing that quality is very or extremely important to their operations, rising to 95% among executives and directors.
• Sustainability is a critical success factor, positioning lean manufacturing operations as a priority to ensure long-term business viability.
• New metrology technology is one of the greatest opportunities to overcome challenges, according to 44%, with 66% planning to invest in more than one metrology technology, indicating a strong demand for a multitechnology approach to quality assurance throughout the manufacturing product life cycle.

Why this matters now

The report highlights a shift in U.S. manufacturing priorities as global supply-chain disruptions, labor shortages, and cost pressures push the focus on innovation that supports operational resilience and stability. This includes digitalization, AI-enhanced inspection software, automation, and 3D metrology technologies, making quality a driver of efficiency and competitiveness.

“Understanding the challenges and priorities of U.S. manufacturers is at the heart of what we do,” says Hendrie Viktor, vice president and head of sales at ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions North America. “The ‘U.S. Manufacturing Insights Report 2025’ brings together diverse perspectives throughout the country, offering a clear picture of the trends and technologies shaping the future of manufacturing.”

Who should read the report

This report is for leaders across the manufacturing value chain, from executives shaping strategy to engineers, quality teams, technicians, and suppliers who drive efficiency, compliance, and innovation.

The full “U.S. Manufacturing Insights Report 2025” is available now as a free download at www.zeiss.com/metrology.