Manufacturing

Our Expertise

Turn mounting manufacturing challenges into opportunity

The manufacturing industry continues to face significant challenges. Rising costs, labor woes, supply chain disruption, complex regulations, and an evolving trade and tariff environment are putting leaders to the test. As experienced manufacturing accounting, tax, and consulting advisors, we’ll help you get ahead of constant challenges and seize transformative opportunities for your business.

We were founded in the Midwest — the heart of American manufacturing — and we’ve been serving manufacturing and distribution clients for 100 years. Our manufacturing practice is the largest in our firm, with over 3,000 clients and 400 experts representing this industry alone. Our experts have a thorough understanding of the manufacturing industry with knowledge gained from hands-on client experience, comprehensive industry training, professional association involvement, and proprietary market forecasts and benchmarking data. We serve owner-managed manufacturing businesses, global market leaders, and private equity firms across the largest sectors, including food and beverage; automotive and mobility; dealerships; plastics; metals; chemicals; aerospace and defense; machinery and equipment; and transportation and distribution.

Strategies to find your advantage amid rapid change

Manufacturing leaders rely on our accounting, assurance, tax, consulting, and wealth management services to excel in an evolving world. Here’s how we can help you navigate today’s top challenges.

Are you considering M&A opportunities to grow or diversify your business?

Industry consolidation, digital transformation, sustainability, reshoring, and industry diversification are all trends driving M&A activity in the manufacturing industry. In today’s rapidly changing and uncertain environment, strategic M&A provides opportunity amid global and domestic unpredictability. Discover how your manufacturing company could explore M&A as a dynamic strategic vehicle to drive expansion, growth, and financial performance.

Are you looking to help offset investment costs with tax credits and incentives?

Nearly every financial decision related to your manufacturing business has tax implications, and it’s critical that you’re continually informed at the federal, state, local, and international levels. The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) created sweeping tax credits and incentives for manufacturers — are you taking advantage of the IRA and other tax laws? Dig deeper into how manufacturers can specifically benefit from Section 45X advanced manufacturing production credit as well as other tax credits and incentives to help offset tax liabilities.

Are you looking to mitigate supply chain disruption and better forecast demand?

Geopolitical complications, labor shortages, and continually shifting optimum manufacturing locations are creating extreme disruption and challenges for manufacturers. From sourcing to tracking, the strength and flexibility across your supply chain must be assessed. Learn how you can make your supply chain more agile, adaptive, and sustainable — with technology as the enabler — starting with our supplier risk assessment guide.

Are you looking to more accurately model costs to improve profitability and lower costs?

Do you know where you’re making money and where you aren’t? Poorly designed or implemented costing and estimating processes can do more harm than good. Whether you’re adapting to changes to your cost structure from personnel, infrastructure, or operations or trying to address flat or negative margins, understanding your true cost and margins is critical. Learn how to quickly adapt to changes like supply chain disruption with an adaptive, predictive cost and margin intelligence model.

Are you looking to streamline or enhance your manufacturing strategy and operations?

Manufacturing executives are spending considerable time managing transformation and disruption and too often forget about their strategy. Whether it’s leaning into a more flexible operating model or achieving greater efficiency through AI/machine learning, automation, and robotic process automation (RPA) to stay competitive, manufacturers need to invest in smart technology — and even smarter and more flexible practices — to drive operational efficiencies and improve utilization.

Do you need to better integrate AI, technology, and automation on the plant floor?

Does your manufacturing company struggle with manual processes, siloed data, and lack of real-time insight into operations? Smart technology is revolutionizing traditional manufacturing, but it can come with considerable price tags. The truth is smart manufacturing isn’t an option — it’s the inevitable future. Learn how your manufacturing company can harness Industry 4.0 technologies that lead to greater flexibility in processes, increased productivity and revenue, and higher-quality production.

Do your technology strategy, IT infrastructure, and data analytics capabilities support growth?

In a shifting digital landscape, it can be difficult to know whether the technology tools and processes you have in place will be enough for today, much less tomorrow. From building a better data architecture and modernizing your ERP to incorporating advanced analytics capabilities, a strong digital transformation strategy is critical to driving growth. Learn how your manufacturing organization can improve efficiency, enhance talent recruitment, deliver competitive advantages, and ultimately create more value with digital transformation.

Our Offerings

From streamlining operations and mitigating supply chain disruption to maximizing tax credits and better leveraging data-driven technology, our manufacturing accounting and consulting experts are ready to help find your next opportunity.

Tax planning, compliance, and consulting

Our tax experts continually monitor legislation and emerging trends to improve your tax position.

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Tax credits and incentives

From IRA Section 45X to R&D credits, our experts help reduce your tax liability.

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Audit and assurance

Our experts keep up with current accounting standards and provide year-round compliance guidance.

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Operations improvement

We’ll help you improve operational efficiency through process and plant floor optimizations.

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Supply chain optimization

Our team specializes in forecasting, sourcing and supplier management, and distribution logistics.

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Cost and margin intelligence

We’ll help you understand where you make and lose money, enabling better decision-making.

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Technology consulting

Our advisory consulting can help you develop a digital strategy to futureproof your organization.

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ERP consulting

We’ll build a custom roadmap for your ERP assessment, selection, implementation, and optimization.

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Strategic alliances

We have strategic alliances with leading technology providers like Plex by Rockwell Automation.

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Smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0

Let us help you leverage data-driven technology and automation to achieve greater efficiency.

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Data and analytics

We provide data and analytics services that drive operational improvements and informed decisions.

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Cybersecurity consulting

We’ll help keep your people, processes, and technology secure to avoid costly cyberattacks.

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M&A and transaction advisory

Our buy/sell-side diligence advisors can help establish the right strategy to meet your goals.

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International services

We can help you reach new markets and customers to achieve cost synergies and scale efficiencies.

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Risk management

Our experts help solve financial puzzles and strengthen internal controls to reduce your risk.

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Real estate strategy

Our experts help with site selection, development, and tax guidance for your organization.

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Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG)

If you’ve prioritized developing an ESG strategy but don’t know where to begin, we can help.

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Are you ready for the future of mobility?

The automotive industry is changing at top speed. It’s time to rethink your business model and adopt new strategies to compete in tomorrow’s electrified automotive market. Explore insights and strategic intelligence from our future mobility experts to drive your company in the right direction.

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Upcoming Events & Webinars

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Aerial view of interconnected network of people against a white background.

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 (Upcoming Event)

Smart manufacturing

More Smart Manufacturing

Manufacturing worker in a hardhat next to an automated robot arm.

February 24, 2023

Smart manufacturing guidebook: Four keys to operational excellence

As manufacturers face supply chain disruption and shrinking margins, increasing operations performance is critical. Our guidebook highlights strategies to integrate automation, data analytics, and connected technologies to create efficiency on the plant floor and beyond.

White Paper / 8 min read

Business professional looking at chart data on their computer.

February 15, 2023

Data architecture: The bedrock of better business outcomes

Article / 4 min read

Business professionals looking at a tablet handheld while on a manufacturing floor.

October 07, 2022

Four steps to improve your supply chain forecasting

Article / 5 min read

Factory workers nearby a robotic machine.

September 23, 2022

Combat disruption with a flexible operations model

Article / 7 min read

Manufacturing leaders: You can’t avoid risk — so don’t. Learn how to risk the right way.

Lean into Risk

Insights

More Insights

Two business professionals standing on the stairs of a government building discussing OECD transfer pricing rules.

How Brazil’s adoption of OECD transfer pricing rules will impact international business

Webinar / 1 hour watch

Two construction workers on an industrial building walking between solar cell panels on the roof of factory in the morning

Q1 2024 U.S. Industrial Real Estate Market Report

Article / 10 min. read

Factory assembly line for an electric vehicle.

Product strategy and funding: The key link in suppliers’ EV transition

Article / 1 min read

Two business professionals sitting and discussing valuation allowances.

Valuation allowances: Common questions from businesses

Article / 8 min read

Two business professionals shaking hands and discussing the Section 1202 QSBS exemption benefit.

Timing is everything: Converting a partnership to maximize Section 1202 QSBS exemption benefits

Article / 8 min read

Shopper looking at products in grocery store aisle, considering SKU rationalization and accurate costing data.

The art of SKU rationalization: Getting accurate costing data

Article / 5 min read

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Case Studies

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Photo of two business people working laptop together.

July 01, 2021

Midwest manufacturer uses data analytics to gain customer insights

A manufacturer with both consumer and professional customer segments, served through a direct sales model.

Case Study / 1 min read

October 15, 2021

Operations assessment for targeted growth

Manufacturer improves efficiencies by more than 10 percent of operating cost and sees increased production capacity.

Case Study / 1 min read

March 26, 2024

Cost and margin intelligence solutions for automotive supplier

Automotive supplier improves costing information leading to confidence in product decisions and reduced lead time.

Case Study / 1 min read

Client Experience

The right partner to take you to the next level

Clients tell us our people are our secret weapon. We build lasting relationships to foster a client-focused, collaborative culture. We know the manufacturing industry inside and out — and the better we know you, the better we serve you. We entrench ourselves in your businesses, from the shop floor to the boardroom, to keep you positioned for success.

Future-focused manufacturers today need creative thinking, multiple perspectives, and bold ideas from their professional services provider. That’s why we involve multiple, knowledgeable Plante Moran partners for every client we work with. We refer to this extra level of partner involvement as our colleague partner approach to working with clients, and it allows us to ensure you’re getting the best possible ideas and guidance well beyond the immediate needs of your engagement. And, with some of the lowest turnover rates in the industry, you’ll get consistent service from a team you trust.

In the words of Brian Wiedenhoeft, our manufacturing industry group leader, “When we work with clients, we’re always looking for opportunities to exceed expectations. We tailor everything we do to match your unique needs because we want you to succeed, and because we know the industry so well, there’s no challenge we can’t handle.”

Our clients say

What I value most about working with Plante Moran is the trust I have in their expertise, truthfulness, and transparency. Their work on our tax provisions, annual tax filings, and R&D tax credit give me confidence I’m fulfilling my fiduciary responsibility as CFO.
In addition to tax services, Plante Moran also consulted with us on a significant operational investment for one of our largest U.S. metal plants. They assisted us with financial modeling, overhauling our coating and finishing lines, and increasing our return on investment.
No matter what issue I bring to them, their expertise is spot on. Even if they don’t have the answer right away, they’ll connect me to other people at the firm who do. Beyond being super knowledgeable, they’re personable and easy to relate to. I always feel like they care about our business and want to be successful in meeting our needs.

Andrew Callahan

Chief Financial Officer, ARaymond North America

Our transition to Plante Moran was remarkably smooth. We were impressed with the experience level and knowledge of everyone that worked on our audit. The communication and planning were exceptional, meeting all of our expectations, requirements, and deadlines.

Jim DeVleeschouwer

Corporate Controller, PVS Chemicals, Inc.

FT Precision engaged Plante Moran to assist with implementation of a new ERP software, Plex. One of the main reasons we partnered with Plante Moran was their bilingual capabilities. Being a Japanese-English company, it was very important to have smooth communication with our executives and our people on the shop floor, especially when our workforce was not technically savvy. Their ERP specialists came in and worked side by side with our staff to achieve a quick implementation, while establishing best practices moving forward. Plante Moran and Plex have made our jobs easier and more efficient, by helping FT Precision collect real-time data which has increased our decision making capabilities and made us much more flexible as a company.

Kent Baxter

IT Assistant Manager, FT Precision