Compared to their larger peers, all middle market companies face resource constraints—human, financial and otherwise. This reality makes process improvement and cost reduction a high priority, especially for middle market manufacturers. According to midyear 2025 Middle Market Indicator (“MMI”) data, such initiatives are a high near-term focus and/or investment area for more than three-quarters (78%) of middle market manufacturers.
As companies look for ways to optimize operations and realize efficiency gains, technology and automation have a clear role to play. According to midyear 2025 MMI data, two out of five manufacturers said they would lean into digital capabilities as a means of resolving workforce challenges by transitioning at least some work from people to tech-enabled alternatives over the subsequent 12 months. Such changes, however, won’t come without headwinds. More than a quarter (28%) of manufacturers said digitalization and technology advancements are one of the top risks facing their companies today.
Download this case study to learn how one middle market specialty food manufacturer is automating key parts of its production to support rapid growth. The case highlights both the opportunities and the challenges manufacturers face as they pursue automation to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world.