MCT’s Economic Forecast 2026: Powering Up Profits for Connecticut Manufacturers

Connecticut manufacturers are stepping into 2026 as the economic landscape continues to shift at an unprecedented pace. Persistent labor shortages, elevated inflation, evolving tax and trade policy, and ongoing global disruptions are reshaping how manufacturers plan, invest, and compete. In this environment, success depends not on reacting to change, but on anticipating it—with clarity, strategy, and adaptability.

That’s why ManufactureCT is bringing the manufacturing community together for MCT’s Economic Forecast 2026, a timely event designed to help leaders make informed, forward-looking decisions in a complex economic moment. As Connecticut’s leading manufacturing association, ManufactureCT is uniquely positioned to connect economic insight with the policy, workforce, and operational realities manufacturers face at the state level.

A Practical Framework for Manufacturing Strategy

At the core of this year’s forecast is a dynamic presentation, Powering Up Profits in Connecticut: The 5 Ts Transforming Manufacturing in 2026, led by John Traynor, President for Cambridge Trust Wealth Management of Connecticut , and Jennifer Clement, Strategic Pursuits Leader for Manufacturing at CLA.

Together, they will translate macroeconomic signals into real-world implications for manufacturers—connecting economic data to operational, financial, and workforce decisions that leaders are making right now.

Their discussion centers on the 5 Ts shaping manufacturing performance in the year ahead:

Tax – Understanding tax policy shifts and planning strategies that protect margins and cash flow

Tariff – Navigating trade dynamics, supply chain exposure, and cost volatility

Tech – Leveraging automation, digital tools, and innovation to drive productivity and competitiveness

Talent – Addressing workforce shortages, retention, and skills development in a tight labor market

Transition – Managing change across leadership, operations, and long-term business models

These five lenses serve as strategic guideposts—helping manufacturers evaluate risk, identify opportunity, and align near-term actions with long-term goals. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

What Connecticut Manufacturers Will Gain

MCT’s Economic Forecast 2026 is designed with practicality in mind. Attendees won’t just hear projections—they’ll gain insights they can apply directly to budgeting, workforce planning, capital investment, and growth strategies.

Participants will walk away with:

• Data-driven insights to refine 2026 roadmaps and implementation plans
• Practical tools to mitigate economic risk while driving profitability
• A clearer understanding of the trends most impacting Connecticut manufacturing
• Fresh perspectives on workforce strategy, innovation, and sustainable growth

For manufacturers operating in precision manufacturing, aerospace, defense, medical devices, and other advanced sectors, these insights are especially critical as competition intensifies and margins remain under pressure.

Why This Forecast Matters Now

Already lean manufacturers are being asked to do more and more—optimize operations, invest wisely, and plan for uncertainty, all at once, often with fewer resources. Events like MCT’s Economic Forecast provide a shared foundation of knowledge, helping leaders cut through noise so their teams can focus on what truly matters for their businesses and bottom line.

Equally important, the forecast creates space for peer learning and dialogue. Manufacturing is a collaborative ecosystem, and understanding how fellow Connecticut manufacturers are interpreting the same economic signals can spark smarter decisions and new approaches.

As 2026 approaches, staying informed isn’t optional—it’s a competitive advantage. MCT’s Economic Forecast 2026 equips manufacturers with the insight, perspective, and strategic clarity needed to power up profits and navigate the year ahead with confidence.

As our first event of the new year, MCT’s Economic Forecast 2026 at Quinnipiac University is one more way ManufactureCT helps manufacturers lead the future by turning uncertainty into informed action.