To gain insights into the outlook of Canadian manufacturing and distribution leaders, we collaborated with Environics Research,
a Canadian market research and consultancy firm. (See figures 17-19 for more details)
Why?
We conducted a survey of industry leaders within the manufacturing and distribution industry to gain insights into their outlook for the year 2025 and beyond. Our objectives were specifically to:
- Identify business priorities and strategies for the next 24 months.
- Understand digital priorities, efforts, benefits, and challenges in digital transformation.
- Examine regulatory and compliance challenges faced by businesses.
- Assess the impact of recent economic conditions on businesses.
- Evaluate the effects of government incentives on investment decisions.
When?
The survey was conducted between September and October 2024.
Who?
We surveyed a total of 126 C-suite executives and leaders of manufacturing as well as wholesale and distribution companies in Canada.
Business size by employee count
| Business size | Size of businesses represented by surveyed leaders |
|---|---|
| 50-99 | 30% |
| 100-499 | 29% |
| 500-999 | 20% |
| 1000+ | 21% |
Sector
Note: A small portion of respondents indicated involvement in more than one sector.
| Sector | Represented by surveyed leaders |
|---|---|
| Food and beverage | 25% |
| Metals, rubber, and plastics | 22% |
| Transportation, wholesale, and logistics | 20% |
| Auto | 9% |
| Aerospace | 4% |
| Chemical | 3% |
| Other | 23% |
Note: A small portion of respondents indicated involvement in more than one sector.
Where?
Region of business transactions
| Region | Region of businesses represented by surveyed leaders |
|---|---|
| Other Canadian regions | 79% |
| The U.S. | 51% |
| Only in own Canadian province | 19% |
| Mexico | 14% |
| Europe | 14% |
| Asia | 6% |
| Other countries | 9% |