Featured Insights

At Ruder Ware, our manufacturing attorneys in Wisconsin have represented many of the area’s largest manufacturers, building long-term relationships and growing alongside them over the years. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities within the manufacturing industry, which allows us to deliver tailored legal solutions that drive success.

Manufacturing and distribution are the backbone of Wisconsin’s economy and plays a prominent role in our 100-year history. Wisconsin has long been known for its robust manufacturing sector, which includes industries such as paper, machinery, and food production. This sector provides thousands of jobs and significantly contributes to the state’s GDP. According to the 2024-2025 Wisconsin Manufacturing Report, manufacturing contributed over $66 billion to Wisconsin’s economy and employed nearly 480,000 workers.

Ruder Ware Understands Manufacturing

As a full-service business law firm, our attorneys offer a wide range of services to manufacturers and distributors, from local operations to international facilities. We have extensive experience advising clients on various issues, including day-to-day operational challenges and sophisticated transactions crucial to business success. Whether you are dealing with regulatory compliance, labor issues, or complex mergers and acquisitions, our team is equipped to provide the legal support you need.

Recognizing the Challenges Manufacturers Face

We recognize the competitive and increasingly global marketplace pressures to be lean, cost-effective, and proactive. Manufacturers today face a myriad of challenges, from navigating complex regulatory environments to managing supply chain disruptions. Our manufacturing attorneys combine legal knowledge with business acumen. We provide clients with decisive, sound counsel as trusted advisors to manufacturers and distributors. We also work closely with our clients to understand their specific needs and develop strategies that mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities.

Comprehensive Legal Services for Manufacturers

Our manufacturing lawyers collaborate closely to offer timely, practical, and cost-effective legal guidance. Our clients benefit from a team of attorneys skilled in business structuring and succession, employment and workforce management, contracts and agreements, financial and real estate transactions, litigation and risk management, and intellectual property and compliance.

Business Structuring & Succession

• Business Succession Planning: Ensuring a smooth transition of ownership and management.
• Entity Formations: Assisting with the formation of new business entities.
• Operating Agreements: Establishing the rules and regulations for business operations.
• Reorganization Strategies: Developing plans to restructure and optimize business operations, including tax-free reorganizations.
• Shareholder Agreements: Defining the rights and responsibilities of shareholders.
• Shareholder Disputes: Resolving conflicts among shareholders.

 Employment & Workforce Management

• Employee Manuals: Creating comprehensive manuals outlining company policies and procedures.
• Employment and Personnel Issues: Advising on hiring, termination, and workplace policies.
• Employment Contracts: Drafting contracts that protect both the employer and employee.
• Noncompete and Nonsolicitation Agreements: Protecting business interests through enforceable agreements.
• Workforce Issues: Managing labor relations and workforce challenges.
• Deferred Compensation: Designing compensation plans that attract and retain top talent.
• Incentive Plans: Structuring incentive plans such as stock options, stock appreciation rights, phantom equity, and other plans that incentivize employees.

Contracts & Agreements

• Distribution Agreements: Creating and discussing agreements that make distribution easier and more efficient and minimize risk.
• Licensing Issues: Navigating the complexities of obtaining and maintaining necessary licenses.
• Non-Disclosure Agreements: Helping safeguard important confidential information.
• Supply Agreements: Drafting agreements that ensure a steady supply of materials.
• Terms and Conditions of Sale: Establishing clear terms for sales transactions.

 Transactions & Financing

• Finance and Lease Arrangements: Structuring financing and leasing deals that support business growth.
• Loan and Equipment Lease Documents: Drafting documents that secure financing for equipment purchases.
• Purchase and Sale of Manufacturing and Distribution Operations: Facilitating smooth transactions.
• Purchase and Sale of Real Estate: Handling real estate transactions, including manufacturing facilities.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to industry regulations.

 Litigation and Risk Management

• Commercial Litigation: Representing clients in disputes and protecting their interests.
• Risk Management Strategies: Identifying and mitigating potential risks.
• Warranty and Product Liability Issues: Addressing warranty claims and product liability concerns.
• Contract Disputes: Protecting client interests in breach of contract situations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Providing guidance through industry regulations.
• Intellectual Property: Safeguarding proprietary technology from infringement.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Managing legal responsibilities and disputes within the supply chain.
• Employment: Resolving disputes related to employees and policies.
• Environmental Liability: Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and permits.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution: Resolving conflicts through mediation and arbitration.
• Insurance Coverage Disputes: Evaluating and litigating insurance coverage issues.
• Construction Defects: Handling disputes over improperly completed projects.
• Product Recalls: Assisting with strategies and compliance during product recalls.
• Contractual Risk Assessment: Evaluating contracts to identify and mitigate potential risks.
• Mergers and Acquisitions Disputes: Handling conflicts arising from business mergers and acquisitions.

 Intellectual Property & Compliance

• Trademark Protection and Other Intellectual Property Matters: Protecting intellectual property rights.

Global Reach Through Meritas

Ruder Ware is a member of Meritas, a premier global alliance of independent law firms. This membership allows us to connect clients with rigorously vetted law firms worldwide, providing qualified legal expertise wherever you need it. Whether you are expanding into new markets or dealing with cross-border legal issues, our Meritas membership ensures that you have access to top-tier legal support around the globe. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help your manufacturing business overcome legal challenges and thrive.