News

We’re from the Government and we’re here to help (jobs)!

We’re from the Government and we’re here to help (jobs)!

A great deal any administration’s focus seems to be directed to increasing jobs in America. Whether green energy or infrastructure, what’s made the news usually includes some reference to new job creation. Is this credible? Can the federal government make a meaningful contribution to the country’s employment, and if so, where and how? One thing for sure is subsidies for some businesses will surely create new jobs. The emphasis on green energy in the Obama… Read More

China: Is the End Coming Soon?

China: Is the End Coming Soon?

China has been the major thorn in American manufacturing for some time.  Now a well-known expert says this is coming to a dramatic end in the next 10 years. Proficient Sourcing has a network of domestic manufacturers eager for reshoring interest or just a desire for better suppliers.  Maybe at last we have some “good” news concerning manufacturing and China! Peter Zeihan has been writing about world geopolitics for decades and recently released a terrific… Read More

Need Improvements to Your Supply Chain – FAST?

Need Improvements to Your Supply Chain – FAST?

We’re all about improving your supply chain.  Whether reshoring something or any of a myriad of possibilities, if you want excellent candidates for your outsourced manufacturing, we can probably help. Key areas of success have been large metal parts, such as machine bases, fabricated and molded plastics, domesticating ferrous (and large!) castings, tanks, pressure vessels, and even micro machined precision items.  We can also offer special ISO candidates for specific industries.  Here’s a partial listing… Read More

Future of the Supply Chain. Good for the US?

Future of the Supply Chain. Good for the US?

Proficient Sourcing LLC exists to help OEM’s find excellent manufacturing suppliers.  We found a forecast of what the future might hold that’s both chilling and encouraging.  Check out this source and keep us in mind if it’s at all accurate. “[After WWII] the Americans had …become THE determining factor in issues European and Asian…industrial and trade based, cultural and military. …The Americans…offered their wartime allies a deal.  The Americans would use their navy to patrol… Read More

Good News for US Manufacturing! Can it be True?

Good News for US Manufacturing! Can it be True?

Several recent forecasts have predicted difficult economic times in the years ahead. One primary reason given is the declining influence of the US Navy in promoting free oceanic trade. Without the Navy’s presence countries may become more parochial, and the major ones may try to exert greater control over what they view as their sphere of influence. Should this be true it probably means a decline in manufacturing outsourcing to Asia in particular. To support… Read More

OEM Standards: Should We Worry?

OEM Standards: Should We Worry?

What’s going on with large corporations these days?  Some may be your customers or suppliers, so their motivations should be significant in your business plans.  And to the extent this population includes OEM’s we are concerned. It’s probable outside forces have tried to influence corporate behavior forever.  But now, in a time of social media and instant and broad communications, perhaps this has become more important.  Such things as ESG and CEI, if expanded into… Read More

The 4 Day Work Week – A 2nd Take

The 4 Day Work Week – A 2nd Take

We continue to hear news about the 4-Day workweek.  Some European countries have implemented this, but it has yet to take hold in the US.  Is this a good idea for us in manufacturing?  Or in other types of work?  And who would benefit from such a change? We have no particular view on this subject, other than the obvious fact that such a change would present problems to manufacturers, along with many others, of… Read More

ESG: A Second Look

ESG: A Second Look

Manufacturers might be well advised to pay attention to the current movement using ESG standards (whose standards are these?) for funding decisions.  This could affect your retirement system as well as access to funding for any number of things. For a second time we want to take a look at ESG standards for investments.  Proficient Sourcing recommends suppliers for manufacturing OEM outsourcing needs, and most of our recommended companies are domestic shops.  If funding becomes… Read More

Supply Chain Under Strain

Supply Chain Under Strain

Proficient Sourcing LLC provides OEM’s access to a network of outstanding manufacturing suppliers.  As almost all are midwestern, we offer an alternative to companies being subjected to supply chain difficulties with overseas suppliers. The January/February edition of Expansion Solutions magazine has an excellent summary article “A Supply Chain Under Strain”.  The article points out several key supply chain points. Everyone involved with foreign suppliers is aware of the potential for sea, air, rail, and road… Read More

Manufacturing Outlook: Problems Remain

Manufacturing Outlook: Problems Remain

What is the near term outlook for US manufacturing?  Not particularly encouraging. There are nearly an infinite number of internet answers to this, and we found 2 good ones at the National Association of Manufacturers 4Q 22 survey and Deloitte’s 2023 Manufacturing Industry Outlook. Here’s a segment of NAM’s Summary of Findings: “While manufacturing proved to be quite resilient through the challenges of the past few years, the sector ended 2022 with weaker conditions, both… Read More