Reshoring

Reshoring Prototyping and Other Manufacturing Operations

Reshoring Prototyping and Other Manufacturing Operations

An article from the Empire Group with this title appeared in January.  The central thought is that former decisions to outsource certain functions, such as prototyping and “other manufacturing operations” are good candidates for reshoring consideration. Proficient Sourcing LLC is a business that provides excellent performing candidates for OEMs’ outsourcing needs, so we could not agree more.  And there’s good reason for this reshoring in many cases.  As this article notes, “Even before the onset… Read More

Rare Earths – An Update

Rare Earths – An Update

Rare earths, those 17 elements critical for many industries (defense, electronics, smart devices, etc) are a continuing global supply chain issue.  2 years ago we wrote an article, that summarized the situation as of mid-2019.  Now there’s more news. Both Trump and Biden administrations have made some noise to improve the US supply of these minerals.  Currently, China provides about 80% of worldwide rare earths.  Fortunately, several other countries are ramping up supply efforts, particularly… Read More

Reshoring: The Case Strengthens

Reshoring: The Case Strengthens

Several important current news factors support reshoring manufacturing as a high priority for the US.  Among these factors are efforts to raise the minimum wage to $15, supply chain risks for critical items such as medical supplies, semiconductors, rare earths, and employment difficulties throughout the economy.  All these strengthen the case for a robust manufacturing sector.  So what to do? As we all know, for decades the private sector has shipped a great deal of… Read More

Recovering US Manufacturing Competitiveness

Recovering US Manufacturing Competitiveness

The March 25, 2021, article on Market Watch discusses how the US can regain it’s former position as the world’s most competitive manufacturer. The compelling thought is the US has the world’s primary position in scientific research and discovery, which should drive manufacturing innovation. Why, then, haven’t US manufacturers been able to translate that big advantage into a global competitive advantage? And why have countries such as Germany and China become so prosperous with inferior… Read More

When To Call Proficient Sourcing

When To Call Proficient Sourcing

You call Proficient Sourcing when need a new/replacement supplier to make tanks, parts or assemblies, especially if your requirement is for something large. Over the past few months we have had several complex projects. These projects involved procurement professionals or project managers contacting us seeking solutions. A specific supplier capability was desired. We were able to quickly provide credible candidates. In every case the project is proceeding and on schedule. The reason this happens is… Read More

Our 2021 China Trade Relationship

Our 2021 China Trade Relationship

As we look beyond coronavirus effects, much of how our economy develops in 2021 will depend upon how we deal with China. Obviously there have been significant changes due to the pandemic, and now we have a new administration. Many believe the new administration is more favorably inclined to China, and there are even some reports of China “buying” influence as a widespread problem. Here’s just one example from a San Francisco newsletter: “The inaugural… Read More

Manufacturing Reshoring as 2020 Ends

manufacturing reshoring

Several 2020 articles and news reports indicate reshoring of manufacturing is on the rise.  Clearly the pandemic has shown the limitations of overseas supply for critical items in a situation of rapidly increased global demand.  Increased reshoring might be a good economic boost, and act to counter the negative effects of the pandemic. The Trump administration made a great deal of noise about increasing US manufacturing, and especially bringing operations back from China.  Tax policies,… Read More

Manufacturing in 2021 – A Prediction

Manufacturing in 2021 – A Prediction

With all the unusual events of 2020, and the multiple effects on US manufacturing, what is forecast for 2021? Surely major change has got to occur, and how we respond to those changes is likely to be a very major factor in business growth. When we found a Forbes article from late December, Five Predictions for The Manufacturing Industry in 2021, we found some hints on what lies ahead. Proficient Sourcing, which finds and recommends… Read More

Economic Forecast and Reshoring News

Economic Forecast and Reshoring News

The next couple of years should be good growth years for the US, and us in OH.  A time for expansion and taking advantage of good times.  All the economic indicators they use are upward pointing even with an uncertain virus situation.  Reshoring into the US should continue, as this is the place to be for manufacturing! This is the headline from ITR Economics in a webinar we saw recently.  ITR is a firm that… Read More

US Supply Chains: Weaknesses Exposed by the Covid-19 Pandemic

US Supply Chains: Weaknesses Exposed by the Covid-19 Pandemic

We have all witnessed the chaos in supplying critical medical supplies during the past few months of the covid 19 pandemic, especially in and around New York.  Why has this supply chain issue been such a problem for the US?  After all, we were the #1 manufacturing country in the world for the past 100 years until just the last few years! Political leaders are quick to say this is something we need to fix,… Read More