Reshoring Manufacturing in 2025–26: Why Workforce Infrastructure, Not Tariffs, Decides Who Wins

Reshoring headlines are everywhere: factories are being built, incentives abound, and policies dominate the news. But here’s the reality: announcements don’t equal output. The true bottleneck is workforce capability. Manufacturers that win reshoring in 2025–26 invest in workforce infrastructure: hiring pipelines, compliant payroll, time & labor accuracy, skills development, and first-day retention. Data shows that […]
The New Skills Gap in Manufacturing: How SMB Plants in D.C. Can Compete for Talent Against Bigger Employers

Manufacturing in Washington, D.C. and the surrounding region is evolving faster than most small and midsize businesses (SMBs) can hire. Automation, new technologies, compliance demands, and shifting workforce expectations have created a new type of skills gap, one that isn’t just about technical ability. Today’s gap is about finding people who can grow, adapt, and […]
2026 Manufacturing Workforce Outlook: Why SMB Manufacturers Need an Adaptive Talent Strategy

As manufacturers enter 2026, uncertainty continues to shape the industry. Volatile demand, shifting tariffs, reshoring efforts, and rapid technology adoption are redefining workforce needs. According to Deloitte’s 2026 Manufacturing Industry Outlook, the competition for skilled labor has never been more intense. One-third of manufacturing executives say their top concern is equipping workers with the right […]