Input Stories

A survey of 1,610 executives in the U.S. and Europe, conducted by ABB, found that many manufacturers are planning to move production closer to home, according to IndustryWeek.

The results: According to the survey, 7 out of 10 U.S. manufacturing executives reported that they are planning to invest in new production capacity closer to home.

• “37% said they plan to return production to U.S. shores while a third said they will look to nearshore new operations.”

The context: The survey comes as manufacturers continue to grapple with global supply chain problems stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Lengthy supply chain delays have become the norm over the past two years as millions of shipments have been backed up at ports and container yards around the world.

The updates: New facilities may have an increased emphasis on automation.

• “More than 40% of business leaders said they will use automation and robotics to make their supply chain more resilient.”

What they’re saying: “Business leaders are responding to unprecedented supply chain disruptions by putting into place measures to make operations more resilient and adaptable,” Sami Atiya, president of ABB’s Robotics & Discrete Automation Business, said in a statement. “While investment in automation plays a key role in flexibility in operations, equally important is investment in education, vocational training and apprenticeship programs.”

Our take: The NAM has advocated consistently for policies designed to strengthen the manufacturing supply chain as part of the NAM American Renewal Action Plan. Check out our recommendations here .