In recent years, more and more manufacturers have begun to bring production back to the United States. From pandemic-driven supply chain disruptions to rising costs overseas and increased international trade tensions, the decision to manufacture closer to home is no longer just a patriotic move—it’s a strategic one.

But as operations return and new facilities break ground, one question becomes more urgent: Is your workforce ready?

The Shift Toward Domestic Production

Across the country, companies are re-evaluating their global footprints. Rising import fees and unpredictable regulatory shifts are making it harder to depend on international suppliers. In contrast, producing goods domestically offers greater control over quality, timelines, and costs.

However, it is apparent that recent trade tensions are requiring companies that were not preparing for reshoring as a long-term solution to make quick decisions that increase their risk and exposure, particularly as it relates to talent.

A Growing Demand—and a Shrinking Talent Pool

With more production moving stateside, demand for skilled labor is climbing fast. Yet manufacturers across the broader Midwest continue to face one of their biggest hurdles: finding qualified workers.

Many experienced tradespeople are retiring, and there’s not enough new talent coming up to replace them. This growing gap is especially acute in roles like machinists, maintenance technicians, industrial electricians, and welders—positions that are critical to keeping production lines running smoothly.

At the same time, the need for flexibility is growing. Companies aren’t just looking for technical know-how—they need workers who can grow with the job, adapt to new technologies, and contribute to long-term success.

Evolving Your Workforce Strategy

It’s clear: old hiring models won’t cut it anymore. Waiting for applicants to find your job post, or sticking to the same narrow experience requirements, will only leave you behind in a competitive labor market.

To thrive in this new manufacturing landscape, your talent strategy needs to evolve. That means:

• Planning ahead. Build your pipeline before you need it. Engage with trade schools, local programs, and even potential career changers to build awareness and interest in manufacturing careers.

• Opening up job criteria. Focus on potential and trainability. A motivated candidate with a strong work ethic and mechanical aptitude might be a better long-term fit than someone with just the right resume.

• Partnering with recruiting specialists. A recruiting agency that understands industrial hiring can not only help you find talent and reduce hiring friction, they can partner with you to build those pipelines and create comprehensive job descriptions so you aren’t doing all the heavy lifting.
  

We Know Manufacturing

At Rust Belt Recruiting, we help manufacturers throughout the Midwest find the skilled workers they need to grow. Whether you’re expanding due to increased domestic demand or replacing critical talent, we understand the urgency—and we’re here to support your goals.

We’re also highly sensitive to the impacts that reshoring has to your budget and demand planning, which is why we offer RPO (Recruitment Process Outsourcing) services. This allows us to work within your budget constraints to create customized fee structures and dynamic hiring plans for when you need to scale up, or scale back. 

We go beyond job placements. We take the time to understand your operation, your workforce culture, and the specific skills your roles demand. Then we use our network and industry know-how to connect you with candidates who are not only qualified, but aligned with your long-term goals.

The Opportunity Is Here—Will You Be Ready?

As trade dynamics continue to shift and the cost of importing goods becomes more unpredictable, domestic production will only become more attractive, and in some cases, necessary. For manufacturers ready to act, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lead.

But the success of reshoring efforts depends on one crucial factor: talent.

If you’re ready to future-proof your workforce and take advantage of this manufacturing resurgence, we’re ready to help. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more resilient future—for your company and for manufacturing.