Job shops-Are we a service company or a manufacturing company?

As consumers, many of us do not realize what it takes to make for an example an appliance. Sure the Brand you buy may manufacture part of that appliance as well as source out standard items that another manufacturer makes but then job shops fill in the rest. We make the widgets. Parts you do not see. We are really not seen but are expected to deliver just in time inventory to keep the assembly line running smoothly. We manufacture the parts that are custom to that appliance. We are compression, injection and rotational molders, extruders, machine shops, metal stampers and gasket cutters to name a few. When Brands choose to start manufacturing elsewhere, we are also a casualty.

POV:
Everyone has their own opinion on tariffs based on their own day to day interactions. It is my belief that any country should make product with their natural resources and import what they cannot produce. The idea that the US does not have the personnel, equipment or knowledge to produce is foreign to me. I am a firm believer in purchasing as much Made in the USA product as possible. When on vacation, I try to buy something made in the country I'm visiting.

It is time to bring more manufacturing back. I have seen my customers head overseas, change their design and use materials that I do not work with. I've seen many job shops auction off their equipment, close down their 2nd shift and even layoff off workers on the first shift. This includes me. I am not a large job shop and I concentrate on small runs.

So as we forge ahead in a world of uncertainty, I will continue to promote Made in the USA and am grateful to my loyal customers who continue to believe in having their widgets made here.