Reshoring manufacturing to the United States has gained momentum over the past decade, particularly accelerating in the early 2020s. A combination of supply chain vulnerabilities, geopolitical tensions, supportive US industrial policies, and, most recently, tariff uncertainty has driven this trend.

The top two years of record growth for reshoring US manufacturing since tracking began in 2010 were 2022 and 2023, respectively. More recently, the current administration has made a big push for reshoring US manufacturing. Companies like Apple, Eli Lilly, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, and GE Aerospace have committed to investing over a trillion dollars in US manufacturing. As OEMs and large manufacturers return production to the US, they will seek local suppliers to support their operations.

At the same time, short-term uncertainty around tariffs has led many companies to stockpile overseas components, creating an unusual dynamic: long-term demand for domestic manufacturing is growing, even as near-term orders slow. Contract manufacturers’ reaction may determine their readiness to capitalize on the reshoring movement.

Capitalize On Reshoring Manufacturing

Contract manufacturers are well-positioned to capitalize on the reshoring movement, especially as OEMs and large manufacturers look to localize supply chains. There is potential here, whether these companies want to build new facilities, expand current facilities, or completely outsource.  The shift creates both immediate and long-term opportunities in multiple sectors. Below are key opportunities for contract manufacturers in this reshoring environment:

  • Tiered Supply Chain Integration – As OEMs reshore operations, they increasingly rely on domestic suppliers for components, assemblies, and subassemblies. Contract manufacturers can position themselves as vital Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 suppliers, offering scalable support for just-in-time and custom orders without the capital investment of full-scale OEM production.
  • Bridge or Transitional Manufacturing – Companies that plan to reshore but must build facilities or lack the infrastructure to manufacture in-house will create a demand for local contract manufacturers who can produce prototypes, pilot runs, bridge volumes, or full production as a stopgap. This opens the door to creating a long-term partnership.
  • Support for Onshored Critical Industries – The U.S. government has prioritized domestic production of critical technologies, such as semiconductors, electric vehicle components, battery manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and aerospace and defense components. Contract manufacturers with cleanroom facilities, advanced quality control, and industry certifications can tap into these high-growth areas. OEMs in these industries often need specialized partners to fulfill orders while scaling.
  • Value-Added Capabilities and Vertical Integration – Companies looking to reshore may seek turnkey partners that offer more than one capability. Opportunities exist for contract manufacturers that offer a full suite of services from engineering and prototyping to logistics and inventory management. The more services a contract manufacturer can integrate, the more attractive they become as a strategic partner, especially to OEMs looking to reduce supplier complexity.
  • Support for Sustainability Goals – Many companies are reshoring to align with sustainability commitments. Contract manufacturers demonstrating energy-efficient operations, responsible sourcing, or waste-reduction practices may have a competitive edge in winning contracts from sustainability-conscious OEMs.

Short-term Challenges for Reshoring US Manufacturing

Despite these opportunities, the reshoring manufacturing environment is not without hurdles. Currently, many manufacturers are stockpiling overseas components in response to ongoing tariff uncertainty. This short-term hedge against price volatility is creating a slowdown in new orders and sales pipelines for U.S.-based contract manufacturers.

This behavior, though understandable, is not sustainable. Stockpiling can lead to inefficiencies, aging inventory, and storage costs. Eventually, that excess inventory will be depleted, and OEMs will need to restock fast. When that happens, they’ll be under pressure to source locally, with reliable suppliers who can respond quickly.

The Window to Get in Front of Buyers Is Now

When that shift happens, contract manufacturers who have stayed in front of OEMs and reshoring companies will be the ones considered first. Whether a prospect is actively reshoring or simply reevaluating supply chain strategy, staying visible now is essential to capturing future business.

Even companies relying heavily on offshore stockpiles know that those components will not last forever, and that future sourcing strategies will likely include more domestic partners. Remaining top-of-mind during quiet cycles is what positions a supplier to be included in the conversation when procurement restarts.

Consistent Engagement Requires Resources

Maintaining that visibility is not a side task. It requires dedicated people, structured processes, and reliable technology. Many contract manufacturers do not have the in-house bandwidth to execute high-touch outreach or nurture large-scale, long-cycle opportunities.

Doing this well means:

  • Having dedicated personnel focused on list building, outreach, qualification, follow-up, nurturing, website conversion rate optimization, blog writing, and more
  • Creating and consistently following structured processes to manage long buying cycles
  • Leveraging list development software, CRM, marketing automation tools, analytics, and other technology to track and report activity
  • Staying in the game consistently, even when sales are flat

Without those components, it is easy for even strong prospects to fall through the cracks. This is especially important in the current environment. The disconnect between long-term reshoring plans and short-term stockpiling means there’s often a lull in buying activity even when future demand is a near certainty. Manufacturers who continue investing in outreach, lead nurturing, and pipeline development during this slowdown will be the ones ready—and already trusted—when buyers re-enter the market.

Athena SWC Supports Manufacturers’ New Business Development

We help contract manufacturers with technical sales manage the front end of business development, so they can stay engaged with highly targeted prospects without overloading internal teams.  Our proven approach helps manufacturers streamline their operations, optimize production processes, and improve efficiency, making it easier to attract and manage new business.

We provide the resources, processes, and consistency needed to:

  • Identify and reach out to ideal OEM and reshoring manufacturing targets that are the right fit for your business
  • Keep your company top-of-mind through ongoing communication
  • Monitor interest levels and buying signals
  • Build qualified pipelines that are ready when the market rebounds

When business slows, most suppliers pull back. At Athena, we help you do the opposite. We keep your brand visible, your pipeline active, and your sales process moving so that you can take advantage of reshoring opportunities that may be available now, and you are positioned for those who are currently paused when they are ready to buy.

Contact us to learn more about how Athena SWC can support your front-end business development needs.