The global supply chain is at a tipping point. Tariffs, once considered a tool for stabilizing domestic markets, now fuel sharp cost increases, disrupt sourcing channels and trigger retaliatory trade measures across key industries. Companies reliant on overseas manufacturing to maintain margins now face shrinking profits, longer lead times and greater risk.
In this environment, onshoring—bringing production back to the United States—isn’t just a patriotic gesture; it’s a strategic imperative. I’m saying that as a manufacturer. My company, Decked, makes truck storage, tool boxes and truck accessories right here in the United States.
Onshoring unlocks faster innovation, tighter quality control and resilience against global disruptions, advantages that are increasingly critical in a volatile economy.
For companies that value speed, security and customer trust, a Made-in-America strategy is no longer just a nice-to-have; it’s a competitive advantage.
Innovation Moves Faster Closer to Home
Committing to a Made-in-America strategy, even if only for a subset of your business, accelerates the innovation flywheel. Building close relationships with supply-chain partners and sourcing materials domestically enables companies to shorten supply lines, adapt faster to customers and improve products quickly.
At Decked, for example, many of our products are large and heavy, making overseas shipping both costly and complex. By removing international logistics hurdles, we unlocked opportunities to innovate freely and speed up our time to market.
When evaluating U.S. locations for production, it’s essential to consider proximity to a robust network of suppliers, ensuring that what isn’t made in-house remains accessible to key resources in production and engineering. When suppliers are invested in the success of the product, they contribute ideas, improvements and efficiencies that strengthen the entire ecosystem.
Whether facing a sudden spike or a downturn, domestic supply chains enable faster and more agile adjustments, reducing inventory exposure and capital risk. Onshoring requires deliberate design of the end-to-end supply chain—but for those who plan strategically, the benefits are transformative.
The Hidden Power of America's Skilled Workforce
The U.S. continues to be a global leader in producing high-quality goods in industries like automotive and aerospace, where precision and excellence are non-negotiable. At the heart of this success is an underrated strength: America’s skilled manufacturing workforce.
Across the country, pockets of specialized expertise exist, from advanced machining in the Midwest to aerospace innovation in the South. Successful domestic companies tap into these localized talent pools, grounding operations where the right skills already thrive. At Decked, we chose Defiance, Ohio, and St. George, Utah, for our manufacturing facilities because of the availability of skilled labor in these areas to attract and retain the best talent. For example, Northwest Ohio has a well-established manufacturing workforce built around the auto industry.
Finding skilled workers is not enough; companies must also retain them. Building a strong brand, offering competitive benefits and fostering a culture that values long-term career growth are essential. Ultimately, investing in America's skilled workforce leads to higher throughput, greater consistency and better products, delivering more value to customers and reinforcing the brand's reputation for quality.
Made Here, Trusted More
For Decked, whose core customers are domestic pickup truck owners, the decision to manufacture in the U.S. was about more than logistics; it was about authenticity.
When the majority of your customers are U.S.-based, Made-in-America becomes a powerful trust signal. Especially today, with global economic uncertainty and tariff-driven price increases, customers are looking for products they can believe in. Our Made-in-America commitment has helped us to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of between 40-50% every year since 2014.
Manufacturing domestically helps companies differentiate in crowded markets, increases customer loyalty and buffers against the risks of global supply chain disruption. For businesses with large products, a predominantly U.S. customer base and a brand story rooted in American values, onshoring isn’t just operationally smart—it’s an authentic extension of who they are.
Building for the Long Haul
Bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. may not be the right move for every business. It requires a clear-eyed assessment of supply chains, workforce capability, customer priorities and long-term goals. But when those elements align, the results are undeniable: faster innovation, tighter control, stronger teams and customers connected and loyal to the brand.
Onshoring isn’t just about where a product is made — it’s about building a business that’s resilient, agile and ready for what’s next.
