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Resources

Supply Chain

Sourcing across the U.S., Mexico, and Shenzhen, and how to read a quote on landed cost.

SUPPLY CHAIN · 4 MIN READ

Outsourcing Manufacturing: Pros and Cons

Weighing the benefits and drawbacks of outsourcing manufacturing to countries like Mexico, China, and India. Learn how to evaluate partners and protect your supply chain.

NOV 2025 Read
SUPPLY CHAIN · 3 MIN READ

Mitigating Metal Tariff Costs: Strategies for Manufacturers (Post-2025 Changes)

The 2025 Section 232 changes ended new product exclusions and country exemptions. A look at the narrow, compliant avenues that remain for reducing steel and aluminum tariff costs on derivative products.

MAY 2025 Read
SUPPLY CHAIN · 3 MIN READ

The China Tariff Puzzle: How Section 232 Impacts Your Metal Sourcing Costs from China

Chinese steel and aluminum imports face layered duties — but Section 232 can actually cap exposure by exempting those goods from the harsher IEEPA reciprocal tariffs. How the interaction works.

MAY 2025 Read
SUPPLY CHAIN · 3 MIN READ

How Many Jobs Are Available in Metal Fabrication?

Metal fabrication employment is shifting toward specialization. While generic fabricator roles are declining, demand for welders, CNC machinists, and ironworkers continues to grow.

OCT 2023 Read
SUPPLY CHAIN · 3 MIN READ

How to Find a Manufacturer in Mexico

Mexico offers lower labor costs, a skilled workforce, and proximity to U.S. markets. Here is how to identify reliable manufacturers and build lasting supplier relationships.

OCT 2023 Read
SUPPLY CHAIN · 2 MIN READ

Trump’s China Tariffs Explained

The 25% tariffs on Chinese imports took effect July 6, 2018, covering about 10% of imports — 818 mostly industrial items. What’s included, what’s not, and the background.

JUL 2018 Read
SUPPLY CHAIN · 2 MIN READ

Trump’s China Tariffs Actually Help China?

Trump’s 2018 steel and aluminum tariffs apply to raw material, not processed parts — which can incentivize processing metal in overseas factories before it enters the U.S.

JUL 2018 Read
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The engineering desk

Field notes for the people who specify parts.

Process selection, tolerance, and lead-time guidance, written from the floor. About once a month.

  • Practical design-for-manufacturing notes
  • Casting and machining process selection
  • Lead-time and nearshoring guidance
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