Reshoring in the Age of AI
Manufacturing and supply chain leaders today face many challenges. Tariffs, AI adoption, workforce shortages, and reshoring decisions all require careful attention. As part of the Make Things Better Conversation series, Jon Washington of The Innovation Garage® spoke with Harry Moser, Founder of the Reshoring Initiative®.
In this conversation Harry and Jon revisit their 2022 discussion on supply chain megatrends and updated it for today’s realities. The conversation centered around reshoring in the age of AI. At The Innovation Garage, we believe lasting progress starts with people, then strong processes, and finally technology.
The exchange offers practical insights and clear guidance for leaders who want to build stronger organizations.
Reshoring in the Age of AI – Why This Conversation Matters Now
The manufacturing landscape has changed significantly since 2022. Policy shifts, geopolitical tensions, advancing AI tools, and workforce pressures have increased the need for thoughtful action. Harry Moser brings decades of manufacturing experience and provides a historical and data-driven perspective that helps leaders focus on what truly matters.
Key Insights from Harry Moser
- Harry Moser advocates Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) as one of the most powerful tools for sound reshoring decisions.
- Looking beyond the individual part piece price reveals the real costs of quality, delivery, freight, logistics, risk, and overhead.
- Human-centered AI follows a clear sequence.
- Leaders should focus first on people, then strengthen processes, and only then introduce technology. Harry concurs with this approach.
- Technology delivers the best results when the human and process foundations are solid.
- Workforce development continues to be a top concern.
- Apprenticeship programs and collaboration between industry, education, and government are essential to building the talent pipeline manufacturing needs.
- Leading change in the age of AI requires strong communication, training, and support.
- Leaders must create environments where teams can adapt confidently to new tools and processes.
- Policy stability plays a major role in reshoring success.
- Consistent, long-term signals encourage investment and growth.
- Real-world examples, such as GE Appliances and lean manufacturing practices, show how disciplined execution delivers strong results even in challenging conditions.
Actionable Steps for Manufacturing, Operations and Supply Chain Leaders
- Evaluate sourcing decisions using a full Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) model.
- Consider a strategic exercise how your organization, its employees and community would benefit by localizing your supply chain.
- Prioritize people and process improvements first, before large technology investments in automation or AI.
- Invest in apprenticeship and training programs to strengthen your workforce.
- Build clear change management plans when introducing automation and AI.
- Stay informed on policy developments and participate in regional business forums where possible.
- Document and share internal success stories back to the Reshoring Initiative to help build momentum for government policy changes.
Resources to Investigate for Reshoring
- From the Reshoring Intitative®:
- 2026 National Reshoring Survey (closes July 24)
- Total Cost of Ownership Estimator
- National Metalworking Reshoring Award
- From The Innovation Garage:
Reshoring in the Age of AI – Final Thoughts and Next Steps
Conversations like this remind us that real manufacturing progress comes from practical steps, clear thinking, and a focus on people first. We are grateful to Harry Moser for sharing his experience and insights. At The Innovation Garage we remain committed to helping leaders make things, make things better, and teach others. Stay tuned for more conversations with thought leaders and real clients who are walking the talk every day.
Consider reaching out to The Innovation Garage to discuss support and consulting services to evaluate your supply chain and the opportunities that reshoring can deliver for lead time reduction and lower total cost of ownership. As change management consultants, we can craft a custom capability building program to evaluate if reshoring and why localization makes sense for your organization.
Explore our free 10-Point AI Inspection Checklist. Discover our Innovation and Growth Mindset programs. Revisit the full Technical Savior or Carnival Snake Oil series so your organization can navigate both reshoring and AI adoption with clarity, confidence, and hope for what comes next.
Take the next step today. Contact us at [email protected] or visit the-innovation-garage.com to start building your Strategy, Innovation, Supply Chain and AI advantage right now.
At The Innovation Garage®, We help organizations grow. Providing education, tools, technology, and expert consulting in change management for strategy, innovation, and supply chain. Guiding leaders from organizations across the world to intentionally self-disrupt their offerings and organizations. We deliver world-class education, tools, and technology on how to craft business operating systems focused on long-term profitable growth.
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