How International Supply Chain Volatility is Impacting Equipment Buyers

Tariffs and geopolitical tensions are on the minds of every business leader today, particularly manufacturers who rely on international supply chains for key equipment. How will trade policies affect my equipment budget? Are my delivery timelines going to be disrupted? Will suppliers change materials or parts that will impact equipment performance or durability? Uncertainty around these types of questions is forcing some manufacturers to rethink their capital equipment planning.

Consequently, sourcing equipment from U.S.-based suppliers has become a priority for manufacturers seeking to insulate themselves from volatility and minimize risks associated with trade policies.

While sourcing equipment from U.S.-based suppliers may contradict their traditional purchasing processes, manufacturers can ultimately benefit in several ways:

• For most food, cosmetics, personal care and pharmaceutical products, equipment like mixing vessels and agitators are not commodity components—they are core to manufacturing success. To optimize performance, equipment in those industries must be crafted to align to a specific manufacturing operation and its unique product set.
• Ideally, this custom-built process involves close collaboration between the manufacturer’s R&D engineers, product specialists and operation end users, and the equipment supplier’s applications engineers. This places an emphasis on smooth communication, accessible factory testing, quick iteration on design changes and post-delivery support—long-time hallmarks of local partners where it is easier to build the kind of close, consultative relationships that lead to optimal outcomes.
• Lead times are another major consideration. With global shipping channels still recovering from pandemic-era bottlenecks and with ongoing disruptions at international ports, delivery times for overseas equipment are difficult to control. Domestic manufacturers, on the other hand, can typically offer more reliable lead times, with the added advantage of local service and support. In fast-paced industries where downtime is costly and agility is key, this level of responsiveness is invaluable.
• Increasing momentum around reshoring and “Made in America” initiatives is also influencing equipment purchasing decisions. As corporate, political and consumer preferences converge, U.S. manufacturers are facing growing expectations to source domestically—and therefore better align with broader trends in industrial policy and sustainable growth.
• Perhaps most saliently, as manufacturers look out for their self-interests, they want to minimize their costs and continue to move their business forward. Sourcing from U.S.-based equipment providers helps manufacturers reduce exposure to these uncertainties and gain greater control over project timelines and capital investments.

Lee Industries has been producing mixing vessels and other equipment for manufacturers of food, cosmetics, personal care and pharmaceutical products from our Pennsylvania facility for over 100 years.

While this century-long commitment to American manufacturing has always anchored our commitment to quality and innovation, it is now also an important strategic asset to help domestic customers gain long-term stability and strategic flexibility.

As manufacturers continue to grapple with trade uncertainties, Lee Industries remains a stable and reliable choice for high-quality equipment that is proudly made in America.

Let us know if you’d like more information or want to talk through an application for your operation. Our applications engineers are always ready to discuss your situation with you. Just contact us to get started.