Top Manufacturing Trends to Watch in 2022

3 MIN. READ

The greatest manufacturing trends for 2022 involve the complete re-imagination of Made in America. Worker health and safety dictated many of these trends. The manufacturing industry has undergone tremendous changes since the beginning of the pandemic. Social distancing and predictive machinery maintenance to reduce downtime played important roles in keeping America building in 2021.

Fortunately, the manufacturing industry’s future for 2022 and beyond looks much brighter. Federal regulation changes, supply chain solutions and an increased use of technology combine to create a vibrant, exciting and ever-changing manufacturing experience.

Federal Regulation Changes

In January 2021, the Biden Administration highlighted the need to change federal purchasing regulations. The administration wants American products manufactured by American workers. As such, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) apply to federal agencies and contractors, creating a broader market for American goods.

The Buy American Act increased the percentage of American-made products. The bar is now 5% higher to be considered “domestic.” Products made of iron and steel items must now contain 95% American material. The Act also raises the “penalty” for foreign-sourced purchases. Foreign items must now carry a cost-savings of 20-30%. Otherwise, items must be bought in America.

Shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic began, the United States experienced a serious semiconductor chip shortage. These chips are vital in everything from toothbrushes to airplanes. However, chips are primarily made in China. When outbreaks interrupt Asian manufacturing and shipping, the world suffers. The CHIPS for American Act is currently part of the National Defense Authorization Act. It gives $52 billion to the American semiconductor manufacturing sector for research and development.

The recent passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act focuses on rebuilding America. It improves roads and bridges. It provides highs-speed broadband for all Americans. It replaces crumbling and dangerous infrastructure such as the lead pipes still used in many areas of the country. This Act encourages many manufacturing sectors to work together to improve the lives of all Americans.

Supply Chain Solutions

One major outcome of the pandemic has been the re-imagining of supply chains for manufacturing companies of all sizes. In the 1980s, many manufacturers off-shored their supply chains in search of lower labor costs. Now, cargo ships are lined up in harbors. Freight cars full of items wait for enough drivers to deliver them. Manufacturers are re-thinking the cost of extended supply chains, and are rushing to create on-shored and near-sourced supply chains.

IndustryNet is an industrial marketplace that connects industrial buyers in this new, shortened supply chain with the nation's nearly 400,000 manufacturers and suppliers of more than 11,000 parts and services. In the wake of the pandemic, users of IndustryNet doubled as industrial companies searcged for new suppliers. Manufacturers that partner with IndustryNet can easily find companies in their area, request quotes, and find the best price for parts, products, and services. 

Increased Use of Technology

A recent Deloitte survey notes that smart manufacturing is the wave of the future. Currently, the U.S. is behind other manufacturing giants, namely Germany, China and South Korea.

In light of this fact, 50% of U.S. manufacturers surveyed say they will increase their use of robotics, IT, artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. This shift will create a more streamlined, competitive and efficient company from the shop floor to the executive offices.

Technology will not only change the way in which manufacturing companies make things, but the way in which they market and sell these items. Borrowing a page from business-to-consumer marketing, manufacturers are upgrading their web sites and automating tasks. Data analytics helps segment marketing. Manufacturers can now reach the right people at the right time with the right message.

With its massive built-in audience of industrial sourcing and purchasing professionals, thousands of industrial companies have doubled down on their digital marketing efforts with IndustryNet, standing out to potential buyers in their industry with a dedicated listing page, publishing opportunities, and social media exposuure. With more 100 years of helping manufacturers successfully overcome industry changes and challenges, IndustryNet can help your business realize a prosperous future.