Part of a five-part "Bringing It Home" series, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel examines the trend of manufacturing jobs returning to the US as reshoring efforts come to fruition. Trade wars, tariffs and global supply chain concerns have driven the reshoring trend, which is seeing large and small manufacturers bring production back to the US. The shift presents a major opportunity for American manufacturing, but challenges remain as many firms struggle to recruit and retain qualified workers.

The manufacturing sector in Mexico is growing rapidly, especially as the US moves away from China, but China's world trade goals are reflected in its own dealings with Mexico. The US and China are both attracted to Mexico's relatively low cost of labor, its proximity to the US and the free trade accord between Mexico, the US and Canada, but questions have arisen regarding whether China is skirting US tariffs by exporting components directly to Mexico.

New supply chain regulations are cracking down on forced labor along the supply chain, especially from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, where human rights abuses are rampant. The regulations make the importing companies responsible for proving nothing in the shipment originated in this region, which requires supply chain mapping and documenting the sources of raw materials, writes Jag Lamba, the CEO and founder of Certa.

Microfactories equipped with cutting-edge manufacturing technology are changing the production landscape by prioritizing local demand and rapid adaptability. Mike Szczesny, owner and VP of EDCO Awards & Specialties, says the shift toward microfactories allows for customized production, reduces material waste and creates shorter supply chains, offering businesses a more sustainable and cost-effective approach.

Significant improvements in precision, speed and quality are possible with the introduction of digital technologies and the internet of things in the machine shop. Ellie Gabel examines the main technologies in the sector and benefits that also include heightened return on investment and improved worker safety and productivity.

AI stands poised to bring about transformative change in the key role of asset tracking and management, writes Ram Shamanna, vice president of product at Asset Panda. Shamanna explores how AI can eliminate the necessity of multiple asset tracking systems to create a single source for more advanced analysis, effectively giving assets a voice.

Monitoring, cost control and prediction remain elusive for cloud managers in the manufacturing and automotive industries, although they can efficiently run their systems, according to an Infosys survey. More than half of respondents expressed a lack of confidence in tracking cloud spend and cost optimization amid growing complexity in applications, architecture and funding models.

Companies that offer voluntary benefits like accident insurance, critical illness coverage and disability income in addition to traditional benefits can help meet the needs of a diverse workforce, writes Tina Santelli of Alera Group. These supplemental benefits can attract and retain workers and help employers mitigate some of the costs associated with benefits.