Supply Chain Agility During Tariff Turbulence
Unprecedented times in our global supply chain continue. Economists and analysts have predicted that the quickly evolving tariff landscape could have a domino effect on supply chains, and consumer willingness to purchase products at higher price points is in question.
In the past half-decade, supply chains have been rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Suez Canal blockage, and general geopolitical events such as the Russia-Ukraine war. From these crises came learnings that companies have used to mitigate these issues.
Fortunately, manufacturing’s technological evolution has made supply chain resilience more accessible than ever with diversified suppliers offering unmatched speed, even in difficult times.
Digital Manufacturing Offers Supply Chain Resilience
Protolabs works with 85% of Fortune 500 companies, providing a front row seat to witness large companies shift supply chains with the mindset of moving manufacturing closer to consumption. Starting with the emergence of COVID-19, we have seen many of our customers report how much they value supplier speed because of the flexibility it offers. Manufacturer proximity is enormously helpful in reducing lead times.
Manufacturers that can offer supply chain agility combined with speed, while still meeting stringent quality standards will prove to be the key to maintaining a modernized approach to achieve market resilience.
Protolabs, for example, takes a double-pronged approach to this issue, using its owned, U.S.-based factories plus a global network of manufacturing partners.
Our factories offer injection molding, CNC machining, 3D printing, and sheet metal fabrication and are known for industry-leading speed and quality for prototype and end-use parts. Our global network of highly vetted manufacturing partners offers additional capabilities to meet the needs of the industry while adhering to strict quality standards. Together, we serve as a supplier covering the entirety of the product life cycle, from prototyping to production.
A Comprehensive Digital Manufacturing Model for Agility
Protolabs’ comprehensive approach to digital manufacturing can help you weather the effects of today’s tariffs while enhancing future supply chain agility.
Our combination of company-owned factories and actively managed manufacturing partners offers unmatched speed, quality, and reliability from early prototyping to production quantities. The unique position provides a distinct advantage by offering a highly flexible and scalable production solution tailored to your specific financial and operational needs.
Meanwhile, our U.S.-based operations are dedicated to a proactive material sourcing strategy, which allows for swift response to geopolitical challenges to limit any price effects for the customer.
Our global network of manufacturing partners plays a vital role in meeting your diverse needs. It further enhances our capabilities and adheres to the same high standards as our domestic factories. With a focus on geographic diversity of our supplier network, we boost adaptability when navigating tariffs and mitigating supply chain disruptions.
Protolabs’ comprehensive manufacturing model has the capacity to handle orders at large-scale production volumes. And if you need fewer parts, we offer no minimum order quantities, allowing you to optimize inventory management and reduce overhead costs.
We know that speed and flexibility is critical for supply chain agility. We combine that with a steadfast commitment to rigid quality control measures and thorough documentation at every stage, guaranteeing that all parts meet even your most stringent standards.
Finally, we are dedicated to maintaining a full-service customer care approach. By navigating customs, classifications, and tariffs on your behalf, we can deliver a fully landed price at checkout inclusive of duties, taxes, fees, and tariffs, while always keeping an eye on value.
Fundamentally, we want to be your comprehensive partner to help you navigate concerns with the global supply chain.
Janne Christensen is the International Logistics Manager at Protolabs, bringing over 20 years of expertise to the role. Her diverse experience across Europe and the United States uniquely positions her to navigate complex logistics challenges and drive global efficiency.
