The aerospace sector has sprawling supply chains that make it vulnerable to unexpected disruptions — from geopolitical tensions to rising tariff costs. Reshoring the aerospace supply chain is a viable solution, but this strategy comes with its own hurdles.
For one there's a shrinking labor force in the United States, especially for more skilled manufacturing positions. Another complication is the strict regulatory requirements in aerospace - changing suppliers or going with different materials is often a long, drawn-out process. These challenges mean it will take years to properly reshore operations and fully staff these facilities.
To streamline this process, aerospace manufacturers are implementing more advanced technologies. This includes adopting more automation, which has been delayed by aerospace companies due to the low-volume, high-mix nature of production in the industry.
Digital technologies are also enabling aerospace manufacturers to have more effective reshoring initiatives. These include simulation models, predictive analytics, digital inspection systems, artificial intelligence, and cloud-data platforms. These technologies allow aerospace companies to be agile in their reshoring initiatives while maintaining efficiency and compliance.
Reshoring and localizing supply chains is more than just a reaction for aerospace; it's an industry transformation. The initial investment into new technologies is just the beginning — the aerospace sector must attract and retain a pipeline of skilled talent and adapt resilient supply chains to successfully move forward and remain competitive.