Additive Manufacturing Emerges as Key Enabler for US Manufacturing Reshoring

Additive manufacturing is increasingly being recognized as a critical technology for reshoring manufacturing operations back to the United States. According to research from Hexagon released in 2025, approximately 36% of US manufacturing leaders are actively working to bring production closer to home, and AM is emerging as a key enabler for this transition.

The Reshoring Trend Accelerates

The movement toward reshoring has gained significant momentum in recent years, driven by supply chain disruptions, tariffs, and a growing recognition of the risks associated with over-reliance on distant suppliers. Manufacturers are increasingly viewing additive manufacturing not just as a prototyping tool, but as a viable production technology that can support domestic manufacturing operations.

"Moving supply chains closer is a major trend right now. And manufacturing companies are leveraging additive manufacturing as a backstop when issues arise in their supplier networks," explained Neil Glazebrook, Vice President of 3D Printing Solutions at ABCorp.

Building Resilient Supply Chains

The ability to produce parts on-demand, closer to the point of need, gives manufacturers significant advantages in terms of supply chain resilience. Rather than maintaining large inventories of finished goods or relying on lengthy overseas shipping routes, companies can use additive manufacturing to produce parts as needed, reducing both inventory costs and lead times.

This approach is particularly valuable for specialized components, legacy parts where CAD data may not exist, and low-volume production runs where traditional manufacturing methods become cost-prohibitive.

The Role of Service Bureaus

For manufacturers not ready to invest in their own additive manufacturing capabilities, service bureaus offer an accessible entry point. These providers enable companies to access AM technology without significant capital investment, allowing them to test the technology and build experience before committing to in-house adoption.

As the reshoring trend continues to gain traction, additive manufacturing is well-positioned to play an increasingly important role in domestic manufacturing strategies across industries from aerospace to automotive and beyond.