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Man businessman holding hands over a blue glowing plasma sphere. Magic prediction and foresight in business and Finance

Wouldn’t it be grand to have a real crystal ball, and to be able to ask a question, peer into its swirling mist, and see the answer clearly?

Over these last seemingly interminable months, as supply chain woes have dominated the headlines and newscasters have bemoaned the fact that there is no end in sight, we can’t help but wonder what would happen if we focused our efforts on bringing more manufacturing back to the U.S.

Think of the abandoned factories that haven’t yet been turned into trendy loft space, and how they could be revitalized for production. Think of the office spaces that sit vacant now, as more companies allow employees to work from home all or most of the time. Think about the small towns across this great land of ours that have been dying an excruciatingly slow death since their last factory closed down.

And now think about what could happen if business after business stopped looking elsewhere for goods, and started producing some of them right here, in the U.S.

We dug around a bit for some insight on how bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. would play in the long run. And while some experts will say that it’s not possible — that that ship sailed long ago, forgive the pun — there are optimists among us who cry out: ‘Now wait a minute! Maybe, just maybe, if we build it, they will come.’

Maybe, just maybe.

Nothing in business ever guarantees unbridled success, but wouldn’t it be great to find out what is possible? Wouldn’t it be grand if American businesses, one by one, brought manufacturing back? Wouldn’t it be a dream come true to revisit the halcyon days of American manufacturing, not just in misty-eyed movies, but in everyday, real life? We think so.

After all, focusing on manufacturing in the US would mean more steady jobs for Americans. It would be a boon to the communities surrounding manufacturing facilities, and a boon to the families benefitting from the steady work. And, it would be a boon to local economies — think of restaurants, mom-and-pop shops, and more–because people who have extra money like to sometimes spend that extra money.

Manufacturing in the U.S. would also go a long way toward eliminating the shipping delays that are currently plaguing American business, as shipping containers remain stranded in severely understaffed ports. And, it would get components and finished goods into the hands of consumers and businesses faster. (Ever notice that when you shop on Amazon, some providers can deliver a product the next day, while others take several weeks or longer? It’s not hard to figure out why that is.) And, as an added boon, producing locally can help cut down on ocean shipping, which in turn will lower the emission of greenhouse gases and significantly reduce a company’s carbon footprint.

We’re not suggesting that it will be easy, and truth be told, we suspect it won’t be easy, at least not at first. But we hold on to the hope that if one of us does it, others will follow. If we build it, they will come.