285: Why Offshoring Looks Cheaper (But Isn’t): The Real Math Behind Reshoring with Harry Moser

Manufacturing Happy Hour · 28 Apr 2026 · 53m

What this episode covers

Harry Moser, founder of the Reshoring Initiative, explains why offshoring often appears cheaper than it is due to a failure to account for Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). He argues that an overvalued dollar and short-term corporate thinking have hollowed out U.S. manufacturing, costing millions of jobs, and proposes policy fixes like a weaker dollar and stable tariffs to reverse this trend. Moser details how reshoring can restore the middle class, improve national security, and reduce emissions, while advocating for a U.S.-Mexico partnership to reclaim supply chains from Asia.

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • The Manufacturing Executive · 27m

    Bring 5 Million Manufacturing Jobs Back to the U.S. w/ Harry Moser

    Harry Moser, founder of the Reshoring Initiative, explains his mission to bring 5 million manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. to balance the trade deficit and improve national security. He details the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculator, a tool that reveals hidden costs of offshoring such as freight, inventory, and IP risk, arguing that domestic production is often cheaper when these factors are included. Moser cites a case study of Maury Corp, which used the TCO tool to win a $6 million order by demonstrating lower total costs to a customer despite higher unit prices. He also outlines strategies for companies to identify 'pain points' in their supply chains, such as late deliveries or quality issues, as entry points for reshoring decisions.

  • The Manufacturing Executive · 36m

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    Harry Moser, founder of The Reshoring Initiative, discusses the economic and national security drivers behind the trend of bringing manufacturing back to the United States. He explains that geopolitics, ESG goals, and recent tariff policies are accelerating reshoring, while highlighting the root causes of the US trade deficit, including an overvalued dollar and a lack of skilled workers. Moser advocates for policy changes such as promoting apprenticeships, lowering the dollar, and implementing a value-added tax to restore competitiveness.

  • The Manufacturing Executive · 32m

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  • The Manufacturing Executive · 35m

    What Does “Made in America” Mean to You?

    Brandon Acker, President of Titan Abrasive Systems, discusses the complexities and benefits of maintaining a 'Made in America' manufacturing operation. He explains how sourcing decisions ripple through the supply chain, noting that a single offshore component can jeopardize the status of an entire $2 million machine. Acker also addresses the critical labor shortage in US manufacturing, attributing it to a cultural shift away from trades and suggesting that reshoring efforts must be paired with workforce development and potentially immigration reform.

  • Rapid Reshoring: Building a Reliable North American Supply Chain w/ Mike Wynn

    Mike Wynn, Vice President at Advanced Purchasing Dynamics (APD), explains how manufacturers are rapidly reshoring supply chains to North America to mitigate tariff risks and reduce lead times. He details APD's 'rapid reshoring' process, which involves defining 15-20 specific supplier attributes to identify and vet credible suppliers in just 4-5 weeks. Wynn emphasizes the importance of calculating 'total cost of supply' beyond unit price and using a 'mini business case' to engage overwhelmed North American suppliers.

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