Rising material costs are squeezing manufacturers across the Midwest, forcing engineers to rethink their approach to design, sourcing, and production. With global supply chain disruptions, inflation, and new tariffs increasing the cost of raw materials, companies must find ways to stay competitive without sacrificing quality or production efficiency.
For Tier 2 manufacturers, particularly in non-automotive industries, these challenges can make it difficult to maintain profit margins while delivering high-quality products. This is where strategic engineering and outsourcing contract manufacturing to reliable partners like Arete can provide a significant advantage.
Understanding the Cost Pressures on Engineers
The current manufacturing landscape presents several cost challenges for engineers:
- Tariffs & Trade Policy: Fluctuating tariffs on imported metals and components impact sourcing decisions.
- Supply Chain Volatility: Lead times remain unpredictable, increasing the risk of costly delays.
- Raw Material Inflation: Steel, aluminum, and other key materials have seen rising prices due to increased demand and constrained supply.
- Labor Shortages: Finding skilled labor remains a challenge, pushing companies to seek external partners for production.
With these factors in mind, engineers must adopt a proactive approach to cost efficiency—starting with design, process improvements, and outsourcing where appropriate.
1. Optimize Material Selection Without Compromising Performance
One of the most effective ways to manage costs is by re-evaluating material choices. Engineers should consider:
- Substituting alternative materials with lower costs or greater availability without sacrificing quality (e.g., switching from stainless steel to coated carbon steel where applicable).
- Reducing material waste through efficient nesting and optimized cutting techniques.
- Leveraging supplier expertise to explore new alloys or composite materials that meet performance requirements at a lower cost.
2. Improve Manufacturing Processes to Reduce Waste and Labor Costs
Beyond materials, manufacturing inefficiencies can drive up costs. Engineers should explore:
- Lean manufacturing techniques to eliminate waste and improve workflow.
- Automation and CNC machining to enhance precision and minimize human error.
- Design for manufacturability (DFM) principles that simplify production and reduce labor-intensive steps.
3. Outsource Non-Core Manufacturing to Reduce Overhead Costs
For many manufacturers, outsourcing contract manufacturing is a strategic move to control costs and increase production efficiency. By partnering with Arete, companies can:
- Lower capital expenses by reducing the need for in-house machinery, tooling, and labor.
- Improve scalability to handle production fluctuations without the risk of overextending resources.
- Access specialized expertise that ensures consistent quality and faster turnaround times.
At Arete, we work with Tier 2 manufacturers across the Midwest to provide precision contract manufacturing services that help engineers bring high-quality products to market without the burden of managing every production detail in-house.
4. Strengthen Supplier Relationships for Long-Term Cost Stability
Strategic supplier partnerships can help stabilize costs and improve lead times. Engineers should:
- Negotiate long-term agreements for price protection and priority production slots.
- Diversify sourcing strategies to avoid single-supplier dependencies.
- Collaborate with contract manufacturers like Arete to secure reliable production capacity.
The Bottom Line
With the struggles to fill labor positions and material costs continue to rise, engineers must take a strategic approach to cost efficiency—optimizing materials, improving manufacturing processes, and outsourcing non-core production to trusted contract manufacturers.Arete is here to help Midwest manufacturers navigate these challenges. If you’re looking for a reliable contract manufacturing partner to offset rising costs and streamline production, contact us today.
At Areté Manufacturing, we provide tailored manufacturing support services to optimize production, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency. Contact us for more information on how we can help you or for a project quote.
