Manufacturing minute: 4 must-read articles on the price of “Made in USA,” AI’s factory revolution, and more

Every minute counts in manufacturing—especially when you're chasing uptime, efficiency, and performance. That’s why we created Manufacturing Minute, a curated snapshot of articles worth your time. From real-world reliability wins to smart maintenance practices, we’ve got you covered. Here's what’s trending across the industry this week. 

1 product, 3 prices: This company is using cost transparency to show just how expensive it is to manufacture in the U.S. 
Author: Mark Wilson 
Source: Fast Company 
60-second snapshot: Crave, a pleasure jewelry company, is using its Kickstarter campaign to reveal the true costs of manufacturing in the U.S. versus China by offering its Tease Necklace at three different price points based on where and how it is made. The company published a detailed cost spreadsheet showing that fully U.S.-made versions cost more than three times as much to produce as their Chinese-made counterparts. Despite tariffs, the cost difference remains significant, and Crave argues that these policies are devastating to small businesses without meaningfully reshoring production. Crave’s founders stress that unpredictable tariffs create instability and excessive burdens, making domestic manufacturing financially unfeasible for companies like theirs. 
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How Much Would a 100% ‘Made in the USA’ Vehicle Cost? It’s Complicated 
Author: Michael Wayland 
Source: CNBC 
60-second snapshot: Despite being assembled in the U.S., vehicles like the Ford Expedition still rely heavily on foreign-made parts, underscoring the complexity of global automotive supply chains. Experts estimate that producing a truly 100% American-made car could raise costs by $10,000–$20,000 per vehicle due to the lack of domestic production for many critical components and raw materials. Efforts to increase domestic content face significant economic and logistical hurdles, requiring massive investment and potentially over a decade to develop the necessary infrastructure. While partial localization—around 75% U.S./Canadian content—is more feasible, reaching 100% is seen as impractical under current conditions. 
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AI's Manufacturing Renaissance: Why The Future Of Value Creation Will Return To Making Things 
Author: Richard Lebovitz 
Source: Forbes 
60-second snapshot: In this article, Richard Lebovitz argues that artificial intelligence is not just transforming knowledge work but also signaling a major economic shift back to manufacturing. As AI automates service-based tasks, the demand for tangible products and skilled talent in advanced manufacturing will grow. With examples like BMW using AI for defect reduction, the article illustrates how AI-integrated production can drive efficiency and innovation. Lebovitz emphasizes that nations and businesses embracing this shift early will gain competitive advantages, ushering in a new era of value creation centered on making physical goods. 
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Agentic leaps past Gen-AI in its ability to solve production plant problems 
Author: Tim Gaus 
Source: Smart Industry 
60-second snapshot: Agentic AI represents the next step beyond generative AI, offering proactive problem-solving capabilities, especially valuable in manufacturing environments. Unlike Gen-AI, which focuses on content creation, agentic AI can autonomously detect issues, analyze data, and suggest specific solutions, acting as a digital continuous improvement engineer. This technology has the potential to bridge skill gaps, enhance workforce efficiency, and streamline operations—but human oversight and strong data infrastructure remain critical. Manufacturers are advised to start small, focus on ROI, and build trust among frontline teams to fully realize the benefits of agentic AI. 
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How To Achieve a Green Supply Chain in Uncertain Times 
Author: Tara Milburn 
Source: Material Handling and Logistics 
60-second snapshot: In a world of growing geopolitical instability and shifting trade policies, businesses must move beyond traditional supply chain models and embed sustainability into every level of their operations. Rather than treating sustainability as a side initiative, companies are encouraged to lead with transparency, responsibility, and resilience, aligning with increasing consumer demand for ethical sourcing. Green supply chains not only reduce waste and improve efficiency but also enhance brand trust, investor appeal, and long-term adaptability. Tools such as ESG reporting, third-party certifications, and sustainability audits can help businesses assess performance and build credible, future-proof strategies. 
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