The topic of reshoring manufacturing to the United States continues to gain traction, especially with the introduction of costly tariffs earlier this year. Amid this discussion of relocating production operations and building a closer supplier network, additive manufacturing has emerged as a technology that can support these initiatives.
Manufacturers are beginning to realize how useful it is to have access to additive manufacturing technologies. With 3D printers at their disposal, they have more flexibility during unplanned disruptions and far more resilient supply chains. As additive manufacturing adoption grows, the technology continues to demonstrate its place alongside reshoring initiatives.
Leveraging Additive Manufacturing in Supply Chains
Manufacturers must create redundancy to strengthen their supply chains and withstand disruptions. Having ready access to 3D printers, either in-house or through a relationship with an additive manufacturing service provider, enables manufacturers to remain self-sufficient during service interruptions.
“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,” explains Neil Glazebrook, Vice President of 3D Printing Solutions at ABCorp.
ABCorp’s 3D printing division works with a wide range of industries to service their additive manufacturing needs. In his position, Glazebrook sees firsthand the impact of additive on the sector.
“Manufacturing companies are working on implementing additive manufacturing into their supply chains, both for planned production needs and unforeseen circumstances,” says Glazebrook. “From an engineering standpoint, having a nearby service provider and being able to interact with them results in better designs and faster product development.”
For industries that have already adopted additive manufacturing to create end-use parts, local supply chains have become a necessity. Companies making these 3D-printed products need an in-country supplier network for various reasons, including specialized certifications, high shipping and tariff costs, and tight turnaround times.
According to Glazebrook, this is where 3D printing really plays a part in the reshoring trend. “Additive is being used to create unique items, for lower volume production runs, and to develop bespoke products in the United States.”
Current State of 3D Printing in Production
As manufacturers increasingly use 3D printing in their supply chains, 3D-printed parts are becoming common. More companies are adopting additive manufacturing alongside traditional production methods, such as injection molding, to produce end-use parts.
Glazebrook expands on this: “Engineers are realizing they need to use both traditional manufacturing and additive manufacturing for production of end-use parts. The extent to which they use 3D printing depends on their product and processes, but it’s becoming a lot more common to have fully 3D printed industrial parts.”
This upward trend in 3D-printed production parts has risen in tandem with the introduction of reshoring initiatives. And that's because 3D printing has proven helpful for manufacturers undergoing these types of transitions.
One example Glazebrook cites is an injection molding company whose operations were decimated by a hurricane. It took more than a month for that company to remake its mold and resume production at a new location. In the interim, they pivoted to additive manufacturing production for a short production run of the product. “This highlights how industrial companies can leverage additive manufacturing to withstand disruption. Manufacturers are using these technologies and bringing supply chains closer to prepare for these types of situations and ensure they can maintain speed to market,” says Glazebrook.
Examples like this showcase how additive manufacturing adoption is increasing in U.S. production operations – evolving from consumer good product use cases to industrial applications.
3D Printing’s Place in the Future of Reshoring
The reshoring trend in manufacturing is holding firm, with several industrial companies pursuing years-long initiatives to bring some production operations back to the United States. Shipping costs have risen and, if tariffs stay in place, there’s likely to be even more reshoring in the manufacturing sector.
“In the next five to 10 years, 3D printing is really going to cement its position in the manufacturing industry. It’s going to help create larger industrial products and reshore production for those back to the United States,” says Glazebrook.
As 3D printing continues to grow over the next few years, Glazebrook predicts significant consolidation in the industry and more specialized, application-driven additive manufacturing products. “I see 3D printing as a tool in the chest that manufacturers are going to leverage for more products over the coming years. I see it as a significant advantage with new product launches and scaling initiatives,” explains Glazebrook. “This is how additive manufacturing is going to impact the market and help with reshoring projects.”
ABCorp 3D works with industrial companies throughout the country, serving as a local additive manufacturing service provider. If you’re a manufacturer looking for 3D printing services, check out ABCorp 3D's services. And if you’re looking to learn more about additive manufacturing’s role in reshoring, explore attending RAPID + TCT: North America’s largest additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing event. The RAPID + TCT conference, taking place from April 13-16, 2026, in Boston, covers a wide range of additive manufacturing topics impacting the industry.
Bio:
Neil Glazebrook, VP of 3D Solutions at ABCorp
ABCorp is a secure on-demand manufacturer of 3D printing parts from low to high-volume production using the HP MJF solutions and automated robotics and inspection technology. With over 26 years in manufacturing, Neil has previously worked as a director of Sales and Operations, Mold & Coating Manager, Capital Additive Sales, HP Product Manager, and CNC Programmer in the job shops and injection molding industry. Neil holds a BS in Business and Law from Curry College of Milton, MA, and he currently resides in central Massachusetts. His goal is to bring manufacturing closer to ABCorp’s customers with enterprise-scale manufacturing on-demand using the latest technology in 3D printing, robotics, and inspection.