Blog

By Gray Pipitone, Pipitone The shifting global trade landscape has become a significant challenge for manufacturers. Tariffs don’t just affect costs and supply chains; they also pose communication challenges with customers, suppliers and stakeholders. To preserve trust and business relationships, a crisis communication plan is essential. Here are six key strategies manufacturers can use to manage tariff-related communication challenges. 1. Be Proactive Address tariff risks early by outlining potential…

For middle-market manufacturers in Southwestern Pennsylvania, the game is changing. Traditional markets are more cutthroat than ever, customer needs are evolving, and new industries are opening doors that didn’t exist a decade ago. Staying put isn’t an option. The question is: How do you break into these new markets without losing your edge? The Power of Market DevelopmentExpanding doesn’t mean throwing everything at the wall and hoping something sticks.…

With the coming changes in tariffs, now is the time to assess how these changes could impact your business so that you’re ready to pivot if needed. Steel and aluminum tariffs, new tariffs on chips, copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and things needed for the military are all on the docket for the current administration. To prepare your company, thoroughly review your supply chains, identify potential impacts on imported materials, and explore…

by Chas WatsonPresident, RL Swearer In today’s rapidly changing trade environment, tariffs are often imposed to protect domestic manufacturers by making imports more expensive, ultimately encouraging local production. However, for manufacturers that rely on imported raw materials and components, these tariffs can lead to significant cost increases. Fortunately, businesses can seek tariff waivers and exemptions to mitigate financial strain and maintain operational efficiency. That said, the process for obtaining…

Catalyst Connection is thrilled to announce the commencement of the 13th cohort of our Emerging Leaders in Manufacturing (ELM) program, marking a significant milestone as we welcome our 100th participant into this transformative journey. This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to nurturing leadership talent within the manufacturing sector and highlights the program's enduring impact on professionals and organizations for 10 years. A Legacy of Empowerment Since its inception, the…