Manufacturing/Distribution Articles

Reshoring involves bringing manufacturing operations back to the United States from abroad, driven by factors such as President Trump's tariff plans, federal and state tax incentives, and the need for supply chain stability. Manufacturers must carefully assess location selection, skilled labor availability, and equipment decisions to ensure the success of reshoring efforts.

Vendor fraud poses a significant risk to manufacturing companies, impacting their profitability and product quality. Recognizing the warning signs and implementing strict controls can help companies protect themselves from deceptive practices and maintain the integrity of their operations.

The strategies for transferring business ownership include family transfers, trusts, employee buyouts, ESOPs, and sales to outside buyers. Each option is analyzed for its tax consequences, such as gift tax, estate tax, capital gains tax, and corporate deductions, providing a comprehensive guide to succession planning.

The Trump administration's policies could significantly impact U.S. manufacturers, particularly in the areas of tariffs and trade policies, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), and clean energy tax incentives. Manufacturers need to stay informed about these rapidly changing policies to navigate their impact on business.

Understanding the profitability of each product is essential for manufacturers to make strategic decisions and optimize production, marketing, and pricing strategies. By analyzing product-specific costs and profit margins, manufacturers can focus on the most profitable products and make informed financial decisions.

Manufacturers can prevent sales tax overpayments by identifying all applicable exemptions, verifying vendor charges independently, actively pursuing refunds, and maintaining vigilance. These steps help reduce sales tax liabilities, control costs, and ensure compliance with state tax regulations.

Manufacturers are increasingly integrating advanced technologies like IIoT, robotics, and automation, which makes cybersecurity more critical than ever. The convergence of IT and OT systems presents unique cybersecurity issues, and manufacturers must adopt robust cybersecurity frameworks, conduct risk assessments, and prioritize employee training to mitigate risks.

Work-in-Process (WIP) refers to partially completed goods in the manufacturing process, encompassing costs of raw materials, labor, and overhead. Monitoring WIP helps identify production inefficiencies, optimize processes, and manage inventory effectively.

Manufacturing companies must create comprehensive and realistic budgets in 2025. Key considerations for creating budgets include avoiding reliance solely on past results, seeking input from all departments, setting attainable goals, managing cash flows, and treating budgeting as an ongoing process.

The IRS has issued final regulations for the Section 45X advanced manufacturing production credit, which supports manufacturers producing clean energy equipment in the U.S. between 2022 and 2032. The regulations clarify eligibility, production costs, and the interplay with other credits, while also introducing substantiation requirements for material costs. Despite the clarity provided, compliance remains complex, and the credit’s future is uncertain under the incoming administration.