Inc. Managzine
Ilana Preuss founder of Recast City
Ilana Preuss is the founder and CEO of Recast City and author of Recast Your City: How to Save Your Downtown with Small-Scale Manufacturing. This article was originally published in INC Magazine on September 9, 2025. Summary Below.
Updated 2/10/2026
Reading Time: 3 minutes
How can Small-scale manufacturers lead the charge as we re-shore America’s production capabilities?
Large-scale manufacturing is returning to America (Samora, Manufacturing Drive) but without robust small-scale manufacturers, the reshoring movement will fail. Here's why small producers are essential to rebuilding American manufacturing—and how to support them.
The Problem: America's Manufacturing Infrastructure Has Gaps
The Numbers: As reported by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute, America could create millions of new manufacturing jobs by 2033, but approximately 1.9 million positions (nearly half) may remain unfilled due to skills gaps.
Why It Matters: Newly relocated factories cannot function in isolation. The skills, services, and supply chains they need may no longer exist locally—or even domestically.
Why Small-Scale Manufacturers Are the Solution
They Build Essential Ecosystems: Small manufacturers create the support infrastructure large factories need—specialized services, skilled workers, supply chain partners, and local innovation.
They're Faster to Mobilize: Unlike large manufacturers, small-scale producers can be incentivized more easily and quickly, in every jurisdiction across the country.
They Develop Workforce Pipelines: Small manufacturers train workers, build technical skills locally, and create pathways into manufacturing careers that feed larger operations.
Newly relocated factories, for example, cannot function in isolation, and needed skills and services to support their success may no longer be available locally or even domestically. Around half of the projected new American manufacturing jobs—1.9 million by 2033—could remain unfilled, according to Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute.
What We're Missing: The Support Infrastructure
To successfully reshore American manufacturing, we need:
Access to capital for equipment and facility expansion
Affordable production space in communities of all sizes
Technical training programs that prepare workers for modern manufacturing
Local procurement policies that connect small manufacturers to larger supply chains
Business development support beyond one-time training programs
The Path Forward
America's reshoring success depends on supporting small-scale manufacturers now. These businesses aren't just supplementary—they're the foundation that makes large-scale manufacturing viable, sustainable, and locally rooted.
FAQ: Small-Scale Manufacturing and Reshoring
Q: How many manufacturing jobs are coming back?
A: Millions are projected by 2033, but nearly half (1.9 million) could stay unfilled without skilled workers.
Q: What's the workforce gap?
A: We don't have enough trained workers for the manufacturing jobs being created. Small manufacturers help fill that gap.
Q: Can big factories operate alone?
A: No. They need local suppliers, skilled workers, and support services that may no longer exist in many communities.
Q: What do small manufacturers need?
A: Affordable space, access to capital, and connections to larger supply chains.
Q: Where can I learn more about small-scale manufacturing?
A: Read Recast Your City or visit recastcity.com for resources and case studies.
Q: What is Recast City?
A: Recast City is a small business founded by Ilana Preuss, that helps communities build thriving local economies through small-scale manufacturing. Learn more at recastcity.com.
Read the full article here.