The OPEX Tools Series | #10 - Why “Made Locally” Is the Future—And What It Means for You

Think Global, Make Local: The Future of Smart Manufacturing.

Welcome to the unique weekly article for the Paid subscribers-only edition.

This is the #10 article of The OPEX Tools Series.

Outlines and Key Takeaways

Why Are Businesses Moving Production Closer to Home?

What “Made Locally” Means for You

OPEX Tool Spotlight: Supply Chain Mapping

How to Start Your Own Supply Chain Mapping Process

Try This: Start Small with One Local Switch (with OPEX Tools)

Final Thought: The Right Tools Make the First Step Easier

For years, many companies chose to manufacture products far from where they were sold. This helped reduce labor and production costs—especially for large corporations operating on a global scale. But over the past several years, the business world has been undergoing a major shift: companies are increasingly choosing to make products closer to home. This growing trend is known as “Made Locally.”

This shift is not just a passing trend—it’s becoming a smarter, safer, and more sustainable way to operate. Whether you're a business owner, supply chain professional, shopper, or employee, this transformation has real implications for how you work, what you buy, and how companies grow in the future.