[Webinar Recording] Nearshoring, Onshoring, and Reshoring: Strategically Leveraging Global Supply Chains for Resiliency

It depends on the volume, scope, and manufacturing disciplines involved, and whether the project is early-stage or mature. For example, a major automotive customer relocating from Shenzhen might take 4 to 8 weeks to start another location due to rigorous certification and inspection requirements, especially since parts can be safety critical and high volume.

For non-regulated consumer products, such as injection molded plastic components, we can often provide multiple quotes within the same week and understand tariff and logistics considerations in about 72 hours if all information is provided.

Generally, the timeline for any specific project is somewhere between these examples, and we encourage customers to reach out with their drawings so we can discuss the specifics.

Xometry offers a broad range of manufacturing capabilities worldwide, supporting 18 languages and operations across 51 countries. While some manufacturing methods and expertise may be region-specific, the majority of capabilities are available both domestically and internationally. The company strategically manages any regional gaps daily, ensuring that customers are connected with the best resources globally. If a particular technology or capability isn’t available in one region, customers are guided to regions where it is. Thus, regional limitations are rarely a barrier to sourcing the required manufacturing services.

Yes, there is a noticeable increase in demand for US-based manufacturing, especially among companies reevaluating their offshoring strategies. Factors such as cost, profitability, and shifting customer priorities drive this trend. Sensitive projects, particularly in technology and defense sectors, often move back to the US for security and compliance reasons. Meanwhile, many companies are also considering nearshoring alternatives in countries like Turkey and India as they balance cost considerations and geopolitical risks. Although price remains a key factor, there is a clear trend toward reshoring and nearshoring in response to current global dynamics.

Xometry’s network complies with export restrictions such as EAR99, ensuring that projects subject to these controls are sourced only from countries that meet compliance requirements. The process starts with project discovery to understand your specific needs and any restrictions. Their contract review and compliance team works to identify and manage risks related to international regulations, including EAR and ITAR. For EAR99 projects, customers provide a written statement confirming qualification, enabling sourcing from compliant countries. When certain countries like China are excluded, manufacturing is routed through approved regions such as India or Turkey, all while maintaining strict compliance and quality standards. Sales and engineering teams closely manage these restrictions to avoid acceptance or compliance issues.

Yes, Xometry supports integration with procurement and ERP systems, including popular platforms like Coupa via PunchOut, which treats Xometry parts as catalog items within your purchasing environment, streamlining the buying process. The platform also offers Team Space, a free dashboard that provides live order statuses, purchase order numbers, and updates, reducing the need for emails and calls. For engineers, free CAD plug-ins are available for SolidWorks, Fusion 360, and Onshape, enabling them to configure parts and receive instant quotes directly within their design software. These integrations simplify procurement workflows and enhance transparency throughout the manufacturing process.

The CAD plug-ins allow engineers to modify their designs and instantly see how those changes impact manufacturing costs. When a design iteration is ready, it can be sent directly to Xometry’s quote engine for full configuration, including specifying tolerances and manufacturing features. This capability enables early-stage cost visibility and supports better design decisions without waiting for traditional procurement cycles. Ultimately, it helps teams optimize product designs with cost in mind, reducing surprises later in the manufacturing process.

Xometry ensures consistent quality by rigorously vetting and certifying all suppliers within its network. They conduct regular quality audits and monitor supplier performance closely. A dedicated compliance and contract review team oversees adherence to quality standards and regulatory requirements. Centralized quality management systems and continuous communication with suppliers help maintain high standards regardless of region, ensuring customers receive reliable and consistent manufacturing results.