Rebuilding US Manufacturing: A Furniture Manufacturer's Perspective
For decades, the upholstered furniture industry, like many others, has witnessed the U.S. manufacturing landscape shift toward cheaper labor markets abroad, driven by cost savings and profit margins. Beginning in the late 20th century, companies moved manufacturing to countries like China, Mexico, and Vietnam. While this globalization brought short-term benefits, the long-term impact has been damaging. An influx of inexpensive foreign goods created a highly competitive market, causing domestic production facilities to close, jobs to disappear, and local economies to suffer.
Recent events laid bare what many of us in manufacturing already knew: global supply chains are fragile. The pandemic disrupted transportation, labor availability, and costs, while geopolitical tensions, especially between the U.S. and China, raised concerns about the sustainability of overseas sourcing. These challenges have sparked renewed interest in onshoring and I believe it presents an opportunity for U.S. manufacturing to course correct.
At Skyline Furniture, we’ve seen the power of local production. It’s not just about avoiding shipping delays or tariff headaches — it’s about greater control over supply chains. For furniture makers, this ensures more reliable access to raw materials and the ability to respond swiftly to market shifts. This adaptability is increasingly crucial as design trends in the furniture industry accelerate, aligning closer and closer with the fast-paced fashion sector. Shorter production cycles require flexibility that offshore manufacturing struggles to provide. U.S.-based production allows companies to implement design changes rapidly, shorten lead times, and meet consumer demand for trend-driven products.
Reshoring also strengthens local economies and creates well-paying jobs. In Chicago, there's a growing push to restore jobs lost to offshore production. Skilled trades like upholsterers, seamstresses, and craftspeople play a vital role in producing high-quality furniture. Investing in domestic production helps preserve these skills and supports the next generation of workers.
Environmental concerns further bolster the case for U.S. manufacturing. Overseas production and global shipping significantly increase carbon footprints due to transportation emissions and excessive packaging. By producing locally, companies can reduce environmental impact while aligning with growing consumer demand for sustainable products.
I won’t deny that bringing production back to the U.S. comes with difficult challenges. Our manufacturing infrastructure needs rebuilding, and higher U.S. wages and cost of living make competing with low-cost foreign manufacturers difficult. However, consumers increasingly recognize the value of American-made products, appreciating their superior quality, reliability and craftsmanship. Higher price points are justified by the benefits of domestic production, particularly in industries like upholstered furniture, where customization and durability are paramount.
Ultimately, rebuilding U.S. manufacturing won’t happen overnight, but the benefits are undeniable. By embracing onshoring, investing in the workforce, and prioritizing quality over quantity, we can reshape the future of U.S. production. Strengthening domestic manufacturing isn’t just about profit — it’s about supporting workers, communities and sustainability. The time for change is now, bringing both challenges and opportunities for the furniture industry. As trend cycles accelerate and demand for rapid production grows, manufacturers have a chance to adapt and thrive in this evolving landscape.
Trent Steed is president of Skyline Furniture, MFG. Trent can be reached at trent@skylinefurnituremfg.com.
Trent Steed, president of Skyline Furniture MFG, leads the company's day-to-day operations, financial strategy, and long-term growth initiatives. Under his leadership, Skyline has expanded its manufacturing capabilities, streamlined operations, introduced new product lines, and prioritized domestic sourcing of key raw materials.
Trent has spearheaded advancements at Skyline, including acquiring a second digital printer, a digital cutting machine, and multiple CNC machines to improve in-house production efficiency. He also led the construction of a new building to expand manufacturing capacity. His focus on sustainability has driven Skyline to secure eco-certifications and establish partnerships for domestic fabric and metal sourcing.
Trent has overseen the implementation of advanced accounting, payroll, and ERP systems, launched an e-commerce platform for trade customers, and expanded Skyline’s 3D modeling and photo rendering capabilities. His commitment to team-building and company culture has helped Skyline scale its workforce to meet growing demand while avoiding labor shortages.
Before joining Skyline, Trent spent 15 years in digital marketing, culminating in his role as Vice President of Operations at Designkitchen, a WPP-owned agency. In 2013, he transitioned to the family business, bringing his expertise in operational strategy, digital transformation, and scalable growth.
