Takeaways from the 2025 Manufacturing Forecast
By: Business Record
The 2025 manufacturing forecast highlights significant industry volatility, driven by evolving global trade dynamics, labor constraints, technological advancements, and changing consumer demands. Manufacturers are under pressure to remain agile amid fluctuating economic conditions and increasing geopolitical uncertainties. Flexibility in operations, investment in automation, and contingency planning emerge as key themes for navigating potential disruptions in production and distribution.
CAPSTONE TAKEAWAY
Many manufacturing plants operate on lean principles, but today’s volatility requires a more dynamic approach to inventory and labor management. Optimizing your warehouse operations for sudden volume shifts, integrating flexible labor strategies, and leveraging data-driven forecasting are key to being prepared for disruptions. Companies that proactively adapt their distribution models — with contingencies for both surges and slowdowns — will be best positioned to protect margins and maintain service levels in uncertain times.
Supply Chain Lessons from John Deere’s Layoffs
By: NewsWeekly
John Deere’s decision to lay off 238 employees across three Midwest manufacturing sites highlights a tough reality: rising tariffs and brittle demand are reshaping equipment manufacturing, especially in agriculture. John Deere’s farm and precision agriculture business saw a year-over-year drop of 16%, attributing much of the strain escalating tariff-related costs. They estimate a staggering $300 million impact in the latest quarter and nearly $600 million projected for the year. Layoffs struck three facilities in Illinois and Iowa, underscoring how global trade dynamics can ripple powerfully through regional economies.
CAPSTONE TAKEAWAY
John Deere’s story illustrates how events beyond your control can swiftly impact demand, even for major players. While the underlying causes of these events aren’t in our wheelhouse, supply chain agility is — and there are some lessons we can take away in how to adapt during tough situations.
That’s where Capstone’s strategic advantage comes into play. We use our operational expertise to help clients build buffers that absorb demand variability before causing bottlenecks. Agile workforce models help our partners adjust staffing with demand, so they have trained, skilled labor available as soon as they need it — and don’t lose access to that trained labor when demand slows. Real-time visibility ensures every pivot is backed by actionable insight. This adds up to a solution where companies don’t just withstand volatility, they position themselves for future success.
Immigration Shifts Could Impact Workforce Stability
By: NPR
Recent changes in immigration policy, including adjustments to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and work permits, are expected to significantly impact industries that utilize immigrant labor. Employers could face tighter verification requirements and potential workforce shortages if employees lose eligibility to work, and face increased risk by relying on temporary staffing agencies without rigorous vetting.
CAPSTONE TAKEAWAY
For warehouse operators and manufacturers, ensuring workforce legality and stability is essential — especially during seasonal surges, when temporary labor fills critical gaps. At Capstone, all our associates are permanent W-2 employees who have passed rigorous verification processes. Employers who fail to confirm worker eligibility, or work with untrustworthy staffing firms, risk not only legal repercussions but also operational disruptions at the worst possible times. Building a trusted labor pipeline with strong compliance safeguards will be key to keeping supply chains moving.
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