2025 was a turbulent year for manufacturing.
Tariffs spiked. Supplier lead times stretched. AI adoption accelerated. Capacity shifted across regions. For many OEMs, uncertainty became the norm. But turbulence doesn’t have to mean chaos. The right manufacturing partner helps you stay ahead of the curve, not just react to it.
From our experience navigating 2025, we’ve identified 5 supplier red flags every OEM should watch for.
It’s important to understand what they are, why they matter to your bottom line, and how to spot them early before they cost you time, money, or market share.
Manufacturing technology is advancing fast.
Machines and software that “still work” may not be competitive anymore. Older equipment and manual workflows increase the risk of defects, slow changeovers, higher costs, and less flexibility.
These are all vulnerabilities that directly impact your schedule and quality.
Despite economic uncertainty, investment in advanced equipment remains strong. Companies are modernizing to maintain precision, speed, and cost efficiency. For example, we recently added a new laser at our Pennsylvania facility and a Mazak Turning Center at our Ohio facility to expand capacity and precision capabilities.
What to ask your supplier
How you’ll know a partner is ready
Digital transformation is no longer optional.
Without modern systems for scheduling, tracking, and AI-driven inspection or maintenance, suppliers lose visibility and control. And you lose reliability.
In 2025, most manufacturers recognized AI as a strategic priority, yet only about half had a plan in place. That gap creates significant performance and risk differences between suppliers.
What to ask your supplier
How you'll know a partner is ready
If your supplier operates from only one facility, disruptions such as equipment breakdowns, labor shortages, or local regulations become your risk.
Multi-site operations provide built-in redundancy, flexibility, and scalability.
In 2025, as supplier delivery indexes and lead times rose, more OEMs began prioritizing regional diversification to strengthen their supply chains.
What to ask your supplier
How you'll know a partner is ready
In unpredictable times, communication is everything.
You need a supplier who acts as a true partner: Proactively updating you on project status, challenges, and solutions.
When visibility is low, risk is high.
With tariffs, shipping delays, and supply volatility all increasing in 2025, transparency became one of the most valuable traits in supplier relationships.
What to ask your supplier
How you'll know a partner is ready
Even the most advanced technology depends on skilled people to operate it.
High turnover, an aging workforce, or minimal training can create risks for quality, consistency, and innovation. The manufacturing labor market remains tight, and skilled operators and data-savvy technicians are in high demand.
What to ask your supplier
How you'll know a partner is ready
As we enter 2026, the manufacturing landscape continues to evolve.
Tariff pressures, supply chain realignments, and digital transformation will continue shaping how OEMs select and manage suppliers.
But unpredictability doesn’t have to mean instability.
Choosing partners with modern equipment, digital systems, multi-site operations, clear communication, and a skilled workforce will help you stay resilient and competitive.
At Renew Manufacturing Solutions, we understand these dynamics.
Our investment in people, technology, and machines ensures you get the stability, speed, transparency, and quality your business demands.
Take a virtual site tour of one of our four facilities, request a quote, or talk with our team about how we can support your next manufacturing project.