Upcoming Trade Shows in USA for Metal Working Industries

To understand the metalworking industry in the USA, we have to examine the transformation taking place within fabricated metalworking. Reshoring trends, labor shortages and technological advancements have altered the playing field, which has left manufacturers having to shift away from reliance on overseas parts. Domestic fabricators are finding themselves in a position to meet demand across diverse sectors from medical equipment to automotive components. As of 2024, there are 34,461 fabricated metal companies in the U.S., employing over 1.37 million people; a 3.26% increase from the previous year. The sector boasts impressive yearly sales of $520 billion on average, with the majority of its customers based in the domestic market. International sales account for only 25% of revenue compared to 29% across the broader manufacturing sector, which places the emphasis on local production. When we look at how the companies working in fabricated metal are distributed regionally, we see two areas of dense concentration - the South and Midwest, each of which house 32% of the industry. Meanwhile, the Northeast and West account for 18% each, reflecting the national reach and economic significance of this sector. Labour shortages have become a bonafide crisis as experienced craftsmen retire. Many skilled workers, aged over 50, are leaving the workforce, exacerbated by early retirements prompted by the pandemic. Companies struggle to find and train younger workers, leading to prolonged recruitment cycles and inefficiencies. To counteract this, many fabricators are investing in automation and advanced technologies like fiber lasers to boost productivity without increasing labor dependency. Inflation and supply chain disruptions add further pressure, inflating costs and eroding profits. Despite these hurdles, many companies prioritize customer retention, even at a financial loss. This creates opportunities for suppliers and partners offering solutions to enhance profitability, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.