Sustainment is a groundbreaking technology company on a mission to revolutionize the American manufacturing industry. By developing innovative software solutions, Sustainment aims to empower U.S. manufacturers, particularly small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs), to become more competitive, efficient, and profitable.
In a world where global supply chains are increasingly vulnerable to disruptions, supporting domestic manufacturing has never been more crucial. Sustainment recognizes the vital role that U.S. manufacturing plays in the economy, national security, and job creation and is dedicated to ensuring its success through cutting-edge technology.
The Shift Toward Localized Manufacturing
The global manufacturing landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, with a growing emphasis on localized production and supply chain resilience. Several factors, including heightened geopolitical risks and the rapid advancement of manufacturing technologies, are driving this shift. As companies navigate this new reality, Sustainment is positioning itself as a catalyst for change, empowering American manufacturers to adapt and thrive in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.
Geopolitical risks have emerged as a significant driver of supply chain restructuring in recent years. From trade disputes and tariffs to regional conflicts, the global manufacturing ecosystem has been buffeted by a series of shocks that have exposed the vulnerabilities of heavily outsourced supply chains.
To compound these issues, an increase in energy prices has driven up freight shipping rates. Residual supply chain issues brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic still exist, which have led to longer shipping times. There is also an additional risk of infrastructure issues, such as the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, MD. Quality control is also vulnerable as communication can break down over cultural or process differences.
These disruptions have prompted manufacturers to reevaluate their reliance on international suppliers and explore ways to build more resilient, localized networks. At the same time, rapid advancements in manufacturing technology are making domestic production increasingly viable and competitive. The rise of automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence is transforming the factory floor, enabling manufacturers to produce goods more efficiently, flexibly, and cost-effectively than ever before.
As these technologies evolve, the traditional advantages of low-cost labor in overseas markets are diminishing, making localized manufacturing an increasingly attractive option. Even as this trend is taking place, U.S. manufacturers are facing a number of unique issues.
American Manufacturing Challenges
The American manufacturing industry, a vital pillar of the nation’s economy, faces significant challenges that have hindered its growth and competitiveness in recent years. The fragmentation and friction within manufacturing supply chains are some of the most pressing issues. The industry is comprised of at least 243,687 manufacturers, with the vast majority categorized as small businesses. This landscape, while vibrant and diverse, has led to a siloed and disconnected ecosystem where manufacturers often struggle to communicate and collaborate effectively with one another.
Compounding this problem is the lack of modern digital tools designed specifically to help manufacturers efficiently engage with domestic suppliers. The manufacturing sector has lagged, relying on outdated methods such as rolodexes, local networks, and email to manage their supplier relationships. This analog approach has created significant inefficiencies, making it difficult for manufacturers to access new opportunities, scale their operations, and adapt to changing market demands.
These issues led to the founding of Sustainment.
How Sustainment Solves Supply Chain Problems
With an unwavering commitment to supporting American manufacturing, Sustainment has embarked on a journey to bridge the gaps in the industry. By developing cutting-edge software solutions, the company aims to eliminate the friction and fragmentation that often hinder the growth and success of domestic manufacturers.
With so many SMMs (small to medium manufacturers) in the United States, the industry struggles to act efficiently “as one” to compete globally. Sustainment’s Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) software is designed to streamline the project collaboration between manufacturers. The technology allows buyers to organize their suppliers, communicate and collaborate with them in real-time, and view their supplier networks more strategically.
This platform accelerates the onboarding of new suppliers, facilitates rapid quoting of jobs, and tracks purchase orders from acknowledgment through to delivery. When each manufacturer moves faster, the entire industry moves faster together.
As manufacturers in the U.S. mature in how they manage their relationships, they also have the opportunity to address weaknesses in their supplier network at a high level. Often, overseas suppliers have hidden costs and may be underperforming in areas such as quality and on-time delivery. Sustainment gives manufacturers visibility and the tools to improve.
In today’s world, many of the improvements manufacturing buyers desire to make are related to enhancing the presence of local manufacturers in their supplier networks. By regionalizing supply chains, companies aim to mitigate disruption risks, prioritize product quality and delivery speed, reduce logistics expenses, and shrink their carbon footprints.
Alongside its SRM platform, Sustainment supports an extensive and vibrant market network of U.S. manufacturers, enabling buyers to start new relationships with one click to achieve their local strategic sourcing goals.
Sustainment’s economic approach also makes it easy to achieve Sustainment’s higher-order goals as a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC). Participation in the market network is free for all, and Supplier Relationship Management is free for very small businesses and pricing scales up based on usage. This model ensures that Sustainment’s tools are accessible and beneficial to all stakeholders. This approach fosters a collaborative environment where manufacturers can work together more efficiently and effectively.
Commitment to U.S. Manufacturing
Sustainment’s dedication to supporting U.S. manufacturing is exemplified by its incorporation as a PBC. This legal structure allows the company to prioritize its mission of promoting the growth and success of small and medium manufacturers in the U.S. alongside its financial objectives. As a PBC, Sustainment is committed to creating a positive impact on the manufacturing community, its employees, and the organizations that support and rely on them. The company actively seeks partnerships with state governments and other organizations to further its mission and contribute to the strengthening of the U.S. manufacturing ecosystem.
Sustainment is also proud of its partnerships with the Defense Logistics Agency and the United States Air Force. The intrinsic benefits of building software in partnership with the Department of Defense have meant that security and privacy have always been nonnegotiable at Sustainment. Sustainment passes those benefits through to commercial manufacturers to operationalize their processes and communication securely and resiliently. This commitment includes NDA management and secure file sharing.
Perhaps most importantly, Sustainment’s ecosystem is built on a foundation of direct customer relationships. Unlike traditional marketplace platforms that can sometimes create barriers between buyers and suppliers, Sustainment’s approach is designed to foster genuine, long-term partnerships. The company’s platform enables manufacturers to connect and collaborate directly with their customers, building trust, transparency, and mutual success. This direct engagement not only helps manufacturers better understand and meet the needs of their customers but also allows them to develop the kind of deep, lasting relationships that are essential for long-term growth and success.
Looking to the Future of American Manufacturing
Sustainment is at the forefront of driving the future of American manufacturing. By developing innovative technologies that empower U.S. manufacturers to be more competitive, efficient, and resilient, Sustainment is playing a crucial role in the industry’s transformation. The company’s commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its incorporation as a Public Benefit Corporation and partnerships with key stakeholders, sets it apart as a leader in the field. As the manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, with a growing emphasis on localized supply chains and advanced technologies,
Sustainment is well-positioned to support and guide the industry through these changes. The success of Sustainment and other innovative technology providers will be essential to ensuring the long-term prosperity of U.S. manufacturing and the millions of Americans who depend on it for their livelihoods. By supporting companies like Sustainment, we can help to create a stronger, more resilient, and more competitive manufacturing sector that will drive economic growth and job creation for years to come.
