From pandemic-caused supply chain disruptions and limited freight capacity to increased shipping costs from Asia and trade enforcement actions, there are challenges aplenty for companies that have their manufacturing located overseas. Because of these and other factors, more and more companies are turning their attention to onshoring or at least nearshoring as a way to reduce risks and take their manufacturing to the next level.

It was late in the day, rain was threatening, and Edward Skrzynski needed to cover a boat that was on an elevator lift before the storm hit. All the available workers were out, so telling no one he was leaving, he headed out to handle the task alone. Just as he arrived, it started drizzling. Climbing onto the boat after removing his shoes, he made his way to the (freshly waxed) bow with the cover. Standing there, he lost his footing and started sliding toward the bow rail at a speed that made going overboard a certainty.

In 2022, we spoke with several of our “Leaders under 40” to find out how they viewed the industry and what attracted them to get involved with it. This year, we wanted to talk to some of our industry veterans and we asked readers to nominate individuals they felt should be recognized for their decades in this business.

Geosynthetic floating covers provide a highly sustainable and economical method of protecting and treating fresh and potable water. They are designed to protect fresh water from environmental contamination while eliminating water losses due to evaporation. Case in point is the Seattle Public Utilities, Lake Forest potable water storage reservoir. The reservoir was first built in 1962 as an open-top, concrete-lined 60-million-gallon (227-million-l) containment facility for potable water storage. 

Could there be a more feel-good project than one that gives a little bit of joy to children being treated (or having completed treatment) for cancer?

The North Carolina Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program (NC DMCSP), administered by NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions, is disrupting the performance and functionality that once defined the traditional textile industry. With more than 40 percent of U.S. textiles produced in the state of North Carolina, NC DMCSP serves and supports textile manufacturers on the edge of discoveries that produce innovation in advanced textiles, wearables and technologies that maximize warfighter survivability, lethality, sustainability, mobility, combat effectiveness, and field quality of life.