Manufacturing resilience: 5 cost-reduction and risk-management strategies for uncertain times

Tariff shifts and geopolitical tensions are reshaping global manufacturing—but smart companies are turning uncertainty into opportunity. While others delay critical decisions, forward-thinking manufacturers are building cost-efficient, agile portfolios that thrive regardless of external pressures.

While real estate can be your second-largest expense after labor, the stakes couldn't be higher. Rising rents and intensifying competition for prime locations mean every month of delay costs money.

The solution isn't waiting for clarity—it's taking proactive action now. Leading manufacturers are achieving remarkable results through five proven strategies that transform real estate from cost burden to competitive advantage:

• Future-proof your CRE function by shifting from transaction management to strategic advisory

• Harness AI-powered analytics to make faster, data-driven decisions

• Optimize your entire portfolio for cost and flexibility

• Maximize space utilization to create value from underused facilities

• Adopt strategic capital planning to achieve energy cost savings and prevent costly downtime

These aren't theoretical concepts—they're battle-tested approaches delivering measurable results. From centralized operations that unlock volume discounts to predictive maintenance systems that prevent equipment failures, manufacturers are discovering how strategic CRE management safeguards supply chains while preserving profit margins.

Don't let uncertainty paralyze your portfolio strategy. Discover how proactive manufacturers are turning real estate challenges into profit opportunities.