PATTERSON, N.Y., October, 2026—American manufacturers are increasing investment in domestic production, creating new challenges in factory relocation, industrial equipment transportation, and machinery installation. Reshoring is gaining momentum even as companies weigh trade policy uncertainty, skilled labor availability, and infrastructure costs.

According to Eagle Rigging & Transport, businesses planning domestic expansion must consider not only where production will take place but also how essential machinery will be transported, positioned, and prepared for operation.

Nearly Half of U.S. Organizations Report Reshoring Investments

The Capgemini Research Institute's April 2026 report on U.S. reindustrialization found that 48% of surveyed U.S. organizations had invested in reshoring initiatives, up from 30% in 2025. The same research reported that:

67% were investing in strategic domestic capabilities
42% continued investing in nearshoring
87% planned investments in advanced manufacturing technologies, including AI, automation, and digital twins

The survey included 1,208 executives from large organizations across the United States and Europe.

The Reshoring Initiative's August 2026 survey of U.S. manufacturers adds further evidence. Among its 249 respondents, 118 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and 131 contract manufacturers, 36% of OEMs had reshored or were pursuing further reshoring, compared with 29% in 2025.

Another 63% of OEMs planned U.S. capital investment in 2026 and 2027. Together, the studies suggest manufacturers are pursuing both production relocation and domestic capacity expansion.

How Does Reshoring Affect Heavy Machinery Relocation?

Bringing production closer to U.S. customers can involve several physical changes. Some businesses may move machinery from overseas facilities, while others expand domestic lines, redistribute equipment between plants, or replace older systems with automated machinery.

These projects frequently require more than conventional freight. Large production equipment may need partial disassembly, custom packaging, specialized trailers, lifting equipment, and careful placement inside the facility.

Eagle Rigging & Transport specializes in industrial machinery rigging, specialty heavy transportation, and factory equipment relocation, with integrated services for moves involving complex equipment or restricted facility access.

Automation Adds Another Layer of Complexity

Advanced production systems can incorporate robotics, precision machinery, computer-controlled equipment, and interconnected lines. Relocating or installing them requires coordination among suppliers, technicians, facilities personnel, and rigging specialists. Key considerations include:

Equipment stability
Floor capacity
Designated lifting points
Environmental requirements
Installation tolerances

Eagle Rigging & Transport recommends equipment assessments and site evaluations before relocation. Advance planning can help manufacturers identify logistical constraints and align the movement of machinery with installation and commissioning schedules.

Expansion Requires More Than New Buildings

Barriers remain. Reshoring Initiative findings on barriers to domestic manufacturing expansion point to policy uncertainty, international price competition, and skilled worker shortages as factors that can slow growth.

These pressures raise the value of existing industrial assets. Moving usable machinery between facilities, upgrading older equipment, and phasing installations can all form part of a broader capital investment strategy.

Looking Ahead to 2027

The findings suggest reshoring will remain a key consideration for manufacturers planning 2027 operations. Survey intentions, however, do not guarantee that every planned facility or investment will materialize. Manufacturers should weigh equipment logistics, installation requirements, labor availability, and production schedules before committing to major changes.

Eagle Rigging & Transport encourages manufacturers to bring rigging and transportation planning into relocation and expansion projects from the start, rather than treating them as final installation tasks.