Events > October 15, 2009
Distinguished Speaker Series
“On-Shoring”… Because the Lowest Price is not always the Lowest Cost
— by Barbara Roberts
Why are some of the best companies moving the purchase or manufacture of components back to the USA from China? Many Bay Area companies have been purchasing components off-shore for more than five years primarily because the price is very attractive. Senior management has had time now to analyze the consequences of this decision on their bottom line. The results were surprising for many companies, who now must shift the direction of their organizations from off-shoring to on-shoring.
Attendees at this seminar will learn about the realities of off-shoring, and the hidden costs that should be considered. For anyone who operates or advises a business with manufacturing, or anyone considering starting such a business, don’t miss this opportunity to get a better understanding of the real costs and benefits of your manufacturing location before you make costly investments.
Barbara Roberts. Ms. Roberts is President and CEO of Wright Engineered Plastics, supplier of custom plastic components and assemblies to leading OEMs such as Abbott Labs, Agilent Technologies, and Parker Hannifin. Recently Ms. Roberts was featured as an industry authority in these articles on the subject of bringing manufacturing back to the USA from China:
- SF Chronicle: Overseas manufacturers losing price advantage
April 26, 2009 - North Bay Business Journal: Marin firm moves manufacturing back to U.S.
May 4, 2009 - SF Business Times: Some manufacturers find California cheaper than China July 24, 2009
Ms. Roberts is also Treasurer of Engineers without Borders, past President of the Silicon Valley Engineering Council, past President of the Society of Plastic Engineers, and past Chair of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. She has produced more than 20 educational seminars on numerous topics, including plastic design.
