Pandemic supply chain disruption

Disruptions in global supply chains during the pandemic (2020-2022) exposed systemic vulnerabilities in just-in-time manufacturing, causing shortages, cost surges, and shifts toward resilient supply chains. Key drivers included:

• Geopolitical tensions and over-reliance on single-source suppliers
• Logistical bottlenecks (port congestion, labor shortages)
• Surge in demand for essential goods

Case study: Domestic manufacturing viability

• Destin Sandlin (host of Smarter Every Day) conducted a four-year experiment to manufacture the Smarter Scrubber (a safer grill brush alternative) entirely within the U.S.
• Motivated by personal ties to union manufacturing (parents were union autoworkers), tested viability amid supply chain challenges
• Documented challenges of domestic manufacturing including sourcing, labor costs, and global price competitiveness
• Demonstrated feasibility of U.S. production but highlighted cost complexity in competing globally

Backlink: 2026 04 14 Destin manufacturing in America