Global supply chains continue to evolve as geopolitical events, trade agreements and regional manufacturing strategies reshape where companies produce, source and invest. In this episode of Supply Chain Chats, Lisa Anderson talks with Patrick Daly, Founder and Managing Director of Alba Consulting, to gain a European perspective on today’s rapidly changing supply chain landscape.
Based in Dublin and working with clients throughout Europe and the United States, Patrick shares his insights into how European manufacturers are responding to shifting trade policies, geopolitical uncertainty, and changing supply chain priorities.
Topics Discussed
In this conversation, Lisa and Patrick explore several issues that are reshaping global manufacturing and supply chains, including:
- The latest U.S.–E.U. trade agreement and what it means for manufacturers doing business across the Atlantic.
- The impact of the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in Iran on Europe’s energy availability, manufacturing costs, and supply chain resilience.
- Reshoring, nearshoring…and “rightshoring.” Patrick explains why many companies are moving beyond simply bringing production home and instead locating manufacturing where it makes the most strategic sense—balancing cost, risk, customer proximity, and operational flexibility.
- Regional manufacturing strategies. Why countries such as Bulgaria are becoming attractive manufacturing locations as companies seek lower costs while remaining closer to European markets.
- Ireland’s unique position. With its strong business relationships with the United States, highly skilled workforce, and leadership in pharmaceutical manufacturing and other advanced industries, Ireland continues to be well-positioned for future investment and growth.
- Preparing for what’s next. Why resilient supply chains require companies to continuously evaluate geopolitical risk, regional capabilities, and evolving customer expectations.
As supply chains become increasingly regional while remaining globally connected, understanding multiple perspectives has never been more important.
Key Takeaways
Rightshoring Is Replacing Traditional Reshoring
One of the biggest themes from the discussion is that manufacturers are moving beyond simple reshoring or nearshoring strategies. Instead, companies are increasingly embracing rightshoring—locating production where it makes the most strategic sense based on cost, customer proximity, geopolitical risk, energy availability, workforce capabilities, and long-term competitiveness.
Rather than asking, “Should we bring production home?” executives are asking, “Where should this product be manufactured to best serve our customers while reducing risk?”
Europe Is Undergoing a Structural Transformation
Patrick explains that Europe’s manufacturing landscape is changing rapidly. The Russia-Ukraine war, shifting energy markets, increased defense spending, and sustainability initiatives are all influencing where companies invest and how supply chains are designed.
Countries are also building on their unique strengths. Ireland continues to attract investment in pharmaceutical, medical technology, and advanced manufacturing, while countries across Eastern Europe are becoming increasingly attractive locations for industrial production due to their combination of skilled labor, competitive costs, and proximity to European markets.
For companies evaluating global manufacturing strategies, understanding these regional differences is becoming increasingly important.
Automation Continues to Accelerate
Labor shortages, rising costs, and increasing customer expectations are driving continued investment in warehouse automation and digital technologies.
Patrick discusses how organizations throughout Europe are adopting automated storage and retrieval systems, intelligent picking technologies, and AI-enabled logistics solutions to improve productivity, increase flexibility, and better serve customers. While automation changes the nature of many operational roles, it also creates opportunities for higher-value work and strengthens long-term supply chain competitiveness.
Why It Matters
Global supply chains are becoming increasingly regional while remaining deeply interconnected. Political events, trade agreements, energy policy, sustainability initiatives, and technology investments are influencing supply chain decisions as much as traditional cost considerations.
For manufacturers and distributors, success will depend on continually evaluating sourcing strategies, manufacturing footprints, logistics networks, and technology investments as conditions evolve.
Watch the full Supply Chain Chats discussion with Patrick Daly for additional insights into the trends shaping manufacturing, logistics, and global supply chains—and what they mean for businesses planning for the future.