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Manchester Steel Mill Reopens, Symbolizing Reshoring Trend

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  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 5:02 GMT by New Hampshire Union Leader, Manchester
      Locales: UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM, CHINA

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) - The echoes of industry are once again reverberating through Manchester, New Hampshire, as the RG Steel mill prepares to resume operations after decades of silence. This revival isn't just a local economic boon; it's a potent symbol of a broader, national trend towards reshoring manufacturing, a trend surprisingly fueled, in part, by the protectionist trade policies enacted during the Trump administration. While debated in economic circles, the tariffs imposed on steel and aluminum in 2018 are demonstrably playing a role in incentivizing domestic production, and Manchester is now experiencing the positive effects.

The RG Steel mill, purchased from Cyrdom LLC in 2019, represents a $75 million investment slated to create approximately 200 jobs. This isn't merely about numbers on a spreadsheet; it's about restoring a vital piece of Manchester's identity. For generations, the city thrived as an industrial hub, but with the decline of American manufacturing, the mill - and the accompanying prosperity - fell dormant. Mayor Joyce Craig aptly described the situation: "It's not every day a steel mill comes back to Manchester. It's a shot in the arm for our economy, and it will help us put Manchester back on the map."

The narrative surrounding the mill's rebirth is complex. The Trump administration's tariffs, while controversial, aimed to protect American steel and aluminum industries by increasing the cost of imported materials. This, in turn, made domestically produced steel more competitive. Critics argued the tariffs would raise costs for consumers and manufacturers who rely on steel as a component, and those arguments certainly held weight. However, the tariffs inadvertently created a more level playing field, encouraging companies like RG Steel to invest in modernization and expansion. The logic, while arguably mercantilist, proved effective in this instance.

Beyond the tariffs, a confluence of factors has accelerated the reshoring trend. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the fragility of global supply chains. Reliance on single sources for critical goods, particularly those originating in distant locations, proved disastrous as lockdowns and logistical disruptions crippled production. The subsequent war in Ukraine further exacerbated these anxieties, highlighting the geopolitical risks associated with over-dependence on foreign suppliers. Companies, and the governments that support them, began to prioritize supply chain resilience - even if it meant higher upfront costs.

"We're seeing a renewed focus on domestic production across a range of industries," explains Patrick Titterton, a professor of economics at the University of New Hampshire. "It's driven by a combination of economic and political factors." This isn't simply a knee-jerk reaction to recent events. The long-term decline of American manufacturing was driven by factors like lower labor costs overseas, but as those cost advantages erode and automation increases productivity, the benefits of domestic production become more apparent. Moreover, proximity to customers and the ability to quickly adapt to changing market demands offer a significant competitive advantage.

RG Steel CEO Bart Brown emphasizes the importance of this opportunity, stating, "We're excited to be bringing steel production back to Manchester. This is a chance to create jobs, revitalize our economy, and restore a sense of industrial pride." The company is currently focused on hiring and securing contracts, with production slated to begin in 2025. The success of the Manchester mill could serve as a blueprint for other communities seeking to revitalize their industrial base.

The implications of this reshoring trend extend far beyond a single mill in New Hampshire. A robust domestic manufacturing sector strengthens national security, reduces reliance on potentially adversarial nations, and creates a more stable and diversified economy. While the Trump tariffs were a blunt instrument, they may have inadvertently kicked off a necessary shift in thinking. The key now lies in fostering a sustainable manufacturing ecosystem through investments in workforce development, infrastructure, and innovation. The revival of the RG Steel mill is more than just a local success story; it's a hopeful sign that American manufacturing can once again thrive in the 21st century.