Stop me if you have seen this before. You visit the website of a U.S. privately held manufacturer, and you click on the “About Us” page (if one exists) to find only generic information that could describe any manufacturing business in the United States. There often is no listing of who runs the business –
Best Practices
Embracing Inclusivity in the Workplace This Holiday Season
This week’s post was co-authored by Robinson+Cole Labor and Employment Group lawyer Madison C. Picard
The end of the year is a great time for manufacturers to express gratitude for employees and their hard work during the year through holiday parties and events. While these gatherings can increase morale, camaraderie, and good-will in the workplace…
Unraveling the Confusion: Buy America, Buy American, Made in USA – Part 2
Last month, I offered the first in a series of blog posts that attempt to simplify the various laws that are often described as a single law: “Buy America,” “Buy American,” “Made in the USA,” “Made in America,” and “Build Back Better.”
First, I want to return to the cliffhanger from the last post:
Did…
Unraveling the Confusion: Buy America, Buy American, Made in USA – Part 1
There is massive confusion both in the manufacturing community and the popular press. Even some of the well-respected industry publications have had a hard time getting it right.
We see and hear the terms all the time: “Buy America,” “Buy American,” “Made in the USA,” “Made in America,” “Build Back Better.” While all of these…
2023 Corporate Compliance & Litigation Outlook for Manufacturers
In late 2012, we created the Manufacturing Law Blog with the goal of providing our manufacturing clients with a holistic approach to the unique issues they face in their global operations. Starting in 2016, we began a new tradition of dedicating our first three posts of the year to a yearly outlook from our different…
Let the Gifts Be the Only Surprise at the Company Holiday Party
‘Tis especially the season this year for company holiday parties. Manufacturers may have avoided hosting large group gatherings over the last few years, including parties, and may be seeking ways to engage workers and increase morale in the workplace at this time of year; to that end, hosting holiday or festive lunches, parties, and gatherings…
Looking To Buy? Cross-Border M&A Trends For Manufacturers
There are a lot of manufacturers out in the market looking to buy. Many “strategic” buyers are taking advantage of healthy balance sheets that are bolstered by a lot of cash. A few weeks ago, I attended a presentation by an investment banker that cited publicly-available estimates of nearly $3.5 trillion in cash reserves among…
2022 Corporate Compliance & Litigation Outlook for Manufacturers
In late 2012, we created the Manufacturing Law Blog with the goal of providing our manufacturing clients with a holistic approach to the unique issues they face in their global operations. Starting in 2016, we began a new tradition of dedicating our first three posts of the year to a yearly outlook from our different…
Tips for Building Relationships with International Distributors & Representatives
A few months ago, I was asked by the U.S. Department of Commerce to join a panel discussion on how to develop relationships with international distributors and representatives.
Most lawyer presentations on this subject begin by suggesting that manufacturers send their international partners one-sided contracts. These contracts focus on legal terms such as consequential damages,…
Think Twice Before Using These Contractual Shortcuts To Address Supply Chain Challenges
All manufacturers are generally tired of hearing about supply chain problems. These days companies are looking for ways to mitigate shipping delays (i.e., can we ship to a port other than Long Beach?) and the increased cost for raw materials.
Interestingly, I am starting to see consumer product companies and business-to-business manufacturers use similar language…