What U.S. chain manufacturers are doing to stay profitable—and keep their customers’ business

Just as a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, a chain manufacturer is only as successful as the weakest component of its operation. Today more than ever, U.S. chain manufacturers are faced with challenges that give them no choice but to strengthen and adapt elements of their businesses to stay profitable.

Heightened competition from overseas suppliers, an ever-shrinking domestic market, and the uncertain U.S. economy pose new challenges daily, leaving the very survival of the sector dependent on its ability to find better, more efficient ways to operate, and strategies for increasing sales and margins.

As these hurdles have escalated over the past few years, many U.S. chain manufacturers have implemented initiatives to increase their efficiency and competitiveness. In this article, top chain companies describe their strategies for staying profitable—and keeping their customers’ business.