As global supply chains face increasing disruption, Europe is witnessing a manufacturing renaissance. Companies are bringing production back home—a trend known as reshoring. Driven by geopolitical uncertainty, rising transportation costs, and the need for more resilient and sustainable supply networks, reshoring has become a strategic priority. At the heart of this transformation is additive manufacturing (AM) which is redefining how products are designed, produced, and delivered across the continent.
By Henrike Wonneberger, COO and Co-Founder of secure 3D printing platform provider, Replique.
Why Reshoring is Gaining Momentum in Europe
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of global supply chains, especially those heavily dependent on distant suppliers. Further shocks—from the war in Ukraine to container shortages, surging freight costs, and rising protectionism—have pushed European manufacturers to rethink their sourcing and production models. Now, more than ever, operational continuity and strategic autonomy have become central to business continuity planning.
European industries, particularly in sectors such as mobility, energy, healthcare, and industrial equipment, have experienced the brunt of supply chain disruptions, facing unpredictable lead times, raw material shortages, and diminishing visibility into tier-two and tier-three suppliers. In response, many companies are reestablishing production closer to home to regain control and reduce risk.
Beyond risk mitigation, reshoring aligns with broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) imperatives. Localized production can significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation, enable better labor oversight, and improve compliance with EU regulatory frameworks. For companies striving to balance profit with purpose, reshoring offers a compelling strategic lever.
Additive Manufacturing Enabling Local, Agile Production
Reshoring requires flexible, decentralized manufacturing methods—and additive manufacturing fits the bill. Unlike traditional manufacturing, which depends on molds, tools, and economies of scale, AM builds parts directly from digital files, layer by layer. This enables rapid production, high customization, and minimal setup time.
AM significantly reduces time-to-market by enabling fast prototyping and design iteration. It is particularly cost-effective for low- to mid-volume production, as it eliminates the need for expensive tooling. And because production requires only a digital file, companies can manufacture closer to the point of need without investing in additional facilities.
These qualities make AM a natural fit for reshoring strategies, allowing European manufacturers to create local production hubs that are flexible, responsive, and efficient—without compromising on quality or scale.
Policy Support and Industrial Readiness
Europe’s reshoring momentum is supported by a favorable policy environment and a growing ecosystem of industrial innovation. The European Union’s industrial strategy emphasizes digital transformation, sustainability, and technological sovereignty—values that closely align with additive manufacturing.
Investments in smart manufacturing, increased funding for digital innovation hubs, and the development of advanced standards (such as ISO/ASTM 52900 series for AM processes) are fostering confidence in 3D printing technologies. Moreover, the availability of skilled talent, strong university-industry linkages, and the presence of leading OEMs position Europe as a global frontrunner in the adoption of AM for strategic manufacturing.
Accelerating Reshoring Through Distributed Manufacturing
At the forefront of this shift are digital manufacturing platforms like Replique. Founded with the goal of transforming how parts are produced, stored, and delivered, Replique enables OEMs to source industrial-grade components on demand via a global network of over 250 qualified production partners, spanning 3D printing, CNC machining, casting, injection molding, and more.
What sets Replique apart is its holistic platform approach. Beyond simply providing 3D printing capabilities, Replique offers full-service support – from design and material selection to quality assurance and logistics integration. By seamlessly embedding into existing enterprise systems and e-commerce platforms, Replique empowers companies to digitize their procurement strategy without overhauling their infrastructure.
Replique’s platform ensures secure digital workflows and traceable part production, enabling OEMs to confidently manage digital inventories while retaining control over their designs and data. Whether it’s a single customized component or a production series of certified parts, Replique offers scalable solutions that reduce lead times, eliminate overstock, and bring production closer to the end-user.
The Road Ahead
Reshoring is not just about risk mitigation – it’s about restoring Europe’s industrial competitiveness. By bringing production closer to the point of demand, companies can shorten lead times, respond more quickly to customer needs, and gain tighter control over quality and supply.
Distributed manufacturing, enabled by technologies like 3D printing, plays a key role in this transformation. It allows companies to shift from rigid, centralized production to flexible, localized manufacturing networks. This approach reduces dependency on complex global supply chains, minimizes waste, and supports greater operational agility.
As European industry strives to strengthen its strategic autonomy, additive manufacturing provides the foundation for a smarter, faster, and more resilient future.
