The KenWalt team created this introduction to die casting article to help you explore the costs of international manufacturing and the benefits of reshoring. As geopolitical tension, tariffs, and shipping delays continue to impact global production, more OEMs are choosing to reshore, and KenWalt is helping them do it with high-precision, U.S.-based die casting.
KenWalt Die Casting helps manufacturers who want to reduce risk, shorten lead times, and regain control over quality by keeping production onshore. Our vertically integrated operations, combined with over 50 years of experience, help companies bring manufacturing back home, without compromising performance or cost-efficiency.
The Case for Reshoring Die Casting
U.S. manufacturers have been hit hard by recent global disruptions, from pandemic lockdowns to shipping container shortages, international conflict, and rising tariffs. For companies that rely on overseas suppliers, those risks come with high costs.
Unlike processes that can utilize cheap labor, quality die casting requires engineering expertise, automation, and repeatable quality. This makes it a strong candidate for U.S.-based operations, especially for OEMs who prioritize reliability, regulatory compliance, and reduced overhead from rework or delays.
How KenWalt Helps You Reshore Smarter
1. Shorter Supply Chains Mean Faster Delivery: With KenWalt’s California-based facility, you can eliminate international transit delays and customs issues. Domestic casting means faster prototype approval, smoother production launches, and better responsiveness when engineering changes occur.
2. Reduced Tariff and Compliance Risk: Importing metal parts adds layers of uncertainty—especially with changing tariff laws, geopolitical events, and foreign material standards. When you cast with KenWalt, you stay compliant with Buy American, USMCA, and other U.S. sourcing regulations.
3. Full In-House Control = Greater Stability: KenWalt performs die casting, trimming, CNC machining, deburring, finishing, and assembly under one roof. This ensures complete visibility from raw material to final part, and it protects you from the coordination issues that often arise when multiple suppliers are involved.
4. Design Support That Saves You Time and Money: Our Engineering Review Process identifies cost-saving opportunities in your part design, and we offer fast-turn prototype tooling for early testing. That helps you get to market faster, without costly tooling mistakes.
A Domestic Partner That Scales With You
KenWalt’s die casting systems are built for high-volume production with tight tolerances and reliable surface finishes. We support industries ranging from aerospace and defense to medical, consumer goods, and transportation. Whether you’re reshoring an existing product or developing a new one, we have the team, equipment, and experience to help.
We offer casting in aluminum and zinc alloys, vacuum-assisted die casting for pressure-tight parts, and a lean, traceable workflow from concept to packaged component.
Why Reshoring Works with Die Casting
Die casting provides exceptional repeatability, dimensional control, and strength, qualities often missing in plastic or low-pressure cast components. While offshore parts might seem cheaper on paper, the total cost of ownership tells a different story.
Factors like:
- Freight and customs
- Communication lags and time zones
- Missed deadlines
- Cost of non-compliance
- Expensive rework or warranty claims
…can all push offshore parts well above your target cost. Reshoring with KenWalt helps manufacturers avoid surprises.
Real Results: U.S. Casting That Performs
KenWalt has a long track record of helping customers transition from overseas or multi-part assemblies into single, U.S.-made die cast components. In one award-winning example, we helped a customer replace a complex, multi-piece plastic and metal assembly with a single aluminum casting.
The result? Stronger structure, improved aesthetics, lower assembly time, and reduced costs.
Another customer transitioned away from overseas suppliers to gain better control over quality and delivery. With KenWalt’s vacuum-assisted casting and in-house machining, they achieved tighter tolerances and fewer rejected parts—all while staying fully compliant with U.S. military sourcing standards.
KenWalt’s lean workflow and domestic logistics help clients meet today’s challenges while preparing for the demands of tomorrow.
Ready to Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality? We Can Help.
We’re here to support your reshoring strategy, whether you’re exploring your options or already looking for a U.S. partner.
Contact us today to start a conversation about your next project.
