Welcome to Manufacturing Minute!

I'm glad you're here.

Let's get to it.

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🚨In the News

This week's tariff bombshells:

• Canada gets hammered: 35% tariffs hit August 1st (Canada fired back with their own duties)

• Chips in the crosshairs: 100% tariffs possible on semiconductor imports under Section 232 review

• Domestic wins: Century Aluminum restarted their South Carolina plant, dropped $50M citing tariff protection

The semiconductor move is the big story. A U.S. trade group actually backing the 100% tariff threat is interesting. What this could mean for your plant:

• Chip costs could double overnight if this goes through

• Supply chains are about to get very creative (or very expensive)

• Domestic suppliers suddenly look a lot more attractive

Meanwhile, China tensions stay on simmer until November. Both sides playing wait-and-see.

🏭 Manufacturing Minute: What Your Plant Washroom Says About Your Culture

Walk into any manufacturing plant and I can tell you everything about leadership in 30 seconds.

Not from the lobby. Not from the conference room.

From the washroom.

The Mirror Test

Here's what I see when I check the facilities:

• Paper towels scattered on the floor? Management doesn't sweat the details.

• Soap dispensers empty for weeks? Leadership talks safety but doesn't walk it.

• Graffiti on the walls? Nobody feels ownership of the space.

• Doors that don't latch properly? "Good enough" is the company standard.

It's Never About the Washroom

Just like painted floors aren't about paint, clean washrooms aren't about hygiene.

They're about respect. For the space. For the people who work there. For the standards you claim to uphold.

When you let the basics slide, you signal that details don't matter. When details don't matter, quality suffers. When quality suffers, customers leave.

It all starts in the washroom.

The 5-Minute Culture Check

Next time you're walking the floor, take this detour:

• Are supplies stocked?

• Is equipment maintained?

• Does it smell like someone cares?

• Would you bring a customer here?

If you're embarrassed by your washroom, your culture has work to do.

The Real Question

You want engaged employees? Start by showing you care about the space they inhabit for 8+ hours a day.

You can't inspire pride in craftsmanship while ignoring broken toilet paper dispensers.

The washroom is your culture in microcosm. What's yours saying about you?

P.S., if you are a nerd (like me), the next installment of my Manufacturing-themed D&D comic is out! See it here: