What happens after your product leaves the factory may determine your profitability just as much as what happens inside it.

In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, Lisa Ryan talks with Phil Rees, founder of ShipMax and a supply chain strategist with more than 20 years of experience helping manufacturers, retailers, and global brands improve fulfillment, warehousing, customs compliance, and international logistics.

Phil explains why many manufacturers focus heavily on production efficiency while overlooking logistics decisions that quietly increase costs, delay shipments, and create unnecessary risk. He also shares how artificial intelligence is transforming warehousing and fulfillment, why companies should rethink inventory strategies, and what changing global trade regulations mean for manufacturers expanding into international markets.

If you're responsible for manufacturing operations, supply chain management, distribution, procurement, or business growth, this episode offers practical strategies for building a more resilient, efficient supply chain.

In This Episode You'll Learn

• The biggest logistics mistakes manufacturers make after products leave the factory
• Why HS (Harmonized System) codes have a major impact on customs clearance and import costs
• How manufacturers can reduce supply chain costs by minimizing border crossings
• When reshoring, nearshoring, or regional inventory makes financial sense
• How AI is improving warehouse management, fulfillment, inventory forecasting, and logistics planning
• What manufacturers should know about tariffs, customs regulations, and global trade changes
• Why supply chain strategy should be reviewed continuously instead of treated as a one-time project
• Practical ways manufacturers can begin using AI immediately to improve operations

Key Topics Discussed

• Manufacturing supply chains
• Global logistics
• Warehousing
• Fulfillment
• Distribution strategy
• Customs compliance
• HS Codes
• International shipping
• Tariffs
• Reshoring
• Nearshoring
• Fourth-party logistics (4PL)
• Warehouse automation
• Robotics
• Artificial intelligence in manufacturing
• AI for supply chain management
• Inventory optimization
• Manufacturing operations
• Global trade

Memorable Quotes

"Supply chain compliance is a journey, not a destination."

"Every time you cross a customs border, you add cost."

"If you put garbage into AI, you'll get garbage out."

"Manufacturers that aren't experimenting with AI risk falling behind."

Why This Conversation Matters

Manufacturers spend enormous resources improving production efficiency, yet many overlook opportunities to optimize what happens after products leave the factory.

As tariffs evolve, customer expectations change, and artificial intelligence reshapes logistics, manufacturers need supply chains that are flexible, data-driven, and globally competitive.

Phil explains why resilient supply chains depend on more than transportation. They require smarter inventory placement, better customs planning, AI-powered decision-making, and continuous adaptation to changing global markets.

Whether you're shipping across the country or around the world, these strategies can help reduce costs, improve customer experience, and strengthen your competitive advantage.

About Phil Rees

Phil Rees is the founder of ShipMax, where he helps manufacturers, retailers, and growing brands optimize fulfillment, warehousing, logistics, and international distribution. With more than two decades of experience in global supply chain management, Phil specializes in helping organizations simplify complex logistics while preparing for future growth through automation and artificial intelligence.

Connect

Learn more about ShipMax:

https://www.shipmax.co.uk

Connect with Phil Rees on LinkedIn. 🎯Phil Rees | LinkedIn

Connect with Lisa Ryan:

https://www.LisaRyanSpeaks.com

Learn more about Smart Plant: Aligning AI, Automation, and People

Amazon.com: Smart Plant: 9798995174707: Ryan, Lisa: Books

Listen to more episodes of The Manufacturers Network Podcast:

https://www.manufacturers-network.com/

Recommended For

• Manufacturing CEOs
• Operations Leaders
• Supply Chain Directors
• Plant Managers
• Logistics Managers
• Procurement Professionals
• Distribution Leaders
• Warehouse Managers
• Manufacturing Executives
• Business Owners
• Industrial Engineers
• International Trade Professionals