The global trend of nearshoring and reshoring is rapidly transforming the manufacturing and logistics sectors. By 2026, up to 85% of companies plan to manufacture and sell most of their products within the same region, up from the current 43%. These shifts aim to create more resilient supply chains while addressing the challenges of labour market access and rising costs. Poland’s strategic position and outsourcing capabilities place it at the forefront of this transition.
According to Accenture’s 2023 report “Resiliency in the Making,” supply chain disruptions have resulted in global losses of up to USD 1.6 trillion in recent years. Factors such as geopolitical changes, extreme weather events, and material and talent shortages have forced businesses to reconsider their supply chain strategies. Nearshoring and reshoring have emerged as key responses, with companies prioritizing regional production and sourcing to enhance stability and reduce risks.
The report highlights that regional sourcing is expected to nearly double by 2026, reaching 65% compared to 38% in 2023. In the United States, 91% of companies plan to produce and sell within the same region, a significant increase from 52% in 2023. This shift has already spurred investments of approximately USD 1 billion in 2023, with projections indicating that this figure will rise to at least USD 2.5 billion by 2026. Companies embracing nearshoring and reshoring strategies have reported revenue gains of 4% above their peers, driven by advancements in digitalization and employee retraining in fields such as data processing and artificial intelligence.
Opportunities and Challenges in Nearshoring
As companies prepare for a wave of manufacturing and supply chain realignments, the role of process outsourcing agencies is becoming critical. These agencies, like Poland-based Opteamic, specialize in adapting to shifting business conditions by providing a ready pool of skilled workers and managing the recruitment process.
“New challenges open new opportunities, particularly for process outsourcing agencies that ensure the consistent availability of qualified employees,” said Jakub Kizielewicz, CEO of Opteamic Group. “This is crucial for companies relocating production lines or warehouses quickly without the burden of lengthy recruitment processes.”
Poland’s industrial and logistics real estate market, with over 33 million square meters of space, continues to attract investors. The country’s modern infrastructure, stable economy, and access to renewable energy sources have positioned it as a top destination for relocation. The growth in state-of-the-art industrial and warehouse facilities is further boosting Poland’s appeal by enabling investors to optimize operational costs.
Outsourcing as a Strategic Advantage
For companies navigating this transformation, process outsourcing has become an indispensable tool. Outsourcing firms provide not only recruitment and training services but also comprehensive support in talent and process management.
“Nearshoring isn’t just a strategic decision; it’s a development direction for companies seeking operational stability,” Kizielewicz noted. “With flexible cooperation models, outsourcing is essential for reducing costs and enabling companies to adapt quickly to market changes.”
Poland’s outsourcing sector is well-positioned to meet these demands. By offering a blend of flexibility, cost efficiency, and expertise, outsourcing agencies are supporting businesses in reshaping their supply chains and workforce strategies.
As nearshoring and reshoring gain momentum, Poland is poised to strengthen its position as a regional leader in outsourcing services. The country’s well-developed infrastructure, favorable business environment, and focus on talent development create a solid foundation for growth.
“Poland has a unique opportunity to lead the new division of the labour market,” Kizielewicz emphasized. “With strategic investments in infrastructure and workforce development, the country can become a key player in shaping the future of supply chains and logistics.”
Nearshoring and reshoring represent not only a response to global economic uncertainties but also a transformative opportunity for businesses and countries alike. For Poland, the challenge lies in harnessing these trends to secure its role as a pivotal hub in the evolving global labour market.
Photo: Jakub Kizielewicz, CEO of Opteamic Group