In the latest episode of the Manufacturing Executive Podcast, host Joe Sullivan sits down with Michael Kornuta, founder and CEO of Noramark, to discuss the importance of trust and connectivity in the US manufacturing ecosystem. Kornuta, who spent over a decade running design and fabrication businesses for major brands, shares his insights on the challenges faced by American manufacturers and the critical role of strong relationships in driving the industry forward.
Kornuta’s experience in fast-paced, complex projects with compressed timelines highlighted the need for rapidly building diverse supply chains and relationships. However, he observed that US manufacturers often struggle to connect with specialized vendors and suppliers, relying on band-aid solutions like trade shows, networking events, and manual search methods.
“Trying to build my network of vendors and suppliers over the past to fill these really complicated needs that I’ve had over the past 20 years sent me to all kinds of trade shows, trade organizations, various networking events and even just driving around hoping for the best collecting business cards and asking for introductions.”
Comparing the US manufacturing landscape to that of China, Kornuta notes the stark differences in industrial policy and connectivity. While China strategically places manufacturers in factory cities and provides networking tools like Alibaba, US manufacturers are often left to fend for themselves, relying on primes and big contractors for work.
This isolation and lack of industrial policy have led to the loss of capabilities as shops close, highlighting the need for a more connected and supportive ecosystem. Kornuta emphasizes the importance of high-trust relationships in manufacturing, built through existing connections and recommendations rather than open, online platforms.
Trust comes from existing relationships for sure, so you know someone. But then when you have an existing relationship it can be either it can be up or down. It can be a sub that you’re subbing to or it can be a contractor who’s sending work to you. You’ve done work with these people, you trust their recommendations.
Noramark aims to address these challenges by building a high-trust community and network for US manufacturers, providing connective tissue, knowledge sharing, and intelligent matchmaking. The platform uses a trust score based on interactions, network depth, and connections to ensure quality, pricing, and delivery.
Kornuta also stresses the need to increase awareness about the significance of manufacturing and attract the next generation of the workforce to the industry. By collaborating with high schools, vocational schools, and industry veterans, Noramark seeks to spread the message from manufacturers to students and facilitate intelligent matchmaking through link forage and system interactions.
As the second-largest manufacturer globally, the US has a strong foundation to build upon. However, fostering trust, connectivity, and awareness will be crucial in ensuring the long-term success and resilience of American manufacturing. Platforms like Noramark offer a promising step forward in creating a more supportive and interconnected ecosystem for US manufacturers.
To learn more about Noramark and connect with Michael Kornuta, visit www.noramark.com or reach out to him on LinkedIn.
