For nearly 100 years, the manufacturing sector has been the powerhouse industry driving the U.S. economy.
But it’s not just about making products; it’s about creating jobs, driving innovation, and boosting economic growth. Manufacturing provides millions of jobs, from factory workers to engineers, supporting families and communities across the country.
It is also a hub for innovation, with manufacturers investing heavily in research and development, leading to new technologies and products that can improve our lives and keep the U.S. competitive globally. Moreover, manufacturing has a ripple effect on other industries. It supports supply chains, from raw materials to logistics, and stimulates demand for services like marketing and finance. This interconnectedness helps stabilize the economy and fosters resilience.
Kegler Brown has represented many of the best-known businesses throughout the manufacturing industry supply chain, helping them to drive innovation, create jobs, and spur economic growth.
Key Areas of Focus
- Employment Law: Manufacturing companies employ one of the largest and most dedicated workforces of any industry. Their leadership teams look to our lawyers for advice on managing issues such as workplace safety, workers’ compensation, employee benefits, union-related issues, labor relations, and regulatory compliance.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to regulations set by agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is critical. We help navigate compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and product safety requirements.
- Intellectual Property: Protecting innovations through patents, trademarks, and copyrights is essential for manufacturers, which involves securing intellectual property rights for new products, processes, and technologies, and defending against infringement claims.
- Corporate Transactions: The manufacturing sector is dynamic and often sees meaningful mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and spinoffs, especially in the global context. Our deal team helps clients plan and execute these complex transactions.
- Supply Chain Management: Our work with manufacturers is critical in optimizing their supply chains, including drafting and negotiating contracts with essential suppliers, distributors, and logistics providers, and handling disputes that arise.
- Product Liability: Managing risks associated with product safety is critical- this includes often defending against claims of defective products and other liability issues.
- Dispute Resolution: Recognizing that problems will inevitably surface, we work closely with manufacturers in addressing these disputes through litigation, arbitration, or mediation, allowing companies to focus on their core business.
- Global Trade + Tariffs: Navigating international trade laws, tax and tariff issues, and export controls is essential for manufacturers involved in global markets. Our experience in managing FCPA and other trade-related issues is both broad and deep.
- Real Estate + Land Use: Securing and managing manufacturing facilities involves negotiating leases, handling zoning issues, and managing property disputes. Our dedicated team has a wealth of experience in leading clients through their real estate-related needs.
