Quaker Windows Expands Missouri Campus Again
Signaling continued investment in domestic capacity, Quaker Windows & Doors has announced a third expansion of its campus in Eldon, Missouri. The project highlights a trend of manufacturers bolstering their U.S. production footprint.
This latest $30 million investment will add 300,000 square feet to Quaker's Eldon campus for a new vertical paint line and expanded insulating glass production, creating 220 new jobs. This marks the third expansion in four years, bringing the facility to nearly 800,000 square feet. Quaker's expansion is part of a broader acceleration in domestic reshoring, particularly in sectors like building materials, defense, and electrical transmission. This trend is driven by a desire for greater supply chain security and is supported by tax policies like the permanent full expensing for new equipment. In 2026, manufacturers are expected to continue investing heavily in smart manufacturing initiatives to enhance domestic competitiveness. The move to bolster U.S. production comes amid significant geopolitical uncertainty and trade volatility expected to continue through 2026. Shifting trade policies, including a 10% global tariff set to expire in July 2026 and 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum, are forcing manufacturers to reassess sourcing strategies and build more resilient, regional supply networks. For internal audit functions, this environment elevates the importance of forward-looking risk management. Audit plans for 2026 are increasingly focused on supply chain resilience, including mapping risks from tariff scenarios and reviewing contingency plans for single-source dependencies. There's a growing need for internal audit to provide assurance over the governance of new technologies like AI, which are being adopted to manage supply chain complexity. Regulatory compliance is becoming more fragmented and complex for manufacturers. In 2026, companies will navigate a patchwork of state-level energy efficiency mandates for fenestration products, like Colorado's new rule requiring ENERGY STAR certification. Additionally, new packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are taking effect in seven states, creating new cost centers and reporting requirements. New SEC disclosure rules represent a significant compliance development for public manufacturers. Large companies must begin disclosing Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions in their fiscal year 2026 filings. While the SEC dropped the Scope 3 requirement, state-level rules in places like California and EU regulations still mandate disclosure of supply chain emissions, pressuring companies to enhance data tracking. OSHA is also rolling out key updates in 2026 that will impact manufacturing floors. Employers must comply with revised Hazard Communication Standard requirements for chemical labeling and safety data sheets by May and update training programs by November. A new federal heat illness prevention standard is also anticipated, requiring new safety plans for both indoor and outdoor work environments. For audit committees and CFOs, these converging pressures require a shift in internal audit's role from traditional assurance to strategic advisement. The focus is on proactive readiness for regulatory changes, robust due diligence in supply chains, and leveraging technology to monitor emerging risks like AI-driven cyber threats and complex third-party dependencies.
