Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1542210
wbjournal.com | December 29, 2025 | Worcester Business Journal 21 More unpredictability, less enthusiasm in manufacturing in 2026 BY ERIC CASEY WBJ Managing Editor M anufacturing in Central Massachusetts felt the impact of an overhaul in federal policies in 2025. ose effects will continue into next year. Tariffs Tariffs dominated headlines in 2025, and even with President Donald Trump's long-promised trade deals trickling in, expect that to continue into 2026. Many manufacturers have so far attempted to eat any increased raw material costs associated with tariffs, but customers are likely to start feeling the pinch at some point. With Trump-targeted China, Canada, and Mexico being the state's three largest trade partners, that pinch may be felt particularly hard in Central Massachusetts. Talent pool drying up An aging workforce and the cooling impact of federal policies toward immigration are expected to continue to impact the talent pool. AI will require reskilling of workers, but it remains to be seen if current job training infrastructure in the region will be able to meet this unprecedented moment. With the job market being what it is, at least business owners will have to worry less about top talent leaving. More uncertainty A predictable environment makes business decisions easier, but don't expect such an environment to form next year. e uncertain impact of AI and the impact of federal policies will continue to encourage business owners to attempt to push off major decisions. However, companies who manage to ride the cutting edge of new technology development will find themselves in a prime position to attract new investment. After private equity buyout, fifth-generation leader exits L.S. Starrett as new executives take over Aer a March merger with a private equity firm, e L.S. Starrett Co. will be led by someone outside the Starrett family for the first time in its 145-year- old history. e global tool manufacturer based in Athol named four new executive leaders, with fih-generation leader Douglas Starrett stepping down as president and CEO aer 48 years with the company. L.S. Starrett named Roger Amrol, for- mer president and CEO of Robert Bosch Tool Corp. North America, as its next CEO and president, replacing Douglas Starrett, whose great-great-grandfather Laroy Starrett founded the company in 1880. Amrol is a graduate of Averett University in Virginia with an MBA and a bachelor's degree from College of Charleston in South Carolina. Douglas Starrett had led the company since 2001. Amrol will be joined by three new executives at the company: Barry Laugh- lin as chief operating officer, Allen Look as global chief information officer, and Jon-Michael Raymond as chief revenue officer, according to a company press release issued Feb. 21. "We are thrilled to welcome a new leader to guide our future while main- taining the strong legacy of L.S. Starrett," Kip Paterson, director human capital, North America for L.S. Starrett, wrote in an emailed statement to WBJ. "Doug Starrett is no longer involved with the company. We are grateful for his many years of dedicated service and leadership Top manufacturing news from 2025 PHOTO | COURTESY OF RIVERDALE MILLS MANUFACTURING W Roger Amrol, the first non-Starrett leader of L.S. Starrett in its 145-year history Jim Knott Jr., CEO of Northbridge wire mesh manufacturer Riverdale Mills, has said the 2025 federal tariffs spiked his costs, leading to a price increase for his products. Continued on next page