After successfully navigating supply chain disruptions with CIRAS support in 2022, Art’s Way Manufacturing returned in 2025 to update its supply chain map—gaining renewed visibility into supplier risk, understanding tariff exposure, and confirming that earlier mitigation efforts were making a measurable difference.
Company overview
Art’s Way Manufacturing Co. Inc. designs and produces farm and construction equipment, agricultural buildings, and modular laboratories. With approximately 100 employees operating across two facilities, the Armstrong,
Iowa-based company is guided by founder Arthur Luscombe’s long-standing commitment to innovation, quality, and durability. That focus continues to shape Art’s Way’s products and business practices today.
Situation
In 2022, Art’s Way partnered with CIRAS to map its supply chain during a period of widespread disruption. The project provided critical visibility into supplier networks, logistics, and process flows at a time when COVID-19 impacts were still creating uncertainty.
Recognizing the long-term value of that work, Art’s Way returned to CIRAS in 2025 to update its supply chain map with current data. Supplier relationships had evolved, and volatile tariff conditions introduced new risk considerations. The company wanted to understand how its supply chain had changed since 2022, identify tier-two supplier exposure, and assess whether prior risk mitigation efforts were delivering results.
Solution
CIRAS conducted an updated supply chain mapping and risk review project, building on the original 2022 analysis. Working closely with Art’s Way, the CIRAS team gathered updated data on suppliers, logistics, and spend data to develop a comprehensive map of the company’s 2025 inbound supply chain. The analysis identified tier one and tier-two suppliers and produced a geographic map illustrating where suppliers are located.
To address emerging concerns, CIRAS incorporated a tariff overlay heat map, giving Art’s Way a clear, visual tool to understand tariff exposure based on supplier location. CIRAS also facilitated a structured risk review, comparing 2022 and 2025 findings, prioritizing risks, and working with the company to develop practical mitigation plans. A training session ensured Art’s Way could maintain and update the supply chain map internally moving forward.
Results
The updated analysis confirmed that Art’s Way’s earlier investment delivered measurable value. Based on CIRAS recommendations from 2022, the company had already taken steps to reduce supply chain risk, resulting in improved resilience and lower exposure in several key areas by 2025. The project also identified new and evolving risks, allowing Art’s Way to respond proactively rather than reactively.
As part of the 2025 engagement, Art’s Way received an updated supply chain map, including an Excel-based summary of supplier information and a geographic map showing inbound supplier locations. The analysis incorporated a tariff overlay that helped the company better understand exposure based on supplier location. Through this work, Art’s Way documented approximately $48,000 in cost savings related to reduced duties through improved tariff classification, with the potential for additional savings moving forward. The project also supported retained jobs.
“Completing the supply chain mapping project with CIRAS gave us full visibility into our supplier network, logistics, and process flows, helping us identify risks, reduce lead times, and strengthen relationships,” an Art’s Way leader said. “Coming back for an update allowed us to see the progress we’ve made and where new opportunities exist, especially given the volatile tariff situation. These projects have improved our efficiency and positioned us to deliver higher quality products to our customers.”
Just as important, the 2025 update validated that the actions Art’s Way took following the 2022 project were effective. By revisiting the analysis, the company was able to confirm progress, identify new risks early, and adjust its approach with confidence rather than reacting after disruptions occurred. This ongoing partnership reflects how CIRAS works with Iowa companies over time. With an updated, living supply chain map and a practical risk management approach in place, Art’s Way is better positioned to navigate volatility, protect its operations, and continue delivering high-quality products to its customers.
Contact Marc Schneider to learn more.