"enabling them to reduce the number of workers." enabling them to reduce costs and avoid moving the work offshore.

Maybe people that have actually been in manufacturing know a little more about the subject.

Also people can decide to buy stuff that is made offshore or onshore.

"Well boys, XYZ corp is importing widgets made in ElCheapostan and we can't compete. Or widget sales are drying up. What can we do to make them cheaper and keep this place going?

Can we decrease the cost of production some how or do we need to shut down and get our widgets made in ElCheaperstan?"