“Manufacturers reported raising prices of finished goods out of necessity,”according to the Federal Reserve. The reason given for the price hikes was higher costs for raw materials such as steel, “which they attributed to tariffs.” ( Reuters report on October 24, 2018). Steel prices alone jumped 19% so far this year as measured by the government BLS steel index. Feedall has also experienced this level cost inflation since more than 50% of its raw materials are steel. Jon Cocco (Feedall CEO) says “its extremely difficult to manage these significant inflationary pressures while trying to meet the demands of our customers. We try to only pass along price increases that are absolutely necessary.” Feedall designs and manufactures high end automation equipment.