Last updated : December 16, 2024
USAMDT works closely with hundreds of manufacturers across the country, so we know how important the manufacturing industry is. It provides jobs, economic stability, and high-quality products.
That’s why we’re so excited to see manufacturing making a comeback in America.
A report from ISI titled “Investing in the U.S. Manufacturing Renaissance” highlights examples of companies in the United States that are contributing to the resurgence of the American manufacturing industry.
Here are 16 companies that are playing a powerful role in bringing manufacturing jobs back to American workers:
Chrysler adds jobs, commits to building two new SUVs in Detroit
The Chrysler Group committed to adding a third shift at its Jefferson North Assembly Plant in 2013, which equated to an additional 1,100 jobs. Chrysler also confirmed workers at the Detroit plant would be building a diesel-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee and the new Maserati Kubang SUV in addition to the Grand Cherokee and the Dodge Durango.
Collegiate Bead Company reversing trend of jobs leaving U.S. for China
The Michigan-based Collegiate Bead Company crafts licensed college and sorority beads to fit the trendy Pandora-style charm bracelets. The company joined forces with Terryberry, an outfit out of Grand Rapids, Michigan, forging a partnership that created 50 new jobs and cleared the way for Collegiate Bead Company to remain a truly American-made business.
Electrolux moves to Memphis in cost-cutting effort
The Swedish appliance company Electrolux closed its Canada plant and moved operations to a new factory in Memphis, Tennessee in 2013. The move, which created about 1,200 new jobs, was executed as a money-saving effort. In Canada the company paid a base union wage of $19 per hour, and wages in Memphis region are about a third less than that.
GE unveils plan to cut Mexico workforce, return 800 jobs to Kentucky
In February 2012, Louisville, Kentucky welcomed GE Appliance back to the community with the grand opening of a hybrid water heater production facility manufacturing plant and the addition of 800 jobs. The company spent $38 million to revive the facility and launch the new line of water heaters.
Pipe manufacturing outfit awarded $1 billion to help launch Texas facility
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. announced in March 2012 that the company won a $1 billion contract to provide consulting services to the China-based seamless pipe manufacturer, Tianjin Pipe Corporation. The contract called for Jacobs to assist in the construction of Tianjin Pipes’ Texas plant, the company’s first major manufacturing facility in America. The new facility was to be completed by late 2014.
Whirlpool to make KitchenAid mixers in America
The Whirlpool Corp. appliance company unveiled its intentions to move production of its KitchenAid brand hand mixers from China to its Greenville, Ohio plant. The move will mean more work for the Ohio facility, and will generate more business for related companies, like suppliers of injection molded plastic used in the bodies of the mixers.
Finland company chooses Florida for North American headquarters
Marinetek, a Finnish marina construction outfit, opted to establish its North American headquarters in St. Petersburg, Florida, leading to 50 new jobs. The move, announced in May 2012, opened up new positions in Marinetek’s sales operations, planning, engineering and packing departments.
Master Lock brings 100 jobs back to Milwaukee
The 94-year-old Master Lock Co. brought 100 jobs back to Milwaukee over the course of 18 months. The incremental return of those jobs prompted a visit from President Barack Obama in February 2012 as the plant celebrated its ability to operate at full capacity for the first time in 15 years.
Automated teller machine manufacturer opens Georgia plant
NCR Corporation, makers of automated teller machines, shifted its manufacturing operations to Columbus, Georgia. The change in location not only provided jobs in the Columbus area that had been performed overseas, but also included construction of a new 350,000 square-foot plant in Corporate Ridge Business Park. The company finished construction five months after issuing the initial announcement.
Otis Elevator heads north of the border, to South Carolina
Otis Elevator Co. shifted production operations from its Mexico plant to a new facility in South Carolina. Because the new plant would be closer to its customers in the eastern U.S., which make up 70 percent of the company’s customer base, Master Lock projected it would save more than 17 percent in freight-related costs alone. The company expects to see an additional 20-percent savings by housing all design and production personnel within the same building.
Rolls-Royce rolls out Indiana aircraft manufacturing operation
Global power systems company Rolls-Royce gave Indianapolis, Indiana an economic shot in the arm with its plans to build a $42 million manufacturing facility there that would add about 100 new jobs. Workers at the facility, which was set for completion in 2014, will be producing components for advanced aircraft engines.
Seimens shutters Canada plant, moves to North Carolina
Seimens announced in March 2010 its decision to close its Ontario, Canada gas turbine manufacturing facility and would invest in a new manufacturing plant in Charlotte, North Carolina. The new facility was set to begin operating in the fall of 2011. The Associated Press reported that the Charlotte plant came to fruition partly due to $22.7 million in tax breaks from the State of North Carolina, as well as additional incentives at the county and city levels.
Starbucks serves up new jobs for Ohio workers
The American Mug and Stein Company in East Liverpool, Ohio was on the brink of closure in the fall of 2011, but a call to American Mug owner Clyde M. McClellan from Hausenware proprietor Ulrich Honighausen changed everything. Honighausen, whose company supplies ceramics to major retailers like Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel, believed American Mug could be revived if it made coffee mugs for Starbucks. By June 2012, the company’s mugs appeared on shelves in Starbucks locations across America. The partnership allowed the company to retain four employees, and created eight new jobs.
Toyota opts to produce Highlander in Indiana
Toyota Motor Corp. announced in February 2012 that it would add another 400 jobs to its existing Princeton, Indiana facility and invest nearly $400 million toward preparing the plant for producing its hybrid Highlander SUV. Highlander production operations, which were formerly carried out in Japan, were expected to begin in Princeton by late 2013.
Caterpillar lays foundation for 1,400 new positions in Georgia
Heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar, Inc. chose to construct a $200 million production facility in Athens, Georgia. The company made this decision after reviewing proposals from over 100 communities in 36 states, as well as Canada and Mexico. The new plant would hire about 1,400 workers to make the equipment that used to be crafted in Japan.
Ford starts up production of engines in Ohio
In March 2015, Ford Motor Co. announced it would produce a pair of engines in North America for the first time. The new engines will be made at the company’s Cleveland Engine Plant. The latest additions to the assembly line include the new twin-scroll two-liter EcoBoost engine. In 2013, Ford invested $200 million in the Cleveland facility and added 450 new jobs there due to the increasing demand for EcoBoost engines.
