Superb article! Lot's of fascinating facts based on experience. I love hearing from the horse's mouth and not detached intellectuals and academics. Plus the stuff you hear on business news is from the perspective of speculative investors in the stock market, not ground-level manufacturers who actually produce things. Frankly, as depressing as the picture painted here is, I'm much more pessimistic than the author.
Kudos to your articulation to many of the core issues why it is such a challenge to restart more manufacturing in America. It is good to see all of these points in a single place so coherently put together. Thank you.
I started a factory myself about 2 years ago. In Missouri. And all the things you discuss here, Mr. Roberts, are close to my heart. One thing that I am excited about is the robots that we will be bringing into production. I believe they will replace human workers within a year or two.
We make extremely high quality perfumes, cosmetics and dietary supplements. And we can't have a supply chain based in the US because nobody is making bottles, or sprayers, or the raw chemicals in the US.
We have bought a machine for bottling from a small US manufacturer and it has been great. But they don't make anything else, just this one type of machine. So the machines we buy are from China and they are really very good, although support is a bit difficult.
Actually, the Chinese vendors tend to be pretty good. Many are tiny companies who probably drop ship from China. But comparing to Indian vendors -- Indians are poorly organized, less ethical, less easy to deal with. But it's not like we have a choice. We have to buy from China or India, or there is no business at all.
Meanwhile, there have to be clear exemptions for raws that are imported by US manufacturers like us, otherwise it will kill our business because it raises our Costs of Goods Sold (COGS) so much.
We have better margins than companies selling retail. We direct sell so we can offer much lower prices.
What concerns me also is throwing the US into a severe recesssion. I see that as a danger as I am building my business, just not good timing.
I'm a pediatrician MD who stopped buying Made in China in March 2020 when China cut off ventilators, masks, PPE, pharmaceuticals, etc during COVID. All of us Healthcare workers suffered & for 5 yrs, I have not bought Made in China. I mostly buy Made in USA but also Made in Canada, EU, Australia, Japan, S Korea (US Allies).
I think its fantastic that you make your products in the USA. It is great that you bought a machine for bottling from a US manufacturer. Would you consider buying more machines from them instead of from China?
I agree its bad that you can't get the raw ingredients in the US, there have to be options created for this. However, you say you can't get bottles or sprayers Made in the US? Are you sure? because I buy Spray Bottles Made in USA. And they are inexpensive, good quality Spray Bottles too.
> "One thing that I am excited about is the robots that we will be bringing into production. I believe they will replace human workers within a year or two"
Good to know. I'm sure that won't drive anyone to fentanyl.
I worked for about a year in the factories of Oshawa, replacing people on parental leave or filling in shifts for people off sick. There was also a seat moulding factory that no one could work in for too long because it was too toxic. I can confirm that working on a line is incredibly hard work. I just did basic entry level things like clipping the car seat fabric to the frame. I know I didn’t have the mind or the body to make a career of it and have a huge amount of respect for anyone who does.
From my brief experience working in factories, I would say this essay is 100% correct.
Buford, Georgia – Manufactures power tools such as drills, saws, and grinders.
Notes: Makita, a leading Japanese toolmaker, established its U.S. manufacturing presence in the 1980s, focusing on cordless and corded power tools for construction and woodworking.
Ryobi (owned by Techtronic Industries, Hong Kong)
Plants:
Anderson, South Carolina – Produces power tools like drills, saws, and lawn equipment.
Notes: While Ryobi originated in Japan, it’s now under Techtronic Industries (TTI), a Hong Kong-based company. The Anderson facility supports production for the U.S. market, often alongside other TTI brands like Milwaukee.
German Brands
Bosch (Robert Bosch GmbH)
Plants:
New Bern, North Carolina – Produces power tools including drills, saws, and accessories.
Lincolnton, North Carolina – Manufactures circular saw blades and router bits.
West Memphis, Arkansas – Produces abrasive products and tool accessories.
Notes: Bosch, a German engineering giant, has multiple U.S. plants focused on power tools and accessories, with a history of production dating back decades.
Festool (owned by TTS Tooltechnic Systems, Germany)
Plants:
Lebanon, Indiana – Manufactures select power tools and accessories, including sanders and dust extractors.
Notes: Festool, a premium German tool brand, established U.S. manufacturing to support its North American customer base, focusing on high-end woodworking tools.
Metabo (owned by Hitachi Koki, Japan, now under KKR, U.S.)
Plants:
West Chester, Pennsylvania – Produces power tools like grinders and drills (some assembly and distribution).
Notes: Originally German, Metabo’s U.S. operations are limited but include manufacturing and assembly, bolstered by its acquisition by Hitachi Koki (Japanese) and later KKR.
Swedish Brands
Husqvarna
Plants:
Orangeburg, South Carolina – Manufactures outdoor power tools like chainsaws, trimmers, and lawnmowers.
Nashville, Arkansas – Produces chainsaws and handheld equipment.
Notes: Husqvarna, a Swedish company, has a significant U.S. manufacturing footprint, focusing on outdoor tools for construction and landscaping.
Other Notable Mentions
Techtronic Industries (TTI) (Hong Kong)
Plants:
Anderson, South Carolina – Produces tools under brands like Milwaukee (power tools) and Ryobi.
Notes: TTI, a Hong Kong-based multinational, owns several tool brands with U.S. production. Milwaukee, while an American brand by origin, is manufactured here under TTI’s overseas ownership.
Stanley Black & Decker (owns overseas brands like DeWalt and others)
Plants:
Multiple U.S. locations (e.g., Charlotte, North Carolina; Jackson, Tennessee) – Produce tools under various brands, including some originally European designs.
Notes: While Stanley Black & Decker is a U.S. company, it owns brands with overseas roots (e.g., Facom from France), and some production reflects those influences, though primarily branded as DeWalt or Stanley in the U.S.
I'm an MD who stopped buying Made in China in March 2020 when China cut off ventilators, masks, PPE, pharmaceuticals, etc during COVID. All of us Healthcare workers suffered & for 5 yrs, I have not bought Made in China. I mostly buy Made in USA but also Made in Canada, EU, Australia, Japan, S Korea (US Allies).
I am always, always looking for Made in USA things to buy. Love your list!
This is an excellent article by a qualified author.
A lot of ideas here about bringing back manufacturing to the USA also apply to bringing back nuclear power. Except all requirements for nuclear power are much higher and demanding.
Correction: ‘America’ doesn’t. Trump and the people around him also don’t have any delusions. But this is how they can stay in power - by selling pipe dreams. It’s pretty clear that they know they can’t win this, but accepting their mistakes is not their forte
I totally agree. We start by getting the funding from the 1%. All these tax cuts for the 1% leave us nothing to work with. The tarrifs need to be channel to human capital development. To compete with China we need better and more human capital. China manufactures more STEM graduates than all of the West combined. Without the brain power, it's useless.
China's production cycle is so fast, we would be the left in the dust. Let's look at BYD. It started making cars in 2005. Now it's a top ten car maker in the world with a market cap bigger than Ford and GM combined. BYD's new product cycle is 18 months compare to 5 years with us. Without the human capital and market size to support a complete supply chain we have no chance. Every month we are falling farther than farther behind.
Another point not covered is if these manufacturing jobs become unionized, and there will be intense pressure to make this happen, then cost goes up, work rules intensify, lawsuits increase, and productivty drops therefore US based manufacturing becomes even more costly.
A thousand times yes to listening to people who know what they’re talking about! Thanks for this excellent insight.
I lived in Beijing for a year and have worked office jobs in hardware engineering and construction. I have gotten glimpses of the cultural and structural realities you speak and the challenges unique to the world of building things in 3-diemensions… and the american customers who cannot comprehend WHY they just can’t have it NOW, like everything else. (our best in the world consumer supply chain that you’ve pointed out probably indulges this mindset!)
Knowledge workers can’t comprehend why their residential remodel that is behind schedule can’t just be sped up with a couple of late nights, like they do with a red bull from their herman miller aeron chair.
uh, we’re waiting on materials/ permits, my guy has already worked 8 hours today, who’s gonna pay for his overtime, also now he’s more likely to saw off his hand or fall off of a ladder or saw off his hand WHILE falling off a ladder. oh and your neighbor will call the cops about our noise ordinance violations since it’s after 6pm. microsoft excel this is not.
Looking to U.S. history, innovation and high value-added manufacturing: since 1750 has been fairly mobile but tied to logistical pathways; (2) between 1870 and today was strongly correlated with “thickness” of skilled labor generated by public education (which pushed out graduates with the ability to read mechanical drawings; to use the tools of math, science and engineering to solve problems; and, to collaborate); and, (3) finance opportunities. There is not much evidence supporting the idea that tariffs can affect location decisions for manufacturing lines that would offer fulfilling and decently paid work. The changes in the U.S. today are likely to create an exodus of high skill service sector jobs, too.
My wife owns a beauty brand and manufactures in-house. I contribute about 4 hrs a week of time doing basic packing work, things of that nature. It’s extremely taxing! And I exercise 5 days a week, eat right, etc. So I agree with your thoughts.
One other thing I’ll note here: my impression is that a lot of very wealthy, very smart people are driving these policies. Which you’d think is a good. However, it is not. One of the benefits of great wealth, status, and influence is that higher you get the farther you get from doing actual work. No one who is making these policies has actually done any of the jobs. This is a conceptual exercise for them, and it shows.
Products: Drywall, plasterboard, and related construction materials.
Plants:
Shelbyville, Indiana – Produces gypsum wallboard.
Additional facilities in Georgia and Texas for gypsum and insulation products.
Notes: Knauf, a family-owned German company, expanded its U.S. presence through acquisitions and new plants, focusing on sustainable drywall production.
Sto Corp.
Products: Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS), coatings, and stucco.
Plant:
Atlanta, Georgia – Manufactures EIFS and architectural coatings.
Notes: Sto, a German leader in building envelope solutions, established its U.S. manufacturing in the 1980s to serve North American markets.
Swiss Brands
Holcim (formerly LafargeHolcim)
Products: Cement, aggregates, and ready-mix concrete.
Plants:
Ravena, New York – Cement production.
Hagerstown, Maryland – Cement manufacturing.
Multiple locations across the U.S., including Texas, Missouri, and Colorado.
Notes: Swiss-based Holcim, one of the world’s largest cement producers, operates numerous U.S. plants following its merger with Lafarge, focusing on sustainable construction materials.
Sika
Products: Sealants, adhesives, concrete admixtures, and waterproofing systems.
Plants:
Lyndhurst, New Jersey – Manufactures construction chemicals.
Marion, Ohio – Produces roofing and waterproofing products.
Additional facilities in California, Texas, and Georgia.
Notes: Sika, a Swiss specialty chemicals company, has expanded its U.S. manufacturing to support construction and industrial applications.
French Brands
Saint-Gobain
Products: Gypsum products (drywall), insulation, siding, and roofing materials.
Plants:
Silver Grove, Kentucky – Produces gypsum wallboard.
Williamsport, Maryland – Manufactures siding and exterior products.
Multiple insulation plants, including Kansas and Texas.
Notes: This French multinational owns brands like CertainTeed and operates over 100 manufacturing sites in the U.S., producing a wide range of building materials.
Japanese Brands
Nichiha
Products: Fiber cement siding and cladding.
Plant:
Macon, Georgia – Manufactures fiber cement panels and exterior cladding.
Notes: Nichiha, a Japanese company, opened its U.S. plant in 2013 to produce durable, lightweight siding for residential and commercial buildings.
Chinese Brands
China National Building Material (CNBM)
Products: Gypsum board, cement, and prefabricated building components.
Plant:
Limited direct manufacturing, but operates through subsidiaries like BNBM in the U.S., with a focus on gypsum products in states like South Carolina.
Notes: CNBM, a state-owned Chinese giant, has a growing U.S. presence, often through partnerships or acquisitions rather than standalone plants.
Swedish Brands
Tarkett
Products: Flooring (vinyl, linoleum, carpet, and hardwood).
Notes: Tarkett, a global flooring leader with Swedish roots, operates multiple U.S. facilities under brands like Johnsonite, producing sustainable flooring solutions.
Irish Brands
CRH (Cement Roadstone Holdings)
Products: Asphalt, concrete, aggregates, and precast concrete products.
Plants:
Multiple locations, including Texas, Florida, and Michigan, under subsidiaries like Oldcastle Materials and APAC.
Notes: CRH, an Irish building materials conglomerate, is one of the largest producers in the U.S.,
Clarksville, Tennessee (LG Electronics USA) – Produces washing machines, dryers, and some electric ranges.
Notes: LG, a South Korean conglomerate, opened this state-of-the-art facility in 2019 to manufacture laundry appliances and select cooking products. While many LG appliances (e.g., refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves) are still produced in South Korea or China, the Tennessee plant marks a significant step toward U.S. manufacturing, employing over 1,000 workers.
Samsung Electronics
Plant:
Newberry, South Carolina (Samsung Electronics America) – Produces washing machines and dryers.
Notes: Samsung, another South Korean giant, began U.S. production in 2018 at this facility, focusing on laundry appliances. The plant has an annual capacity of over 1 million units, though most Samsung refrigerators, ranges, and microwaves continue to be made in South Korea or China.
Swedish Brands
Electrolux
Plants:
Anderson, South Carolina – Produces refrigerators.
Notes: Electrolux, a Swedish multinational, owns brands like Frigidaire and has a strong U.S. manufacturing presence. Acquired by Electrolux in 1986, Frigidaire appliances are largely made in these plants, though some compact units or specific models may be sourced from Mexico or China.
German Brands
Bosch (BSH Home Appliances)
Plant:
New Bern, North Carolina – Produces dishwashers, cooktops, and some ovens.
Notes: Bosch, part of the German BSH Home Appliances group, operates one of the world’s largest dishwasher manufacturing facilities in North Carolina. While many Bosch refrigerators are made overseas (e.g., China or Turkey), this plant focuses on dishwashers and cooking appliances for the U.S. market.
Liebherr
Plant: No full-scale appliance manufacturing plant in the U.S., but Liebherr has a presence for construction equipment and crane production. Household refrigerators are primarily made in Germany, Austria, or Bulgaria.
Notes: Although Liebherr is a German brand known for premium refrigerators, its U.S. operations focus on other industries, not appliance manufacturing.
Chinese Brands
Haier (owns GE Appliances)
Plants:
Louisville, Kentucky (GE Appliances, a Haier Company) – Produces refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, washers, and dryers under GE, Café, Profile, and Monogram brands.
Camden, South Carolina – Produces refrigerators.
Decatur, Alabama – Produces cooking appliances.
Notes: Haier, a Chinese company, acquired GE Appliances in 2016 and retained its extensive U.S. manufacturing network. While Haier oversees operations, most GE Appliances products sold in the U.S. are made domestically, with Louisville being the primary hub since 1951.
I'm an MD who stopped buying Made in China in March 2020 when China cut off ventilators, masks, PPE, pharmaceuticals, etc during COVID. All of us Healthcare workers suffered & for 5 yrs, I have not bought Made in China. I mostly buy Made in USA but also Made in Canada, EU, Australia, Japan, S Korea (US Allies).
I am always, always looking for Made in USA things to buy. Love your list!
Smyrna, Georgia (Glock, Inc.) – Manufactures a wide range of polymer-framed pistols, including the Glock 17, 19, and other models.
Notes: Glock established its U.S. manufacturing in the 1980s to serve the civilian, law enforcement, and military markets. The Smyrna facility is a major hub for production and distribution.
Italian Brands
Beretta
Plant:
Gallatin, Tennessee (Beretta USA) – Produces pistols like the M9 (92FS), 92X, and APX, as well as shotguns and rifles.
Notes: Beretta moved its primary U.S. manufacturing from Accokeek, Maryland, to Gallatin in 2016, expanding its capacity to produce firearms for both civilian and military use. Beretta has been manufacturing in the U.S. since 1977.
German Brands
SIG Sauer
Plant:
Newington, New Hampshire (SIG Sauer, Inc.) – Manufactures pistols like the P320 (adopted as the U.S. Army’s M17/M18), P365, and various rifles.
Notes: While SIG Sauer is a German-Swiss brand, its U.S. subsidiary has become a major producer, with significant manufacturing in New Hampshire since the 1980s. Most SIG Sauer firearms sold in the U.S. are made domestically.
Heckler & Koch (H&K)
Plant:
Columbus, Georgia (Heckler & Koch, Inc.) – Produces pistols like the VP9 and rifles like the MR556.
Notes: H&K expanded its U.S. manufacturing presence in 2023 with a new facility in Georgia, focusing on both civilian and law enforcement firearms to complement its German production.
Belgian Brands
FN Herstal (FN America)
Plant:
Columbia, South Carolina (FN Manufacturing) – Manufactures pistols like the FN 509, rifles like the FN SCAR, and military firearms like the M4 and M16 under U.S. contracts.
Notes: FN America has been producing firearms in the U.S. for decades, primarily to supply the U.S. military and law enforcement, with a growing civilian market.
Products made in America can not be sold to the rest of the world due to cost. It's becoming a niche market. Don't forget a lot of the parts are most likely coming from China. We don't own the complete supply chain of any product. They are basically being assembled in our country only. Just like our American made weapons. They need Chinese parts or materials. We don't have the market size to support a complete supply chain for any product.
I'm an MD who stopped buying Made in China in March 2020 when China cut off ventilators, masks, PPE, pharmaceuticals, etc during COVID. All of us Healthcare workers suffered & for 5 yrs, I have not bought Made in China. I mostly buy Made in USA but also Made in Canada, EU, Australia, Japan, S Korea (US Allies).
I am always, always looking for Made in USA things to buy. Love your list!
Superb article! Lot's of fascinating facts based on experience. I love hearing from the horse's mouth and not detached intellectuals and academics. Plus the stuff you hear on business news is from the perspective of speculative investors in the stock market, not ground-level manufacturers who actually produce things. Frankly, as depressing as the picture painted here is, I'm much more pessimistic than the author.
Kudos to your articulation to many of the core issues why it is such a challenge to restart more manufacturing in America. It is good to see all of these points in a single place so coherently put together. Thank you.
I found this profoundly interesting.
I started a factory myself about 2 years ago. In Missouri. And all the things you discuss here, Mr. Roberts, are close to my heart. One thing that I am excited about is the robots that we will be bringing into production. I believe they will replace human workers within a year or two.
We make extremely high quality perfumes, cosmetics and dietary supplements. And we can't have a supply chain based in the US because nobody is making bottles, or sprayers, or the raw chemicals in the US.
We have bought a machine for bottling from a small US manufacturer and it has been great. But they don't make anything else, just this one type of machine. So the machines we buy are from China and they are really very good, although support is a bit difficult.
Actually, the Chinese vendors tend to be pretty good. Many are tiny companies who probably drop ship from China. But comparing to Indian vendors -- Indians are poorly organized, less ethical, less easy to deal with. But it's not like we have a choice. We have to buy from China or India, or there is no business at all.
Meanwhile, there have to be clear exemptions for raws that are imported by US manufacturers like us, otherwise it will kill our business because it raises our Costs of Goods Sold (COGS) so much.
We have better margins than companies selling retail. We direct sell so we can offer much lower prices.
What concerns me also is throwing the US into a severe recesssion. I see that as a danger as I am building my business, just not good timing.
We're at shop.idealmale.com by the way.
I'm a pediatrician MD who stopped buying Made in China in March 2020 when China cut off ventilators, masks, PPE, pharmaceuticals, etc during COVID. All of us Healthcare workers suffered & for 5 yrs, I have not bought Made in China. I mostly buy Made in USA but also Made in Canada, EU, Australia, Japan, S Korea (US Allies).
I think its fantastic that you make your products in the USA. It is great that you bought a machine for bottling from a US manufacturer. Would you consider buying more machines from them instead of from China?
I agree its bad that you can't get the raw ingredients in the US, there have to be options created for this. However, you say you can't get bottles or sprayers Made in the US? Are you sure? because I buy Spray Bottles Made in USA. And they are inexpensive, good quality Spray Bottles too.
> "One thing that I am excited about is the robots that we will be bringing into production. I believe they will replace human workers within a year or two"
Good to know. I'm sure that won't drive anyone to fentanyl.
Why aren’t you creating any manufacturing jobs?
Your note on raws is overlooked by just about everyone. It’s unclear if they’re exempt, and that would be a killer.
I worked for about a year in the factories of Oshawa, replacing people on parental leave or filling in shifts for people off sick. There was also a seat moulding factory that no one could work in for too long because it was too toxic. I can confirm that working on a line is incredibly hard work. I just did basic entry level things like clipping the car seat fabric to the frame. I know I didn’t have the mind or the body to make a career of it and have a huge amount of respect for anyone who does.
From my brief experience working in factories, I would say this essay is 100% correct.
I wonder how these people make it in the USA?
Japanese Brands
Makita
Plants:
Buford, Georgia – Manufactures power tools such as drills, saws, and grinders.
Notes: Makita, a leading Japanese toolmaker, established its U.S. manufacturing presence in the 1980s, focusing on cordless and corded power tools for construction and woodworking.
Ryobi (owned by Techtronic Industries, Hong Kong)
Plants:
Anderson, South Carolina – Produces power tools like drills, saws, and lawn equipment.
Notes: While Ryobi originated in Japan, it’s now under Techtronic Industries (TTI), a Hong Kong-based company. The Anderson facility supports production for the U.S. market, often alongside other TTI brands like Milwaukee.
German Brands
Bosch (Robert Bosch GmbH)
Plants:
New Bern, North Carolina – Produces power tools including drills, saws, and accessories.
Lincolnton, North Carolina – Manufactures circular saw blades and router bits.
West Memphis, Arkansas – Produces abrasive products and tool accessories.
Notes: Bosch, a German engineering giant, has multiple U.S. plants focused on power tools and accessories, with a history of production dating back decades.
Festool (owned by TTS Tooltechnic Systems, Germany)
Plants:
Lebanon, Indiana – Manufactures select power tools and accessories, including sanders and dust extractors.
Notes: Festool, a premium German tool brand, established U.S. manufacturing to support its North American customer base, focusing on high-end woodworking tools.
Metabo (owned by Hitachi Koki, Japan, now under KKR, U.S.)
Plants:
West Chester, Pennsylvania – Produces power tools like grinders and drills (some assembly and distribution).
Notes: Originally German, Metabo’s U.S. operations are limited but include manufacturing and assembly, bolstered by its acquisition by Hitachi Koki (Japanese) and later KKR.
Swedish Brands
Husqvarna
Plants:
Orangeburg, South Carolina – Manufactures outdoor power tools like chainsaws, trimmers, and lawnmowers.
Nashville, Arkansas – Produces chainsaws and handheld equipment.
Notes: Husqvarna, a Swedish company, has a significant U.S. manufacturing footprint, focusing on outdoor tools for construction and landscaping.
Other Notable Mentions
Techtronic Industries (TTI) (Hong Kong)
Plants:
Anderson, South Carolina – Produces tools under brands like Milwaukee (power tools) and Ryobi.
Notes: TTI, a Hong Kong-based multinational, owns several tool brands with U.S. production. Milwaukee, while an American brand by origin, is manufactured here under TTI’s overseas ownership.
Stanley Black & Decker (owns overseas brands like DeWalt and others)
Plants:
Multiple U.S. locations (e.g., Charlotte, North Carolina; Jackson, Tennessee) – Produce tools under various brands, including some originally European designs.
Notes: While Stanley Black & Decker is a U.S. company, it owns brands with overseas roots (e.g., Facom from France), and some production reflects those influences, though primarily branded as DeWalt or Stanley in the U.S.
Almost all of those are assembly plants. The actual parts are made in Taiwan and China.
So what
<3 <3 <3 Thank you!!! <3 <3 <3
I'm an MD who stopped buying Made in China in March 2020 when China cut off ventilators, masks, PPE, pharmaceuticals, etc during COVID. All of us Healthcare workers suffered & for 5 yrs, I have not bought Made in China. I mostly buy Made in USA but also Made in Canada, EU, Australia, Japan, S Korea (US Allies).
I am always, always looking for Made in USA things to buy. Love your list!
Thank you for the excellent post. What they are doing is just a show. They have given up on the U.S.A and want to break it.
This is an excellent article by a qualified author.
A lot of ideas here about bringing back manufacturing to the USA also apply to bringing back nuclear power. Except all requirements for nuclear power are much higher and demanding.
Thanks muchisimo Molson and Godfree!
John Shanahan
website: allaboutenergy.net
Correction: ‘America’ doesn’t. Trump and the people around him also don’t have any delusions. But this is how they can stay in power - by selling pipe dreams. It’s pretty clear that they know they can’t win this, but accepting their mistakes is not their forte
Exactly
I totally agree. We start by getting the funding from the 1%. All these tax cuts for the 1% leave us nothing to work with. The tarrifs need to be channel to human capital development. To compete with China we need better and more human capital. China manufactures more STEM graduates than all of the West combined. Without the brain power, it's useless.
China's production cycle is so fast, we would be the left in the dust. Let's look at BYD. It started making cars in 2005. Now it's a top ten car maker in the world with a market cap bigger than Ford and GM combined. BYD's new product cycle is 18 months compare to 5 years with us. Without the human capital and market size to support a complete supply chain we have no chance. Every month we are falling farther than farther behind.
Another point not covered is if these manufacturing jobs become unionized, and there will be intense pressure to make this happen, then cost goes up, work rules intensify, lawsuits increase, and productivty drops therefore US based manufacturing becomes even more costly.
A thousand times yes to listening to people who know what they’re talking about! Thanks for this excellent insight.
I lived in Beijing for a year and have worked office jobs in hardware engineering and construction. I have gotten glimpses of the cultural and structural realities you speak and the challenges unique to the world of building things in 3-diemensions… and the american customers who cannot comprehend WHY they just can’t have it NOW, like everything else. (our best in the world consumer supply chain that you’ve pointed out probably indulges this mindset!)
Knowledge workers can’t comprehend why their residential remodel that is behind schedule can’t just be sped up with a couple of late nights, like they do with a red bull from their herman miller aeron chair.
uh, we’re waiting on materials/ permits, my guy has already worked 8 hours today, who’s gonna pay for his overtime, also now he’s more likely to saw off his hand or fall off of a ladder or saw off his hand WHILE falling off a ladder. oh and your neighbor will call the cops about our noise ordinance violations since it’s after 6pm. microsoft excel this is not.
Looking to U.S. history, innovation and high value-added manufacturing: since 1750 has been fairly mobile but tied to logistical pathways; (2) between 1870 and today was strongly correlated with “thickness” of skilled labor generated by public education (which pushed out graduates with the ability to read mechanical drawings; to use the tools of math, science and engineering to solve problems; and, to collaborate); and, (3) finance opportunities. There is not much evidence supporting the idea that tariffs can affect location decisions for manufacturing lines that would offer fulfilling and decently paid work. The changes in the U.S. today are likely to create an exodus of high skill service sector jobs, too.
My wife owns a beauty brand and manufactures in-house. I contribute about 4 hrs a week of time doing basic packing work, things of that nature. It’s extremely taxing! And I exercise 5 days a week, eat right, etc. So I agree with your thoughts.
One other thing I’ll note here: my impression is that a lot of very wealthy, very smart people are driving these policies. Which you’d think is a good. However, it is not. One of the benefits of great wealth, status, and influence is that higher you get the farther you get from doing actual work. No one who is making these policies has actually done any of the jobs. This is a conceptual exercise for them, and it shows.
I wonder how these people make it in the USA?
German Brands
Knauf
Products: Drywall, plasterboard, and related construction materials.
Plants:
Shelbyville, Indiana – Produces gypsum wallboard.
Additional facilities in Georgia and Texas for gypsum and insulation products.
Notes: Knauf, a family-owned German company, expanded its U.S. presence through acquisitions and new plants, focusing on sustainable drywall production.
Sto Corp.
Products: Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS), coatings, and stucco.
Plant:
Atlanta, Georgia – Manufactures EIFS and architectural coatings.
Notes: Sto, a German leader in building envelope solutions, established its U.S. manufacturing in the 1980s to serve North American markets.
Swiss Brands
Holcim (formerly LafargeHolcim)
Products: Cement, aggregates, and ready-mix concrete.
Plants:
Ravena, New York – Cement production.
Hagerstown, Maryland – Cement manufacturing.
Multiple locations across the U.S., including Texas, Missouri, and Colorado.
Notes: Swiss-based Holcim, one of the world’s largest cement producers, operates numerous U.S. plants following its merger with Lafarge, focusing on sustainable construction materials.
Sika
Products: Sealants, adhesives, concrete admixtures, and waterproofing systems.
Plants:
Lyndhurst, New Jersey – Manufactures construction chemicals.
Marion, Ohio – Produces roofing and waterproofing products.
Additional facilities in California, Texas, and Georgia.
Notes: Sika, a Swiss specialty chemicals company, has expanded its U.S. manufacturing to support construction and industrial applications.
French Brands
Saint-Gobain
Products: Gypsum products (drywall), insulation, siding, and roofing materials.
Plants:
Silver Grove, Kentucky – Produces gypsum wallboard.
Williamsport, Maryland – Manufactures siding and exterior products.
Multiple insulation plants, including Kansas and Texas.
Notes: This French multinational owns brands like CertainTeed and operates over 100 manufacturing sites in the U.S., producing a wide range of building materials.
Japanese Brands
Nichiha
Products: Fiber cement siding and cladding.
Plant:
Macon, Georgia – Manufactures fiber cement panels and exterior cladding.
Notes: Nichiha, a Japanese company, opened its U.S. plant in 2013 to produce durable, lightweight siding for residential and commercial buildings.
Chinese Brands
China National Building Material (CNBM)
Products: Gypsum board, cement, and prefabricated building components.
Plant:
Limited direct manufacturing, but operates through subsidiaries like BNBM in the U.S., with a focus on gypsum products in states like South Carolina.
Notes: CNBM, a state-owned Chinese giant, has a growing U.S. presence, often through partnerships or acquisitions rather than standalone plants.
Swedish Brands
Tarkett
Products: Flooring (vinyl, linoleum, carpet, and hardwood).
Plants:
Florence, Alabama – Manufactures vinyl flooring.
Middlefield, Ohio – Produces commercial flooring products.
Notes: Tarkett, a global flooring leader with Swedish roots, operates multiple U.S. facilities under brands like Johnsonite, producing sustainable flooring solutions.
Irish Brands
CRH (Cement Roadstone Holdings)
Products: Asphalt, concrete, aggregates, and precast concrete products.
Plants:
Multiple locations, including Texas, Florida, and Michigan, under subsidiaries like Oldcastle Materials and APAC.
Notes: CRH, an Irish building materials conglomerate, is one of the largest producers in the U.S.,
I wonder how these people make it in the USA?
South Korean Brands
LG Electronics
Plant:
Clarksville, Tennessee (LG Electronics USA) – Produces washing machines, dryers, and some electric ranges.
Notes: LG, a South Korean conglomerate, opened this state-of-the-art facility in 2019 to manufacture laundry appliances and select cooking products. While many LG appliances (e.g., refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves) are still produced in South Korea or China, the Tennessee plant marks a significant step toward U.S. manufacturing, employing over 1,000 workers.
Samsung Electronics
Plant:
Newberry, South Carolina (Samsung Electronics America) – Produces washing machines and dryers.
Notes: Samsung, another South Korean giant, began U.S. production in 2018 at this facility, focusing on laundry appliances. The plant has an annual capacity of over 1 million units, though most Samsung refrigerators, ranges, and microwaves continue to be made in South Korea or China.
Swedish Brands
Electrolux
Plants:
Anderson, South Carolina – Produces refrigerators.
Kinston, North Carolina – Produces dishwashers.
Springfield, Tennessee – Produces cooking appliances (ranges, ovens).
St. Cloud, Minnesota – Produces freezers.
Notes: Electrolux, a Swedish multinational, owns brands like Frigidaire and has a strong U.S. manufacturing presence. Acquired by Electrolux in 1986, Frigidaire appliances are largely made in these plants, though some compact units or specific models may be sourced from Mexico or China.
German Brands
Bosch (BSH Home Appliances)
Plant:
New Bern, North Carolina – Produces dishwashers, cooktops, and some ovens.
Notes: Bosch, part of the German BSH Home Appliances group, operates one of the world’s largest dishwasher manufacturing facilities in North Carolina. While many Bosch refrigerators are made overseas (e.g., China or Turkey), this plant focuses on dishwashers and cooking appliances for the U.S. market.
Liebherr
Plant: No full-scale appliance manufacturing plant in the U.S., but Liebherr has a presence for construction equipment and crane production. Household refrigerators are primarily made in Germany, Austria, or Bulgaria.
Notes: Although Liebherr is a German brand known for premium refrigerators, its U.S. operations focus on other industries, not appliance manufacturing.
Chinese Brands
Haier (owns GE Appliances)
Plants:
Louisville, Kentucky (GE Appliances, a Haier Company) – Produces refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, washers, and dryers under GE, Café, Profile, and Monogram brands.
Camden, South Carolina – Produces refrigerators.
Decatur, Alabama – Produces cooking appliances.
Notes: Haier, a Chinese company, acquired GE Appliances in 2016 and retained its extensive U.S. manufacturing network. While Haier oversees operations, most GE Appliances products sold in the U.S. are made domestically, with Louisville being the primary hub since 1951.
<3 <3 <3 Thank you!!! <3 <3 <3
I'm an MD who stopped buying Made in China in March 2020 when China cut off ventilators, masks, PPE, pharmaceuticals, etc during COVID. All of us Healthcare workers suffered & for 5 yrs, I have not bought Made in China. I mostly buy Made in USA but also Made in Canada, EU, Australia, Japan, S Korea (US Allies).
I am always, always looking for Made in USA things to buy. Love your list!
I wonder how these people make it in the USA?
Austrian Brands
Glock
Plant:
Smyrna, Georgia (Glock, Inc.) – Manufactures a wide range of polymer-framed pistols, including the Glock 17, 19, and other models.
Notes: Glock established its U.S. manufacturing in the 1980s to serve the civilian, law enforcement, and military markets. The Smyrna facility is a major hub for production and distribution.
Italian Brands
Beretta
Plant:
Gallatin, Tennessee (Beretta USA) – Produces pistols like the M9 (92FS), 92X, and APX, as well as shotguns and rifles.
Notes: Beretta moved its primary U.S. manufacturing from Accokeek, Maryland, to Gallatin in 2016, expanding its capacity to produce firearms for both civilian and military use. Beretta has been manufacturing in the U.S. since 1977.
German Brands
SIG Sauer
Plant:
Newington, New Hampshire (SIG Sauer, Inc.) – Manufactures pistols like the P320 (adopted as the U.S. Army’s M17/M18), P365, and various rifles.
Notes: While SIG Sauer is a German-Swiss brand, its U.S. subsidiary has become a major producer, with significant manufacturing in New Hampshire since the 1980s. Most SIG Sauer firearms sold in the U.S. are made domestically.
Heckler & Koch (H&K)
Plant:
Columbus, Georgia (Heckler & Koch, Inc.) – Produces pistols like the VP9 and rifles like the MR556.
Notes: H&K expanded its U.S. manufacturing presence in 2023 with a new facility in Georgia, focusing on both civilian and law enforcement firearms to complement its German production.
Belgian Brands
FN Herstal (FN America)
Plant:
Columbia, South Carolina (FN Manufacturing) – Manufactures pistols like the FN 509, rifles like the FN SCAR, and military firearms like the M4 and M16 under U.S. contracts.
Notes: FN America has been producing firearms in the U.S. for decades, primarily to supply the U.S. military and law enforcement, with a growing civilian market.
Products made in America can not be sold to the rest of the world due to cost. It's becoming a niche market. Don't forget a lot of the parts are most likely coming from China. We don't own the complete supply chain of any product. They are basically being assembled in our country only. Just like our American made weapons. They need Chinese parts or materials. We don't have the market size to support a complete supply chain for any product.
<3 <3 <3 Thank you!!! <3 <3 <3
I'm an MD who stopped buying Made in China in March 2020 when China cut off ventilators, masks, PPE, pharmaceuticals, etc during COVID. All of us Healthcare workers suffered & for 5 yrs, I have not bought Made in China. I mostly buy Made in USA but also Made in Canada, EU, Australia, Japan, S Korea (US Allies).
I am always, always looking for Made in USA things to buy. Love your list!