New factories started in the U.S. – we don't hear that often. But it is going on. Here are just three examples.
What do you think? Please scroll down (or click) to post a comment. Or please share the post with your thoughts on LinkedIn – and follow me or connect with me there.
Did you like this post? Make sure you don't miss a post or podcast — Subscribe to get notified about posts via email daily or weekly.
Check out my latest book, The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation:
It’s interesting, and not surprising, that two of the three factories (all but Cobra) received government incentives. This isn’t a new trend and I’m not arguing we shouldn’t do it (although many people in North Carolina sued over Dell Computer’s generous incentives from state and local officials). It’s government handouts, “corporate welfare” in a way. Even if it’s accepted practice, I don’t like seeing politicians taking credit for “creating jobs”. That credit belongs solely to entrepreneurs (like those at Cobra motorcycles and Michael Dell).
Still, it’s nice to see news of factories opening. Thanks for pointing that out, Jamie.
Cobra did receive incentives too. And no, politicians do not create jobs, except government jobs. But it demonstrates that we are the United States, and each state is still in competition with others for jobs.
In addition to Dell, Chrysler faced a huge problem in Ohio as taxpayers sued to give back tax incentives when the new Jeep Toledo plant was built. Perhaps those taxpayers would like Chrysler to take the 3,500 jobs to another state? I’m sure that’s not in mentioned in the lawsuit.
Honda is also announcing they will build 2 new plants in the US (in addition to 2 more in Japan and 1 in Canada). Interesting comment in the article that kind of ties in to your comments “News of Honda’s plans set off a rush among U.S. state officials eager to lure the investment and new jobs.”
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,195778,00.html
And states are really fighting over the next Toyota plant, as well.