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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

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Future Forward

The Miami-Dade Beacon Council (Q3 2022)

Diverse and determined, Miami’s tech ecosystem has transformed it from the Magic City to Innovation City. More

Personal VTOL Aircraft Take Off: What It Means for U.S. Manufacturing

Doug Gates , Global Head of Industrial Manufacturing , KPMG and Tom Mayor, Principal, Strategy Practice Leader, Industrial Manufacturing, KPMG (2017 Auto/Aero Site Guide)

The personal vertical takeoff and landing aircraft business may be in its infancy, but it is clear that it will be a big market. Existing aerospace and defense OEMs have the experience, technology, and capital to win in this emerging market adjacency. More

Arkansas’ Thriving Timber Basket

Arkansas EDC  (Q2 2017)

With its healthy forests, modern transportation infrastructure, and an available trained workforce, Arkansas’ timber industry has recently enjoyed a resurgence. More

North America’s Robotics Renaissance Fueled by Skilled Labor

Stephen Thompson, Senior Economic Officer – San Francisco , Ontario's Ministry of International Trade (Q4 2016)

A new generation of collaborative robots is increasing industrial efficiency and productivity while the increasing affordability of advanced robotics technology has the potential to quickly make smaller businesses more competitive. A key to unlocking that potential will be meeting the industry’s need for skilled labor to drive robotics-related research and commercialization. More

The R&D Tax Credit — A Game-Changer for Manufacturers

Dean Zerbe, National Managing Director, alliantgroup (Q2 2016)

Recent legislation making the R&D tax credit permanent is a big boon to manufacturers of all sizes, helping them to innovate and expand. More

Advancing Manufacturing Through Public/Private Collaboration

Mark Crawford, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q1 2016)

Mike Molnar, Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Advanced Manufacturing Office, based at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, describes what’s being done to maintain U.S. leadership in this arena. More

Innovations and Trends in Plastic Food Packaging

Clare Goldsberry , Staff Editor, Area Development (2015 Food Processing)

From plastic cans to new labeling techniques the latest trends in plastic food packaging support freshness, longer shelf life, and product branding and tracking. More

Location Notebook: Union County, SC, Moves Forward

Area Development Research Desk on behalf of the Union County Development Board (Q3 2015)

Union County, South Carolina, has pieced together a diverse economy from its historical textile roots. More

Texas Today 2015: Diversified Texas Economy Still in Growth Mode

Dan Emerson, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q2 2015)

Texas’s industrial growth hasn’t been confined to one industry - or one region - and the state is continuing to build on its successes. More

First Person: Renaissance or Cyclical Recovery? Strategy for Sustained U.S. Manufacturing Competitiveness Needed

Adams Nager, Economic Research Assistant, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (Q1 2015)

Adams Nager, an economic research assistant at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, recently talked with Area Development about the state of manufacturing in the U.S. In his career, Nager has focused on macroeconomic growth, competitiveness, and tax theory. More

Advanced Technology and the Changing Face of U.S. Manufacturing

Mark Crawford, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q4 2014)

U.S. manufacturers are investing in advanced equipment, automation, and robotics in order to drive down the cost of production and compete in the global economy. The net result has the potential to transform our industrial base. More

First Person: A Tire Giant Helps Grow Small Business

John D. Tully, President & COO, Michelin Development Company and Geraldine Gambale, Editor, Area Development Magazine (Q3 2014)

Forming positive relationships with the communities in which they are located is important for companies, large and small. These relationships foster further economic growth within the host communities. With that in mind, Area Development’s editor recently interviewed John Tully, the director of Michelin Development, formed specifically to offer support to new small and medium-size businesses. More

Frontline: Light Manufacturers Create a Unique Supply Chain in Central Ohio

Cynthia Kincaid, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q3 2014)

At the New Albany Personal Care and Beauty Innovation Campus, a cluster of manufacturing businesses are working together as a supply chain to create a wide variety of packaged healthcare and beauty products – all developed and completed at the same business park and then shipped all over the world. More

Electronics, Photonics, and Digital Media Sectors: Key to Future U.S. Competitiveness

Mark Crawford, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q3 2014)

These interconnected industries will be drivers in stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and improving global competitiveness. Collaboration among private-sector companies, universities, and government on research and commercialization will be vital. More

First Person: A California Pioneer Brings Source Manufacturing Jobs Back to Ohio

Ulrich Honighausen, CEO, hausenware, inc. and Dave Claborn , Staff Editor, Area Development; Director of Development and Community Relations, Ohio State University, Marion (Q3 2014)

A designer and sourcer of tableware for several large U.S. retailers has opened up a new pottery-making firm that utilizes local skilled talent to manufacture products for the American market. More

The Role of Labor in Advanced Manufacturing

Brad Lindquist, Senior Managing Director, Newmark Knight Frank (Advanced Industries 2014)

Advanced manufacturing will continue to be reliant upon human interaction for the application and management of technology. More

At the Forefront of the Advanced Manufacturing Movement, Canada Embraces Transformation

Mark Crawford, Staff Editor, Area Development (Location Canada 2014)

A leader in innovative manufacturing, Canada recognizes and supports its knowledge-based, high-tech industries which, in turn, continue to invest in cutting-edge R&D More

Canada’s Clean Little Secret

Sean Dyke, Economic Development Manager , City of St. Thomas, Ontario (Location Canada 2014)

Canada’s clean-technology sector — including water, wind, solar, smart grid technology, and more — offers numerous opportunities and advantages to relocating or expanding companies. More

Transportation Equipment: A Key Economic Driver

Mark Crawford, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q2 2014)

Growth in the automotive, aerospace, and other transportation related manufacturing industries is rolling along at a steady pace. More

Leading Locations for 2014 Commentary: One Industry, or Many, Can Lead to Economic Success

Jim Eskew, Senior Vice President, JLL (Q2 2014)

As revealed in the overall “Leading Locations” rankings, there is more than one way to become an attractive location. Some locations have risen on the strength of a dominant industry sector. Others have prevailed by offering low-cost real estate, talent, and other resources in a balanced, diversified economy. More

The Production and Corporate Headquarters Connection

John Minervini, Executive Director, Cushman & Wakefield of California, Inc. and Andy Mace, Managing Director, Global Business Consulting , Cushman & Wakefield Business Consulting  (Q2 2014)

In many key sectors, the initial alignment of corporate and production operations has shaped regions and influenced the industrial landscape in a very permanent way. More

Closing the Gap Between Manufacturing Employers’ Needs and Workers’ Skills

Dave Claborn , Staff Editor, Area Development; Director of Development and Community Relations, Ohio State University, Marion (Workforce 2014)

A resurgent manufacturing sector, and shifting workplace technology, has government, business, and academic leaders combining to build a modernized system of work and learning capable of equipping the workforce for 21st century careers. More

The Southland Delivers a Solid Economic Performance

Mark Crawford, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q1 2014)

The southern states have embraced the transition from traditional to knowledge-based economies and work hard to attract new projects and the high-paying jobs that come with them. More

Manufacturing in America: Bigger, Better and Bolder

Mark Crawford, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q1 2014)

American manufacturing is on the upswing, with advances in innovation and productivity buoyed by decreased energy and transportation costs, and new efforts to increase work force skills. More

One Size Fits All: “Vested” for Large and Small Companies

Scott R. Schroeder, Owner/CEO, RelianceCM and Kate Vitasek, Faculty, Center for Executive Education, University of Tennessee (Q1 2014)

Companies of all sizes are finding that negotiating and nurturing relationships with suppliers can provide a sustainable competitive advantage. Learn how the “Vested” model is lifting one small, Oregon-based contract manufacturer's ability to help bring its client’s products to market at scale. More

Wisconsin’s Bioscience Industry Achieves Global Recognition

Mark Crawford, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q1 2014)

Wisconsin’s bioscience industry continues to expand, often led by spinoff companies that are established to commercialize groundbreaking university research. More

First Person: Putting U.S. Manufacturing Front and Center

Scott N. Paul, President, Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) and Clare Goldsberry , Staff Editor, Area Development (Directory 2014)

Scott N. Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, discusses how government policy supports U.S. manufacturing growth, the perceived “skills gap” and mainstream media’s recent focus on U.S. manufacturing. More

New Technologies Transforming Manufacturing, Changing Competition

Area Development Research Desk (Directory 2014)

According to a recent paper from the Deloitte University Press entitled “The Transformation of Manufacturing,” advanced materials, new production technologies, and digital techniques are allowing manufacturers to remain competitive despite numerous challenges. More

Additive Manufacturing Becomes National Technology Focus

Clare Goldsberry , Staff Editor, Area Development (Q4 / Fall 2013)

While 3D printing started out more than two decades ago being a means for producing primarily prototype parts, the use of AM technologies in both polymers and powdered metals, for direct production of end-use parts, continues to grow. More

Canada’s Innovative High-Tech Sectors

Mark Crawford, Staff Editor, Area Development (Location Canada 2013)

Canada’s clean energy, ICT, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing sectors are clustered around seven vibrant metropolitan areas. More

Special Investment Report: Ohio

Dave Claborn , Staff Editor, Area Development; Director of Development and Community Relations, Ohio State University, Marion (Q3 / Summer 2013)

Sixty percent of the U.S. and Canadian population lies within a day’s drive, making Ohio an ideal location for manufacturing — machinery, automobiles, plastics, appliances, and steel, among others. More

First Person: A Frank Discussion on 3D Printing's Evolution and Future

David Cox, President/CEO, Purple Platypus (Q3 / Summer 2013)

Recently, we spoke with David Cox, president/CEO of Purple Platypus, a 3D printing technologies seller, and Purple Porcupine, a service bureau with 12 machines that print 3D parts for a variety of customers and markets. 3D printing hasn’t exactly been an overnight success, after 25 years, the industry is finally getting the attention it deserves — some good, some bad. More

Thailand rides technology, investment tide on 'new wave' supply chain

Richard K. Wallace, Editor and Publishing Director, The Next Silicon Valley (Q2 / Spring 2013)

Thailand has established itself as an important supplier and distributor in many sectors, from automobiles to food processing equipment. As a regional center for Southeast Asia, look for Thailand to become an even bigger and stronger partner to its growing roster of global manufacturers and suppliers. More

The States Leading the U.S. Manufacturing Resurgence

Mark Crawford, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q1 / Winter 2013)

Exhibiting know-how and innovation, U.S. manufacturers are adding to their payrolls and economic growth across the nation. We have identified 19 states where manufacturing is leading the way... More

Regional Supply Chains: A Win for OEMs and Their Locations

Clare Goldsberry , Staff Editor, Area Development (Q1 / Winter 2013)

Regional sourcing is helping manufacturers save time and money; with that in mind, savvy suppliers are moving closer to the end users of their products. More

Robotics: Changing Manufacturing Processes...and Facility Requirements

Richard J. Maturi (Directory 2013)

Today’s robotics are having an impact on the factory floor, in warehouse and distribution centers, and even in executive offices and homes. More

Sparking Advanced Battery Innovation and Economic Growth in Kentucky

Beth Mattson-Teig (Directory 2013)

Kentucky-Argonne Battery Manufacturing Research and Development Center in Lexington is an open access lab that will support cutting-edge research, enable collaborations between a variety of high-profile corporate users, and foster innovation in accelerating advanced battery technologies. More

First Person: AMT President Calls for Permanent Manufacturing R&D and Innovation Incentives

Doug Woods, President, The Association For Manufacturing Technology (Fall 2012)

As manufacturing powers our economic recovery, Area Development and AMT President, Doug Woods, discuss how to continue building sustained U.S manufacturing strength and job creation. More

New Natural Gas Technologies Firing Up Manufacturing

Steve Kaelble, Staff Editor, Area Development (Fall 2012)

The natural gas boom is a "game-changer" sparking a "manufacturing renaissance." More

Residual Waste Management: From Disposal to Resource

Jim Romeo (August 2012)

Match-making business by-products with potential users can be a profitable sustainable strategy for all involved. More

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