Corporate Executive Survey Commentary: Midwest Benefits From Its Manufacturing Heritage
Sweeping changes in tax codes and business regulations, as well as investment in infrastructure and the work force have put the Midwest back on site selectors’ maps.
Q1 2015
Over the last couple of years, governors of the Midwest States recognized their strength was not just purely locational, but also that they had a longstanding manufacturing heritage. They recognized that a return to being the heart and soul of manufacturing would only come with sweeping changes in the respective state tax codes, modifications of business regulations, improved highway infrastructure, and measures for growing and improving their existing skilled workforce. Over the past couple of years the Midwest States have come back. The hard work has paid off.
To sustain this growth, the Midwest is going to have to continue to listen to corporate occupiers and respond to their needs. They are going to have to find ways to work with community partners to make more land and buildings available near population centers with skilled workforces. The hard work has just begun. The Midwest must continue to trend in a positive direction. The Midwest must recognize what the South has recognized for a long time, that economic development is not a sprint but rather a marathon. Hopefully another region will join the lead pack next year, so corporations can start to believe in an economic recovery.
Project Announcements
Kimberly-Clark Expands Aiken County, South Carolina, Distribution Operations
05/04/2025
Aerowerks Plans Gaffney, South Carolina, Manufacturing Operations
05/04/2025
Sweden-Based Troax Group Plans Portland, Tennessee, Manufacturing Operations
05/04/2025
Kimberly-Clark Corporation Plans Warren, Ohio, Manufacturing Operations
05/04/2025
Denmark-Based Novonesis Expands Salem, Virginia, Production Operations
05/04/2025
Polyvlies USA Expands Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Manufacturing Operations
05/04/2025
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