Location USA
Project Announcements
Italy-Based CEP USA Plans Little Rock, Arkansas, Manufacturing Operations
Sandvik-Alpha Metallurgical Resources Plan Putnam County, West Virginia, Manufacturing Operations
Australia-Based Trigg Minerals Plans Iron County, Utah, Refinery Operations
Poland-Based Displate Manufacturing Plans Louisville, Kentucky, Operations
Czech Republic-Based GHH-BONATRANS Plans Wayland, New York, Production Operations
Australia-Based Syenta Establishes Tempe, Arizona, Semiconductor Development Operations
Japan-Based JST Plans Guntersville, Alabama, Manufacturing Operations
France-Based One Biosciences Plans Albany, New York, Laboratory Operations
Taiwan-Based Apogee Power Plans Liberal, Kansas, Lithium Battery Manufacturing Operations
Japan-Based SMBC Group Plans Charlotte, North Carolina, Headquarters Operations
Netherlands-Based Signature Foods USA Plans Easley, South Carolina, Manufacturing Operations
Canada-Based Bioriginal Food & Science Plans Grand Junction, Colorado, Operations
Japan-Based FANUC America Expands Auburn Hills, Michigan, Manufacturing Operations
South Korea-Based Hyundai Translead Plans Will County, Illinois, Manufacturing Operations
Recent Features
EV and Semiconductor Projects Stand Out in States Receiving Area Development’s 18th Annual Shovel Awards
With concerns about climate change now supplanting pandemic fears, projects to produce EVs — and the semiconductors used by vehicles and other high-tech goods — come to the forefront in this year’s Shovel Awards report.
Area Development’s 17th Annual Shovel Awards Recognize State and Local Economic Development Efforts — First Two Platinum Shovels Awarded
Area Development’s annual Shovel Awards highlight the nation’s swift post-pandemic economic recovery in 2021 with many projects being initiated that represent billions of dollars in investment and thousands of new jobs.
2021 Gold & Silver Shovel Awards Recognize State and Local Economic Development Efforts
Although 2020’s global pandemic resulted in some projects being stalled or canceled, the annual Shovel Awards recognize many other new and expanded facilities plans that are on track and expected to created thousands of jobs and billions in investment.
Immigration Tips for International Business Travelers During the Pandemic
As international business travelers resume their travel to the U.S. for site visits and face-to-face meetings, there are specific guidelines to keep in mind to facilitate the entry process.
FDI Creates Symbiotic Relationship With U.S. Suppliers
Area Development’s editor recently asked Jonathan Samford, Senior Vice President of External Affairs at the Global Business Alliance, about the importance of FDI to the U.S. economy and why U.S. workers — as well as U.S. supplier companies — benefit from this investment.
Challenges of Moving Manufacturing Out of China
When moving manufacturing out of China, there’s a lot to consider, e.g., employment contracts, retrieval of tooling and molds, IP protection, and taxes and fees.
A Heightened Focus on Reshoring
As costs and risks of lengthy supply chains become even more apparent in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more U.S. companies may consider reshoring their operations to the Americas.
2020 Gold & Silver Shovel Awards Recognize State and Local Economic Development Efforts
While the current COVID-19 crisis may put some development on “pause,” our annual Shovel Awards recognize states that garnered large job-creating and investment projects over the course of the previous year.
The Trade War and Its Impact on the Location Decision Process
How can site selectors survive and also find fresh opportunities in a world where not only tariffs, but also national boundaries and trade barriers, will become more meaningful than they have been in the recent past?
The Evolving Automotive Landscape: What’s Driving the Future?
Dramatic changes in automotive technology are impacting the industry’s labor force, as legislative moves attempt to steer the industry’s future.
FDI in the U.S. Auto Industry Continues Unabated
Foreign automakers and their suppliers continue to invest in the U.S. to access its huge market, highly educated workers, and “culture of innovation.”
U.S. Governors’ Strategies to Attract FDI
There’s an emerging trend among the individual states to encourage and support international investment, realizing all the economic and social benefits it brings to their regions.
2019 Gold & Silver Shovel Awards: Recipients Garnered Large Job-Creating and Investment Projects in Diverse Industries
While e-commerce was creating thousands of jobs across the nation last year, high-profile, diverse projects in the manufacturing, information technology, financial services, energy, and other sectors were also making news.
Workforce Strategies for Projects Generated by FDI
Companies need to remain aware of U.S. workforce trends and realize that data alone may not give them a complete picture of the labor situation in a particular market.
Practical Considerations for Expanding into the U.S.
The U.S. is well-positioned to attract FDI, but comprehensive due diligence and planning is still necessary for a business to make an optimal investment decision.
FDI in the USA Remains Unrivaled
Companies choosing to invest in the United States are selecting a market powered by innovation with a diverse, highly skilled workforce and globally renowned educational and research institutions.
Making a Well-Informed U.S. Location Decision
By properly defining their search and taking advantage of expert help, food and beverage companies can make a well-informed U.S. location decision.
What’s Your U.S. Manufacturing and Tariff Strategy?
With the uncertain future of new tariffs and penalties, is it time to consider building a manufacturing site in the United States?
In Focus: Examining Commerce’s Misguided Auto Imports Investigation
With international auto companies responsible for more than three quarters of U.S. auto manufacturing job growth from 2010 to 2015, an examination of foreign imports as a threat to national security may just backfire.
Made in America: An Outlook for Manufacturing in the U.S.
Multinational firms continue to make significant investments in U.S. manufacturing facilities and logistics networks regardless of vagaries in trade policy.
The Secret to Site Selection Success
Following the recipe of labor, real estate, and incentives has become a proven framework for both foreign and domestic companies to make educated decisions on new sites.
The Team…and the Timing When Making a U.S. Location Decision
The company’s executive team, working in conjunction with outside legal and other consultants in a timely manner, can create a “win” for both the business and the community in which it chooses to locate.
Navigating Foreign Direct Investment, Foreign-Trade Zones and Manufacturing in a Volatile Market
As tariff uncertainty and industrial policy shifts reshape investment strategies, manufacturers are leaning on tools such as foreign-trade zones, accelerated workforce partnerships and vertically integrated facilities to manage risk and maintain momentum in U.S. site selection decisions.
Charging Up the Electric Vehicle and Battery Sector
More than half a dozen of this year’s Project of the Year awards are related to EVs or the batteries that will power them.
Boosting Semiconductor Manufacturing in America
Often referred to as “fabs,” the plants producing semiconductors are all big-money investments promising big job counts.
FDI in Turbulent Times
Karen Hensley-Chelstowska, Managing Director, Site Selection & Incentive Advisory Services, Duff & Phelps, spoke with Area Development about the changing equation for international location decisions at our 2019 Women in Economic Development Consultants Forum.
What Does the Future Hold for FDI from Europe?
The coronavirus pandemic has affected foreign direct investment from Europe, but some positive signs are seen going forward.
Global Investment In – and Within – North America
Marc Beauchamp, President and CEO, CAI Global Group, spoke with Area Development about recent Canadian and international investment projects in the U.S. from a site selection perspective after his presentation at our 2019 Houston Consultants Forum.
In Focus: FDI Will Signal Better Days
The value and impact of FDI will remain an important part of the economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
For Chinese Companies, FDI Brings Promise and Risk
Area Development sat with Neale Rath, Specialist Leader, Enterprise Operations, Deloitte Consulting LLP, at our Charlotte Consultants Forum for a discussion on the face of Chinese industrial investment in the U.S. during an era of uncertainty.
A Primer on German Mittelstand Companies
Martin Polivka, Manager - EY Global Location Investment, Credits & Incentives Services, Ernst & Young LLP, spoke with Area Development about German mittelstand companies, after his presentation, “Mittelstand companies investing in the US” at our Charlotte Consultants Forum.
Attracting, Expanding and Managing FDI in a Disruptive World
Partner Brian Smith and Senior Manager Carter Wood, both with Ernst & Young LLP, spoke with Area Development about foreign direct investment in the U.S. after their presentation, “Attracting, Expanding and Managing FDI in a Disruptive World,” at our Miami Consultants Forum. This article was based on an interview conducted by Margy Sweeney, Founder and CEO, Akrete, Inc. and Area Development Editorial Board member.
A Site Selector’s Checklist for Locating in the U.S.
From choosing a property to recruiting workers to navigating tax and regulatory considerations, challenges will occur — but with the right strategy and the help of an EDO, they can be mitigated.
Location USA 2019: A Letter from Ian Steff, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing, U.S. Department of Commerce
Now, more than ever, is the time to invest and do business in the USA, which has entered an era of unprecedented economic revival.
Contributed Content
U.S.-Italy Collaboration Helping to Advance Manufacturing Innovation
The Italian Trade Agency’s Innovation Days events further strengthen U.S.-Italy advanced manufacturing ties by inspiring partnerships among academic and industry innovators.
Contributed Content
The U.S. and Italy: Natural Complementary Partners
The Italian Trade Agency’s innovative conferences help to illuminate the rich potential for new U.S.-Italy advanced manufacturing partnerships.