GREENVILLE, OH—Whirlpool offers a glimpse inside its Kitchenaid mixer assembly plant here.

Application specific coatings, in addition to more traditional fastening and joining work, can enhance reliability of assemblies.

For example, according to the Precision Metalforming Association, 69 percent of U.S. metalworking companies have job openings. However, 91 percent of those companies are experiencing challenges finding qualified employees, and 42 percent describe that difficulty as “severe.”

MOCKSVILLE, NC—Pro Refrigeration Inc., which makes glycol-based chiller systems for the food, dairy and beverage industry, will build a new assembly plant here. The company already operates an assembly plant in Auburn, WA. 

LAFAYETTE, GA—The Georgia Department of Labor will help Roper Corp. fill approximately 80 temporary production jobs at its assembly plant here. Roper manufactures kitchen stoves and microwaves.

The role of manufacturing in the global economy is evolving. What will the future hold?

ESCONDIDO, CA—Green Power Resource Management Inc. will start volume production of a solar-powered air conditioner at a new assembly plant here.

Reshoring is a welcome trend, but maintaining product quality will not be a given.

CLYDE, OH—Whirlpool’s washing machine assembly plant here is one of many U.S. factories that have benefited from a growing wave of reshoring.

Looking back on the campaign, it was refreshing to hear candidates from both parties tout the importance of U.S. manufacturing.