|
|
|
After a robust first quarter, April continued the upward trajectory with a surge of new investment and innovation across the U.S. manufacturing sector. From electric vehicles and high-tech bicycles to chocolate, solar panels, and pharmaceutical breakthroughs, companies announced billions in capital expenditures and tens of thousands of new jobs. As reshoring momentum continues and demand for advanced manufacturing capabilities grows, this month's new facility announcements highlight just how wide-ranging and dynamic the sector has become.
It was a big month for a wide range of industries, from construction materials and transportation equipment to food processing and emerging technology. Let’s review April’s most exciting new plant announcements.
Above: Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America celebrates its grand opening in Ellabell, Georgia — the largest economic development project in Georgia's history. Source: Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai Motor Group Completes Largest Economic Development Project in Georgia's History
First, we had the Gigafactory—now, we have the Metaplant.
Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) celebrated its grand opening in Ellabell, Georgia, marking the completion of the largest economic development project in the state's history. The facility, which will produce up to 500,000 electric and hybrid vehicles annually for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands, represents a $12.6 billion investment and is expected to create 8,500 jobs by 2031. "Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America not only represents the Group’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and commitment to innovation, but also our investment in relationships with our partners and communities right here in Georgia," said Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group.
Guardian Bikes Powers American Comeback with Nation's First High-Volume Bicycle Frame Manufacturing Plant
Guardian Bikes has announced a $19 million financing with JPMorganChase to launch the first large-scale bicycle frame manufacturing operation in the United States. The new facility, located in Seymour, Indiana, will produce bicycle frames at scale using domestic steel and aluminum, creating high-skill jobs and revitalizing the U.S. industrial base. "This collaboration with JPMorganChase is helping launch a new era of American high-tech manufacturing and working-class job creation," said Brian Riley, CEO of Guardian Bikes.
Hershey Opens New Reese Chocolate Processing Facility in Pennsylvania
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a new Hershey plant, but to much fanfare, The Hershey Company opened its new Reese Chocolate Processing (RCP) facility in Hershey, Pennsylvania, marking the company's first new manufacturing plant at its headquarters in over 30 years. This state-of-the-art facility spans 250,000 square feet on a 55-acre site and is part of Hershey's broader $1 billion expansion plan. The RCP plant will produce chocolate for popular brands such as Reese’s, KitKat, Symphony, and Special Dark, and is expected to create over 125 new jobs. "Our ability to make and deliver products both quickly and efficiently is a key component of our growth strategy," said Will Bonifant, Hershey’s Vice President of Supply Chain Strategy and Manufacturing.
Above: MANE unveils its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Woodlawn, Ohio, expanding its U.S. production footprint. (Image source: MANE)
MANE Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Liquid Flavors Manufacturing Facility in Ohio
MANE has inaugurated its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Woodlawn, Ohio. This significant expansion, initiated in 2021, increases MANE's production capacity for liquid flavors in North America by fivefold. The 250,000-square-foot facility is designed with efficiency and innovation in mind, allowing MANE to meet the growing demands of the food and beverage industry while reaffirming its commitment to sustainability. "We’re excited to grow alongside our industry partners, pushing boundaries with agility, excellence, and a shared passion for shaping the future of flavor," said a MANE executive.
ABB Opens $40+ Million Manufacturing Facility in New Mexico
ABB has inaugurated its new manufacturing facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a $40+ million investment aimed at supporting the electric utility sector and enabling the U.S. energy transition. The state-of-the-art, 90,000-square-foot site will double production capacity for ABB Elastimold® cable accessories and solutions for grid hardening and renewable energy applications. The facility is expected to create over 150 new full-time jobs. "Utility companies and energy providers rely on ABB for advanced solutions that enable them to meet increasing electrical demand and help reliably, safely and sustainably power the communities they serve across the U.S. and around the world," said Khalid Mandri, President, ABB Installation Products.
Above: Chelsea Building Products breaks ground on a new 228,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. (Source: Chelsea Building Products)
Chelsea Building Products Breaks Ground on New Manufacturing Facility in Westmoreland County
Chelsea Building Products has broken ground on a new 228,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. This facility will increase production capacity for the company’s PVC window and door profiles and provide space for blending compound materials. The project, located within the Commerce Crossing at Westmoreland industrial park, is supported by the Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation’s initiative to promote economic development. "Chelsea Building Products is excited to continue with its aggressive expansion plans by opening a second facility in Pennsylvania," said Peter Dewil, president & CEO of Chelsea Building Products. "This facility will give us the opportunity to increase our capacity to meet the ever-growing demand for our products. It will also improve efficiencies by bringing manufacturing and warehousing under a single roof."
US MgO Announces New Manufacturing Plant in Brunswick County
US MgO has announced plans to build a new manufacturing facility for its innovative construction material products in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The facility represents a $5 million investment and is expected to create at least 35 new jobs. The 75,000-square-foot plant will manufacture high-quality magnesium oxide (MgO) cement sheathing panels for the commercial, multifamily, and industrial construction markets in North America. "After two years of research and development at our small facility in Leland, we’re thrilled to break ground on this major upgrade," said Ryan Miller, General Manager of US MgO.
Looking to contact executives in the U.S. manufacturing sector? Learn more about MNI's executive-specific databases, perfect for your sales, marketing, and business development efforts. Looking for a specific state, region, industry, executive function or industrial specialty, that also includes all executives across these sectors? Browse all databases here. Want to take our data for a test drive first? Sign up for a free demo account, loaded with 500 real company profiles (see a sample profile).
Croda Opens Advanced Lipids Manufacturing Facility in Pennsylvania
Croda International Plc has announced the opening of its new lipids manufacturing facility in Lamar, Pennsylvania. This state-of-the-art, 23,680-square-foot facility is part of Croda’s strategic collaboration with the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). The facility will enhance Croda’s capabilities in producing critical components for drug delivery systems, including lipids used for nucleic acid-based therapeutics, mRNA vaccines, gene editing therapies, and novel cancer treatments. The Lamar facility, situated on a 37-acre multipurpose cGMP complex, is expected to create around 50 new jobs. "Opening this facility demonstrates our commitment to advancing health through innovation and collaboration," said David Cherry, Interim President Life Sciences.
SHL Medical Opens $220 Million Manufacturing Facility in South Carolina
SHL Medical has officially inaugurated its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in North Charleston, South Carolina. This 360,000-square-foot facility represents a $220 million investment and has already created over 300 local jobs. The new site will manufacture SHL Medical's industry-leading autoinjectors, which are used in medications for endocrine and metabolic disorders, dermatology, and musculoskeletal diseases. "US-based production is a major step forward in our global expansion and reinforces our position as the leader in providing end-to-end drug delivery solutions," said Ulrich Faessler, CEO & Chairman of SHL Medical.
Bayer Unveils $44 Million Investment in Myerstown Manufacturing Facility
Bayer has celebrated the grand opening of its new 70,000-square-foot expansion at its Myerstown facility in Pennsylvania, following a $44 million investment. This state-of-the-art facility enhances Bayer’s Consumer Health production capabilities, integrating modernized technology and streamlined processes to produce trusted self-care solutions such as Bayer® Aspirin, Aleve®, Claritin®, One A Day®, Alka-Seltzer Plus®, and Midol®. The expansion is expected to bolster Bayer’s ability to respond swiftly to consumer needs and includes eight new product packaging lines and automated logistics systems. "We recognize that the key to sustainable growth lies in our people. That’s why we will enable our workforce with the skills needed to adapt to new technologies so they can excel in their careers," said Divakar Amin, Vice President & Site Manager of Myerstown.
Alliance Launches New Gary, Indiana Division, Expanding into Tubular Market
Alliance Family of Companies has announced its expansion into the tubular market with the launch of Alliance Tubular Products in Gary, Indiana. This new division, located alongside Alliance Steel’s headquarters and coil processing facility, will produce specialty sections and metric shapes without the expense and lead times associated with new tooling. The facility can manufacture virtually any square or rectangle size between 1.5” - 5.0” and 1.5 x 2.0” - 4.0 x 6.0”, including Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) products and steel HSS tubing up to 50’ lengths. "We are excited to announce our strategic expansion into the tubular products market," states President and COO Drew Gross. "Our newest expansion signifies our dedication to delivering an even higher level of products and value add to our customers."
Above: A Henry Repeating Arms employee assembles one of the company’s revolvers at the company’s Rice Lake, Wisconsin, headquarters. (Source: Henry Repeating Arms)
Henry Repeating Arms Expands in Wisconsin
Henry Repeating Arms has announced the consolidation of all its manufacturing operations to Wisconsin, transferring from Bayonne, New Jersey, to its expanded headquarters in Rice Lake and additional facilities in Ladysmith. This strategic move includes a total of 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space across four facilities. "We are putting all of our eggs in one basket, the Wisconsin basket, because it makes us more efficient, more productive, and allows for more collaboration amongst our design and engineering teams," said Anthony Imperato, Founder and CEO of Henry Repeating Arms. This transition aims to enhance production capacity and support the company's growth in innovative firearms design.
Thyssenkrupp Materials NA Opens Metals Manufacturing Services Facility in New Mexico
Thyssenkrupp Materials NA has expanded its operations with a new facility in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, aimed at serving power distribution customers across North America and Mexico. The 86,000-square-foot facility, leased by Copper and Brass Sales, a division of thyssenkrupp Materials North America, will focus on manufacturing solutions tailored to customer-specific needs, including complex cutting, kitting, and just-in-time (JIT) services. "Expanding into New Mexico is a strategic move that strengthens our ability to serve power distribution customers across North America and Mexico with greater efficiency and responsiveness," said James Patsakos, president of Manufacturing Services at thyssenkrupp Materials NA.
“First Responder” Drones? Flock Safety Opens New Manufacturing Facility in Georgia
Flock Safety has opened a new 97,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Georgia, representing an investment of approximately $10 million. This expansion is expected to create 210 new jobs over the next three years. The facility will produce advanced public safety tools, including the company's Drone as First Responder technology, refurbish damaged devices, and assemble solar panels. "We feel fortunate to have our roots in Georgia, the state that is undisputedly the leader in the American aerospace industry, and are proud to invest further by creating hundreds of advanced manufacturing and aviation jobs locally," said Garrett Langley, Founder and CEO of Flock Safety.
Above: XNRGY Climate Systems opens of new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Mesa, Arizona’s Gateway East development. (Source XNRGY Climate Systems)
XNRGY Climate Systems Opens State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility in Arizona
XNRGY Climate Systems has announced the grand opening of its new manufacturing facility within the Gateway East development in Mesa, Arizona. This 275,000-square-foot facility, which begins production on May 1, 2025, is part of XNRGY's $300 million investment to establish a 1,000,000-square-foot sustainable manufacturing and innovation headquarters in the U.S. The facility will support the booming data center market and drive technological advancements in thermal management. "Expanding into New Mexico is a strategic move that strengthens our ability to serve power distribution customers across North America and Mexico with greater efficiency and responsiveness," said James Patsakos, president of Manufacturing Services at thyssenkrupp Materials NA.
Opsun Corporation Invests $9.3 Million in North Carolina for First U.S. Manufacturing Operation
Opsun Corporation, a manufacturer of structures for solar panels, has announced a $9.3 million investment to build its first U.S. production facility in High Point, North Carolina. This new facility will create 20 jobs and increase efficiency, adding more warehouse space and tripling the footprint of current operations. "We’re thrilled to open our first US-base factory in such a booming economic and strategic center," said François Gilles-Gagnon, President of Opsun Corporation. The facility will manufacture aluminum solar panel mounting structures for commercial, industrial, and residential markets.
If you’re looking for industrial sales leads for a particular industry, region, company size, and more, consider an IndustrySelect subscription. IndustrySelect gives you live access to MNI’s database of 360,000 industrial companies and one million executives, providing up to 40 data points to help you identify and pre-qualify the best leads (see a sample profile). Click here to learn more or set up your free demo account, loaded with 500 real company profiles so you can test all the features of IndustrySelect.
Follow IndustrySelect on Google News