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December 2024 saw continued growth in U.S. manufacturing, with substantial investments across various industries, including biotechnology, aerospace, and advanced materials. Leading companies such as Eli Lilly, Amgen, and Boeing have announced major projects aimed at expanding capacity, driving innovation, and creating jobs in states from Wisconsin and North Carolina to South Carolina and Texas. Here’s a closer look at some of the latest facility openings and expansions across the country.
Eli Lilly and Company has announced a $3 billion expansion of its recently acquired manufacturing facility in Kenosha County, Wisconsin. This investment will extend the company's global parenteral product manufacturing network, focusing on injectable medicines, device assembly, and packaging. The expansion is expected to create 750 highly skilled jobs, adding to the current workforce of over 100 employees. Construction is set to begin next year, with the facility incorporating advanced automation technologies to enhance production efficiency.
"Today's announcement represents our single largest U.S. manufacturing investment outside our home state of Indiana and will add to our ability to expand capacity to make both our existing and future pipeline of medicines right here in the Midwest," said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations.
SPRY Manufacturing has announced the grand opening of its new pilot plant in Andrews, South Carolina. This facility marks a significant milestone for the company, emphasizing its commitment to American craftsmanship and innovation in workplace safety. Founded in 2024 by industry veteran Rob Honeycutt, SPRY leverages over two decades of leadership in building world-class products. The new plant will serve as the production hub for Swivels®, a leading brand in custom material handling carts known for their superior safety, efficiency, and customizable solutions.
"We're ecstatic to unveil our new pilot plant," said Rob Honeycutt, CEO of SPRY Manufacturing. "This facility embodies our unwavering dedication to American manufacturing and the power of innovation. It allows us to rapidly develop and produce our groundbreaking solutions, fueling growth and creating exciting opportunities." The pilot plant is designed to scale operations and meet the growing demand for SPRY's revolutionary solutions, paving the way for future expansions in Andrews.
Roshel, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of smart armored vehicles, has officially opened its first U.S.-based production facility in Shelby Township, Michigan. This strategic expansion aims to meet the increasing demand for Roshel’s products from U.S. defense and law enforcement agencies. The new facility integrates key manufacturing processes, including design, development, metal fabrication, welding, painting, mechanical assembly, and electrical assembly, ensuring high precision and quality in producing Roshel’s renowned armored vehicles, such as the Senator MRAP.
“This is a defining moment for Roshel. It has been a long journey to get here, but now we are ready to serve the U.S. market with products proudly ‘Made in USA,’” said Roman Shimonov, CEO of Roshel. The Michigan facility will also serve as a service hub for vehicles currently in operation across the U.S., ensuring seamless support for law enforcement and governmental agencies. This investment underscores Roshel’s commitment to supporting the local economy through job creation and fostering partnerships within the community.
JX Advanced Metals USA Inc. has celebrated the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Mesa, Arizona. The 273,000-square-foot plant, located on a 63-acre site, will produce advanced sputtering targets for the semiconductor industry, significantly expanding the company's production capacity. The facility is designed to support the growing demand from U.S. and European customers and will begin full-scale production in early 2025.
“Today’s opening marks an exciting milestone for JX Advanced Metals USA, Inc. as we extend our commitment to Mesa and the advanced materials industry,” said Takeshi Suwabe, Executive Officer and General Manager of the Thin Film Materials Division. The new plant features advanced technology production areas, collaborative office spaces, and amenities such as solar panel covered parking and electric vehicle charging stations, underscoring JX USA's commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Archer Aviation Inc. has completed the construction of its high-volume manufacturing facility, ARC, in Covington, Georgia. The 400,000-square-foot facility, located adjacent to the Covington Municipal Airport, received its certificate of occupancy earlier this week. This milestone allows Archer to begin tooling load-in and prepare for initial production, which is set to start in early 2025. The facility aims to ramp up production to two aircraft per month by the end of the year, with plans to scale up to 650 aircraft annually by 2030.
“When we announced Archer’s choice to build this new manufacturing facility in Newton County, we knew it was just the start of an incredible relationship. Today’s announcement marks the next step in that journey, reaffirming Georgia’s commitment to working with innovative companies like Archer to create quality jobs and opportunities for years to come,” said Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. This facility, built in partnership with Stellantis, will focus on the mass production of Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft, leveraging advanced manufacturing technology and expertise.
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has announced the establishment of a new 447,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in the Denton County region of Fort Worth, Texas. This facility will support the production of the U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA). Bell plans to begin facility modifications and equipment installation soon, aiming for facility readiness for Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) by 2028.
“Bell is committed to establishing future manufacturing locations to deliver the first fielded aircraft by the early 2030s and do our part to revolutionize U.S. Army aviation,” said Lisa Atherton, President and CEO of Bell. This new facility represents a significant economic partnership with the State of Texas, the City of Fort Worth, Northwest ISD, and Denton County, and will play a crucial role in providing advanced capabilities to the nation’s warfighters.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office (LPO) has announced a conditional commitment for a direct loan of up to $754.8 million to NOVONIX Limited. This loan will finance the construction of a new facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, dedicated to manufacturing synthetic graphite, a critical component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The facility is expected to produce approximately 31,500 tonnes of synthetic graphite annually, supporting the production of lithium-ion batteries for around 325,000 EVs each year. The project is anticipated to create 450 full-time operational jobs and 500 construction jobs.
“This announcement is the culmination of years of hard work and is another critical milestone for our anode materials business towards our target production of 150,000 tpa in North America,” said Dr. Chris Burns, CEO of NOVONIX. The new facility underscores the importance of localizing critical materials in the battery supply chain and supports the path towards U.S. energy independence.
Antebellum Manufacturing, in partnership with Boyd+Mox Development and Miller Construction Company, has broken ground on a new 148,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Ocala, Florida. This $35 million investment will expand Antebellum's specialty powder-coated fence and aluminum business, creating 150 new jobs and adding to the existing staff of 170. The facility, situated on a 29-acre site near the commerce park and close to the new I-75 interstate exchange, is expected to be completed within 10-12 months.
“This groundbreaking is the result of an accumulation of miracles, and I am proud to be adding value to lives through good jobs,” said Chris Boyd, CEO of Antebellum Manufacturing. The new facility will include a 7-acre laydown yard and will enhance the company's capacity to provide high-quality American-made aluminum fencing, gates, and rails.
Amgen has announced a $1 billion investment to expand its manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, North Carolina. This expansion will include a second state-of-the-art multi-drug substance manufacturing facility and is expected to create 370 new jobs. The project will bring Amgen's total investment in Holly Springs to over $1.5 billion, with employment reaching 725 by 2032. The new facility will enhance Amgen's capacity to meet the growing demand for life-saving medications globally.
“We are very excited to expand our presence in Holly Springs and thankful for the partnerships with the State of North Carolina, Wake County, the Town of Holly Springs, and our community of employees,” said Paul Lewus, Amgen North Carolina site head. This expansion underscores North Carolina's reputation as a leading center for biotechnology, supported by a highly trained and diverse workforce.
Boeing has announced a $1 billion investment to expand its operations in Charleston County, South Carolina. This expansion will create 500 new jobs over the next five years and will support increased production of the 787 Dreamliner. The investment includes infrastructure upgrades at Boeing's existing sites in North Charleston, aiming to enhance production capabilities and meet growing market demand. The new facility modifications and equipment installations are expected to be completed by early 2027.
“Since the creation of Boeing South Carolina in 2009, we’ve marked many important milestones – including consolidating 787 Dreamliner production to South Carolina. I’m thrilled for this next phase of growth, which is made possible by our incredible teammates and the confidence our customers have in our airplanes,” said Scott Stocker, Vice President and General Manager of the 787 Program and BSC Site Leader. This expansion underscores Boeing's commitment to the workforce, the 787 program, and the community, building a legacy for future generations in the Palmetto State.
Pacific Manufacturing has announced a significant expansion in Fairfield, Ohio, doubling the square footage of a new building on its campus. The new expansion will create 96 new jobs and add $4.7 million in annual payroll to its existing workforce of over 860 employees. The expansion will bring Pacific Manufacturing's total presence in southwest Ohio to over 1 million square feet across five buildings.
“Pacific Manufacturing is proud to be a long-standing member of the City of Fairfield’s thriving business community,” said Takashi Nakagawa Ohhashi, general manager of Pacific Manufacturing Ohio. This expansion underscores the company's commitment to the local economy and its strategic location, which provides access to 77% of North American auto production within a one-day drive.
Forming USA, LLC, a Swiss-based manufacturer of cold-rolled steel profiles, is set to establish a new sales and manufacturing facility in the Township of Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo County. This project represents a capital investment of over $15 million and is expected to create 50 new jobs. The new facility will enhance Forming USA's ability to support and expand its U.S. customer base with domestic manufacturing capabilities. “Today’s investments in Kalamazoo County will create 64 good-paying jobs and grow our manufacturing economy,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
TST of Portage, LLC has received approval to develop a new manufacturing facility in the city of Portage, Kalamazoo County. The project involves the partial demolition of an existing 34,000-square-foot structure and the construction of a new 43,000-square-foot facility. This development, with a total capital investment of approximately $9.3 million, is expected to create 14 new jobs. The facility will house tenants such as Depatie Fluid Power Company and Mico-Lam, with space for future tenants. “Depatie is grateful to the City of Portage and TST Properties for investing in this unique development,” said Ryan Thomas, President of Depatie Fluid Power Company.
Chlorum Solutions USA LLC has announced the development of its first small-scale U.S. chlor-alkali plant in Casa Grande, Arizona. This innovative facility, located at the northwest corner of Burris Road and Alamo Road, represents an investment exceeding $70 million and aims to enhance supply chain resilience by providing localized chemical production. The plant will produce essential chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite (bleach), hydrochloric acid, and caustic soda directly from salt, reducing the need to transport chlorine gas over long distances.
“Safety and efficiency are top priorities,” said Daniel Croce, CEO of Chlorum Solutions USA. “Our small-scale, local model reduces risks and costs associated with transporting liquefied chlorine gas across the country, aligning with increased customer preferences for localized production.” The Casa Grande facility will create permanent roles for engineers, operators, and administrative staff, supporting regional economic growth and adding redundancy to the national chemical supply chain.
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