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On the tails of a strong January, U.S. manufacturers kept up the momentum, announcing a wide range of new manufacturing investments in February 2025, from Apple’s historic investment in U.S. facilities to Lily’s plans to more than double its domestic footprint, expanding its U.S. facilities to the tune of $1.7 billion. From new automotive enterprises to solar projects to new food and beverage facilities, here are the most exciting new operations announced in February.
First up, Apple made waves this last week of February, announcing a historic investment of more than $500 billion in the United States over the next four years to bolster American innovation, create jobs, and expand the company’s manufacturing and research capabilities. This investment will create 20,000 new jobs, focusing on roles in engineering and artificial intelligence.
As part of this broader investment, Apple has announced plans to open a 250,000-square-foot AI server manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas. The new factory, expected to begin operations in 2026, will produce AI servers to support Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI-driven personal assistant for iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers. "We are bullish on the future of American innovation, and we’re proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments with this $500 billion commitment to our country’s future," said Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Eli Lilly and Company announced plans in February to more than double its U.S. manufacturing investment to $1.7 billion, creating at least 700 new jobs. The investment will expand Lilly's manufacturing facilities in North Carolina and Indiana, focusing on producing active pharmaceutical ingredients and new medicines. "This investment will ensure that Lilly can continue to deliver innovative medicines to patients around the world," said David A. Ricks, Lilly's chairman and CEO. The expansion will significantly increase the company's capacity to meet growing demand for its products.
Overland AI has inaugurated its new factory in South Seattle, designed for the end-to-end development and rapid production of both crewed and uncrewed ground vehicles. The facility will serve as a hub for Overland AI-designed platforms and the precision upfitting of commercial off-the-shelf vehicles, enhancing the company's capacity to support defense and national security applications. "This facility marks a new chapter for Overland AI and the future of autonomous ground systems," said Greg Okopal, co-founder and chief operating officer of Overland AI. The factory's strategic location near Joint Base Lewis-McChord and major seaports will streamline defense logistics and the rapid deployment of mission-ready autonomous systems.
Freedman Seating Company has announced a $4 million investment in its Chicago manufacturing facility, creating 50 new full-time jobs and retaining 676 existing positions. The investment, supported by an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement, will enable site improvements and the addition of new manufacturing equipment. "Programs like EDGE don't give businesses a handout—they help level the playing field. They allow companies like ours to invest, grow, and compete while creating more opportunities where they are needed most," said Craig Freedman, CEO of Freedman Seating Company. The nearly 100-year-old facility will continue to produce a wide range of seating for various transportation markets, enhancing the company's operational efficiency and capacity.
Toyota has officially opened its new automotive battery manufacturing plant in North Carolina, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to electrification. The nearly $14 billion facility, Toyota's 11th manufacturing plant in the United States, will produce batteries for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The plant is expected to create approximately 5,000 jobs.
ZM Trucks has selected San Bernardino County for its first North American manufacturing plant and new regional headquarters. The company has leased a 210,000-square-foot facility in Fontana, California, to produce zero-emission commercial vehicles, including electric trucks and ground service equipment. "Our new Fontana facility reflects ZO Motors’ commitment to the U.S. market and sustainable innovation," said Joost de Vries, CEO of ZO Motors. The plant is expected to create numerous high-quality jobs and support the company's growth in the zero-emission vehicle sector.
ElectroCraft has announced a significant expansion of its Ann Arbor, Michigan facility, enhancing the company's ability to provide high-quality motion control solutions with greater speed and efficiency. "This investment reflects our commitment to U.S. manufacturing independence, ensuring we can provide our customers with the fastest lead times and most reliable supply chain solutions while supporting American industry," said Scott Rohlfs, Global Marketing Director and General Manager of the Drives Business Unit at ElectroCraft. The expanded facility will serve as a hub for motion control research and development, as well as the design and production of advanced motor drive solutions.
Corning Incorporated has announced a $900 million investment to build a new manufacturing facility in Richland Township, Saginaw County, Michigan. This facility will focus on producing U.S.-made solar components and is expected to create over 1,100 jobs. "Corning has a long, proud history in Michigan, and today they are expanding their footprint here with a new manufacturing facility creating over 1,100 good-paying jobs," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The project aims to bolster the domestic solar supply chain and support Michigan's clean energy goals.
ES Foundry has announced a significant agreement to supply 300 megawatts of U.S.-made solar cells to Bila Solar. This partnership will enhance the domestic solar supply chain and support the growing demand for renewable energy solutions. "This agreement with Bila Solar underscores the increasing market confidence in American-made solar cells," said Ken Johnston, Vice President of Sales at ES Foundry. The solar cells will be manufactured at ES Foundry's state-of-the-art facility in Greenwood, South Carolina, contributing to the company's mission of fostering sustainable energy production.
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TMEIC Corporation Americas has announced the full operation of its new 144,000-square-foot photovoltaic (PV) inverter manufacturing facility in Waller County, Texas. The Westport facility, which began production in November 2024, has already manufactured over 300 utility-scale PV inverters. "We are excited to see the Westport facility fully operational and producing high-quality PV inverters that will help drive the transition to clean, sustainable energy in North America," said Manmeet S. Bhatia, President and CEO of TMEIC Corporation Americas. The facility is expected to create local jobs and contribute to economic growth in the area, with plans for future upgrades to expand capacity and foster innovation.
Flex has announced the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Dallas, Texas, to meet the growing AI-driven power demands of its customers. The 400,000-square-foot facility will focus on producing advanced power solutions, including power pods, power distribution units, and low-voltage switchgear, and is expected to create over 300 new jobs. "As AI adoption accelerates, the need for reliable, efficient, and scalable power infrastructure grows," said Chris Butler, President of Embedded and Critical Power at Flex. The Dallas plant will enhance Flex's ability to deliver high-quality, reliable power products to its customers, ensuring they can meet the increasing demands of the AI industry.
ArcelorMittal has announced plans to construct a new, advanced non-grain-oriented electrical steel (NOES) manufacturing facility in Alabama, with an investment of $1.2 billion. The facility will have the capacity to produce up to 150,000 metric tons of NOES annually, supporting various industries including automotive, renewable electricity production, and other industrial applications. The project is expected to create up to 1,300 jobs during the construction phase and more than 200 permanent positions. "We recognize the importance of creating a resilient, sustainable domestic supply chain for this critical material," said John Brett, CEO of ArcelorMittal North America. Construction is set to begin in the second half of 2025, with production anticipated to commence in 2027.
ORBIS Corporation has announced the opening of its new manufacturing plant in Greenville, Texas. The facility features 420,000 square feet of manufacturing space and 240,000 square feet of warehouse space, dedicated to producing reusable packaging such as totes and pallets. The plant is expected to create more than 190 new jobs within three years. "This project brings us much needed capacity and space to support the growing needs of our customers who are turning to reusable packaging to add supply chain efficiency and sustainability," said Norm Kukuk, president of ORBIS Corporation. The plant's strategic location near major trade routes will enhance ORBIS's ability to serve its customers efficiently.
Diageo North America has announced a $415 million investment to open a new manufacturing and warehousing facility in Montgomery, Alabama. The 360,000-square-foot facility will have a multi-million case annual production capacity for Diageo’s leading beverage alcohol brands and is expected to create approximately 100 jobs when operational, with an additional 750 jobs during construction. "The new facility will not only bring our business closer to our customers and distributors in the south, but also enable our broader supply network to operate more efficiently and sustainably," said Marsha McIntosh, President of North America Supply at Diageo. The site will enhance the company’s North America supply chain operations and support future growth for the company’s export business.
Paris Baguette, the beloved bakery café franchise known for its artisan, handcrafted pastries and breads, has announced a major milestone in its North American expansion with the construction of its first-ever bakery manufacturing plant in Burleson, Texas. The $160 million investment will create 450 new jobs and the 260,000-square-foot facility will serve as a vital hub for supplying Paris Baguette’s growing network of cafés across North and Central America. "This expansion marks a significant step forward in our mission to bring the Paris Baguette experience to even more communities," said Darren Tipton, CEO of Paris Baguette. The facility is set to break ground this summer, with completion expected in 2027.
AeroVironment (AV) has announced the establishment of FreedomWerx, a state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. The new 200,000-square-foot facility will expand production of AV’s battle-proven Loitering Munitions Systems and is expected to create more than 500 high-paying jobs. "This facility represents a critical step in our mission to expand manufacturing capacity, ensuring our forces have the technological superiority needed to deter and, if necessary, decisively defeat adversaries," said Wahid Nawabi, AV chairman, president, and chief executive officer. The facility's strategic location near Salt Lake City International Airport will optimize logistics and supply chain efficiencies, enhancing AV's ability to support defense and national security applications
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