Shipping costs are starting to turn the tide back our way in some areas of manufacturing. I run a large metal stamping company and for parts that have weight to them I am able to knock the socks of the Chinese and other Asian competitors. I have automated every possible thing in my welding area that I can as cash flow permits. Unfortunately the more I automate the less people I need. But also I plan on creating new jobs by buying new equipment to expand our area of expertise. Working on buying a new 1500 to 2500 ton press with a transfer system to enable us to take even larger parts that are done in Asia.
I hate WalMart since Sam left it to his kids, it is nothing but a Chinese market place. Will buy my jeans from the site posted above from now on. It is a shame to pick up a piece of clothing and see made in Vietnam on it. I will not buy it, if it is given to me as a gift I give it to the dog to chew up.
I am with everyone here, Lets Buy Made In The Good Old USA
Machine Automation is the blame also for lots of jobs going away. Example is Delphi AC /Delco spark plugs. 18 line workers and five maintenance guys each shift to make 500,000 spark plugs in 24 hours. Older plant, and Union rules for trades and what they can do.
Denso, 1 year old plant, no union, Highly automated, 3 line workers per shift, 2 maintenance guys per shift, 750,000 plugs per 24 hours.
Both plants in the USA. AC / Declo contracted us to Make plugs and stamp AC/ Delco on them, it was cheeper for them than making there on plugs.
Why? 1 machine automation, far less workers. 2, less than half the maintenance people, because maintenance had to be able to do electrical, mechanical, hydraulics, robotics and PLC maintenance. Union will not allow trades to do that.
Denso's wages were with in 50 cents or less of what a similar union position, same medical, and dental, good 401K.
You are also very right about the EPA and the costs it adds. Most interviews with manufacturing say they leave, not due to Wages but Cost of doing business meaning EPA, OSHA and 2nd highest corporate tax in the world.
I use to like Wal-Mart when Sam W founded it and ran it. Since his kids and the new business model I do not enter the store.