I’ve long called for Apple to start manufacturing here in the U.S., and it’s been welcome news across the industrial and economic landscape that the company will start producing a line of Mac computers here. Since CEO Tim Cook’s announcement earlier this month, the story has gotten a ton of press. Apple does source some of its materials here in the U.S., notably its glass and some processors. Journalists are asking whether this is the beginning of a new focus on America manufacturing, as in this piece from the Tacoma News Tribune. And we’ve seen story after story on how American workers are becoming more of a bargain that previously thought. Hence, the whole reshoring argument for bringing manufacturers jobs back from Asia to the U.S.
What’s the end game? Watch for municipalities and states to start raising their hands in earnest to lure Apple’s actual manufacturing operations to their backyard, even if the actual number of jobs is the couple hundred that have been surmised. Obvious areas like Silicon Valley and hi-tech centers like Austin will probably be front runners, but surely the competition is already revving up behind the scenes. Here, a Phoenix writer makes the case for his city.
Local manufacturing reports in Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Michigan this week are all touting how much manufacturing means to each region. You thought this past election season was nasty? With a high-profile customer like Apple coming online in the coming years, expect a fascinating fight, full of tax breaks, incentives, to emerge. Get your popcorn ready.