There are both similarities and differences between traditional and advanced manufacturing, as our feature, “Creating an Environment to Attract Advanced Manufacturing,” points out. Another feature in this issue helps to determine if a community is “utility-friendly” for business expansion. We also look at the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Program, which helps an ever-growing number of U.S.-based businesses maintain their international competitiveness. “Sites & Programs” focuses on workforce training and education, and we look at four key states for growth: Florida, North Carolina, Kentucky and Ohio.
Advanced manufacturing may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Kentucky. But the state is home to 4,500 manufacturing facilities employing 260,000 people, in addition to over 500 foreign-owned businesses from 34 nations. A growing number of firms know what Kentucky means for manufacturing, leading to record economic growth. more....