Walmart Aims to Bring Manufacturing Back to the U.S. 

At a time when finding a job is first on the minds of many, companies continue to outsource positions overseas. However, at the National Retail Federation’s annual convention back in January 2013, Bill Simon, President of Walmart U.S., declared that he wanted to bring manufacturing back to the United States, and in doing so create more jobs for American citizens and possibly even add a boost to the U.S. economy. 

In the meantime, as most manufacturing jobs go out to China, India or Bangladesh, the United States is becoming more and more of a service community and manufacturing in the U.S. is struggling, making Simon's announcement all the more meaningful.

Many companies, including a few household names, have stepped up to the plate to assist Simon in his efforts to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. While some have made deals to have their goods sold exclusively in Walmart, other companies will allow their items to be available elsewhere. 

General Electric, for example, plans on creating 150 jobs to produce energy efficient bulbs, which will be sold exclusively in Walmart stores. Elan-Polo and McPherson Manufacturing will help the cause by building a facility in Hazelhurst, Georgia, that will produce injection-molded footwear, creating 250 jobs. Even Korona Candles, one of the largest producers of candles in the world, will help by creating 170 jobs to fabricate Mainstays Tealight candles in Virginia. 

Companies like these, among many others, will help to create 1,753 jobs, not including the construction jobs needed to create the facilities, in the next few years.

Simon promised that in ten years $50 billion worth of goods would be produced in the United States. Simon and his staff, along with the many companies that have aligned with him, are working to make this dream become a reality.

“One of the greatest ways to stimulate American economic resurgence is by increasing our manufacturing base, which is why Walmart's initiative is so important,” said Barry Sanders, President and COO of Scotts Miracle-Grow Company.

Jon Simon, CEO of 1888 Mills also had kind words to say about the effort: “1888 Mills is delighted to have Walmart's support and partnership in furthering our efforts to grow our USA terry towel mill in Griffin, Ga. Walmart's multi-year commitment enables us to expand our production facility through investments in equipment, technology and people. We are proud to have our long term partner, the largest employer of American workers, carry our premium 'Made Here since 1888' towel program. These towels showcase the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the American textile worker. Together, Walmart and 1888 Mills are creating and sustaining jobs right here in the USA.”