The Next 5 Years: Apple, Amazon, Google, General Motors, Tesla and More Invest in Manufacturing

Allied OneSource • February 7, 2024

Professionals like yourself can turn people's plans into tangible realities using the latest tools and technologies. As different innovations continue to gain popularity, the manufacturing industry stands at the forefront of change.

All over the globe, companies are beginning to invest in manufacturing after recognizing its potential to drive business. As a candidate within the field, you need to understand these developments and learn about the rising opportunities in manufacturing. Keeping up with these trends is not just a choice; it's an investment in your career growth and longevity in manufacturing's dynamic landscape.

Investments Driving the Manufacturing Industry

Years ago, the word 'manufacturing' would bring about the thought of assembly lines and mass production. Luckily, times have changed people's perspectives, and innovative tech tools have opened up new horizons for the entire industry.

The manufacturing sector is now recognized as a dynamic hub of innovation and technological prowess. According to research, it is predicted to grow by 3.05 percent between 2023 to 2028. This would result in a market volume of around 3.59 trillion dollars.¹

Considering the numbers and previous success within manufacturing, it's not a surprise that many big companies are investing in the industry.

In the next five years, industry giants are making substantial investments that can reshape and improve the entire manufacturing landscape. Some of these companies include Apple, Amazon, Google, General Motors, and Tesla.

Apple's Manufacturing Initiatives

Apple's initiatives revolve around going beyond their usual products and manufacturing processes. It is setting its sights on investments extending into emerging technologies with more positive impacts worldwide.

According to a statement from its CEO, Apple is committing to innovation and manufacturing. It aims to invest in creating jobs in different cutting-edge fields like AI, silicon engineering, and 5G.² The goal is to keep up with the latest tech while reaching communities across all states in the U.S.

Beyond that, Apple is also working toward a greener and more equitable future. They have realized the need to decarbonize their production by tracking and analyzing their supply chain. Thus, the company plans to be more environmentally friendly by 2030 through its clean energy commitments.

Amazon's Commitment to Reshaping Manufacturing

Although technology is a revolutionary tool that can improve business processes, it can be expensive to adapt. It also requires a budget to innovate and improve technology usage in industries like manufacturing.

Luckily, big companies like Amazon recognize the need to support innovation. Aiming to improve customer fulfillment, logistics, and supply chain, Amazon created a one-billion-dollar investment program called the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund (AIIF).³

Using the AIIF, Amazon plans to invest in companies that imagine tech solutions to improve manufacturing processes. They believe improved employee experience can boost efficiency and improve customer satisfaction.

Google's Investments in Manufacturing

In the ongoing surge of industrial evolution, Google's strategic investments in manufacturing have become a focal point, steering the company toward new horizons.

Just a few months ago, the company's Senior Vice President for Devices and Services announced their investment in manufacturing the Pixel 8. Specifically, they plan to produce their smartphones in India to bolster their presence.⁴

In the past years, India has established itself as a hub for high-quality manufacturing. Aligned with the Indian government's campaign "Make in India", Google's investments ultimately contribute to promoting domestic manufacturing within the country.

Considering Google's involvement, their choices have the potential to introduce innovation and digital transformation to the manufacturing landscape.

General Motors and the Automotive Revolution

Throughout 2024, General Motors aims to invest around 6.6 billion dollars toward increasing electric pick-up truck production in Michigan.⁵ The company also plans to build a new cell plant for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

These initiatives are geared toward a revolution in the automotive sector. The company's goals include producing one million electric vehicles by 2025 which would solidify its position as a trailblazer in the automotive landscape.

GM's ambitions extend beyond production numbers, aligning itself with the broader shift toward greener alternatives. Based on its ambitious milestones, General Motors signals its dedication to reducing carbon footprints while anticipating the growing demand for eco-conscious transportation solutions.

Its strategic investments and production goals are a testament to its role in driving innovation and shaping the future of electric mobility.

Tesla's Expansion Plan

As another company with strong influence in various industries, Tesla is making headlines with its ambitious expansion plans as its leaders invest in manufacturing companies worldwide. This reaffirms its commitment to innovation on a global scale.

For instance, the company is showing interest in investing two billion dollars to build a factory in India - a market poised for a surge in electric vehicle adoption. At the same time, Tesla is considering a 15-billion-dollar investment in a factory in Mexico. Despite its expansion plan, Tesla can still reinforce its commitment to its roots through continued investment in its Gigafactories in Nevada.

The company's expansion plans, spanning many parts of the world, highlight its relentless pursuit of growth and its strategic positioning in key markets. As the EV industry evolves, Tesla is leading the way in manufacturing expansions and innovations.

The Ripple Effect on Job Markets

The substantial investments made by industry giants are poised to create a profound impact on employment landscapes. As these companies channel funds into manufacturing initiatives, the demand for skilled professionals across various domains, from advanced engineering to sustainable practices, is expected to surge.

This surge in demand presents seasoned professionals with opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking projects and opens doors for emerging talents entering the job market.

It's important to note that these big industry investments are not just financial transactions. They are catalysts for a ripple effect that can reshape and revitalize job markets beyond the factory floor.

Dynamic Job Opportunities

As major companies pour investments into manufacturing initiatives, a diverse array of job opportunities is bound to emerge. Extending far beyond traditional roles, the following are some examples of job opportunities you can expect in the manufacturing industry:

1. Production Engineers

With the emphasis on efficiency and innovation, production engineers will be in high demand. Their role involves optimizing manufacturing processes, ensuring seamless production, and integrating advanced technologies into the production line.

2. Logistics Managers

As manufacturing expands, the need for skilled logistics professionals becomes paramount. Logistics managers oversee the intricate web of supply chains, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of raw materials and finished products.

3. Technology Integration Specialists

The infusion of cutting-edge technologies demands specialists who can seamlessly integrate these advancements into existing manufacturing systems. They develop new ideas in team meetings, work with research teams, and put these smart ideas into action to ensure the company stays ahead in the next era of smart manufacturing.

4. Innovation Strategists

These professionals drive the ideation and implementation of groundbreaking ideas, cultivating a culture of constant improvement and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

They work to integrate state-of-the-art technologies into the existing manufacturing systems seamlessly. This involves collaborating with IT teams and production engineers to ensure a smooth transition and optimal performance.

5. Quality Assurance Specialists

With a heightened focus on product quality and precision, quality assurance specialists are critical in ensuring that manufactured goods meet the highest standards. They implement rigorous testing processes and quality control measures to guarantee the excellence of the final products.

GET READY FOR NEW MANUFACTURING OPPORTUNITIES WITH ALLIED ONESOURCE

As a professional faced with numerous opportunities and unfamiliar job titles, it's important to find a partner who can help you become future-ready. At Allied OneSource, we work hard to bridge you with outstanding employers. We ensure your skills and talents are a good fit for the open roles.

Leverage the exciting future of the manufacturing industry by reaching out to us today!

References

1 Marketing Insights. "Manufacturing - United Stated." Statista, Dec. 2023, www.statista.com/outlook/io/manufacturing/united-states.

2 Press Release. "Apple Commits $430 Billion in US Investments over Five Years." Apple, 26 Apr. 2021, www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/04/apple-commits-430-billion-in-us-investments-over-five-years/.

3 Amazon Staff. "Introducing the $1 Billion Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund." Amazon, 21 Apr. 2022, www.aboutamazon.com/news/innovation-at-amazon/introducing-the-1-billion-amazon-industrial-innovation-fund.

4 "Google to Start Manufacturing Its Pixel Smartphones in India by 2024." EFE, 19 Oct. 2023, efe.com/en/science-and-technology/2023-10-19/google-to-start-manufacturing-its-pixel-smartphones-in-india-by-2024/.

5 Wayland, Michael. "GM to Spend $6.6 Billion on EV Plant Investments in Bid to Dethrone Tesla in Electric Car Sales by 2025." CNBC, 25 Jan. 2022, www.cnbc.com/2022/01/25/gm-investing-6point6-billion-in-bid-to-dethrone-tesla-in-ev-sales-by-2025.html.

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