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17 April 2025
Manufacturing Netfactory
Apr 17, 2025Manufacturing Net
An Illinois pipe manufacturing plant is considered a total loss after a three-alarm fire ripped through the facility early Monday, according to local reports.
Two employees arrived to work at Rovanco Piping Systems in Joliet at about 4 a.m. to find smoke, WGN-TV reported; by the time firefighters arrived, flames had spread to the plant’s roof. Local authorities told the station that the fire caused at least four explosions at the facility.
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One firefighter reportedly suffered burn injuries after entering the complex with others in an attempt to prevent the spread of the fire to an office area. He was reported to be in stable condition at a hospital near Chicago. No other injuries were reported, and authorities noted that favorable winds prevented the fire from threatening nearby homes.
But the plant’s open design, as well as delays in getting water to the unincorporated area of Joliet — where no hydrants are installed — hindered firefighters’ efforts at the facility itself. The building was considered a loss with damages estimated to be between $25 million and $30 million.
Rovanco makes pre-insulated diesel exhaust and fluid piping systems. The company had recently invested some $40 million in an expansion in Joliet, officials noted.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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WEBVTTX-TIMESTAMP-MAP=LOCAL:00:00:00.000,MPEGTS:000:00.009 --> 00:04.280An Illinois pipe manufacturing plant isconsidered a total loss after a 3 alarm fire00:04.280 --> 00:07.320ripped through the facility early Monday,according to local reports.00:07.510 --> 00:11.640Two employees arrived to work at Ravanco PipingSystems in Joliet at about 4 a.m.00:11.640 --> 00:13.960to find smoke.WGNTV reported.00:14.159 --> 00:17.270By the time firefighters arrived, flames hadspread to the plant's roof.00:17.399 --> 00:20.879Local authorities told the station that thefire caused at least 4 explosions at the.00:21.562 --> 00:25.273One firefighter reportedly suffered burninjuries after entering the complex with others00:25.273 --> 00:28.232in an attempt to prevent the spread of the fireto an office area.00:28.402 --> 00:31.632He was reported to be in stable condition at ahospital near Chicago.00:31.802 --> 00:35.283No other injuries were reported, andauthorities noted that favorable winds00:35.283 --> 00:38.673prevented the fire from threatening nearbyhomes, but the plant's open design,00:38.682 --> 00:41.763as well as delays in getting water to theunincorporated area of Joliet.00:42.326 --> 00:46.316Where no hydrants are installed, hinderedfirefighters' efforts at the facility itself.00:46.566 --> 00:51.326The building was considered a total loss withdamages estimated to be between $25 million.3000:51.326 --> 00:54.326million dollars.Raveco makes pre-insulated diesel exhaust and00:54.326 --> 00:57.765fluid piping systems.The company had recently invested some $4000:57.765 --> 01:00.395million in an expansion in Joliet, officialsnoted.01:00.726 --> 01:02.916The cause of the fire remains underinvestigation.01:03.125 --> 01:05.195I'm Andy Szal.This is manufacturing now.
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Foxconn To Spend $569M Expanding Wisconsin FactoryFoxconn amended its contract with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. for the second time, with the modified deal providing up to $16 million in additional performance-based tax incentives, according to the regional agency’s press release.
Under the modified contract, Foxconn pledged to create 2,616 jobs and make a total of $1.2 billion in capital investments through Dec. 31, 2029.
The Taiwan-based company initially announced in 2017 that it was establishing a manufacturing facility and committed to investing $10 billion and creating 13,000 jobs.
The facility opened in May 2021, but had remained idle since then, according to media reports. A month before the factory opening, Foxconn renegotiated its deal with the state down to a $672 million investment and only 1,454 jobs.
Then, in the summer of 2023, Microsoft paid Foxconn $50 million and bought a plot of land in Racine County, Wisconsin, to build a more than $1 billion data center, which has since surpassed $7 billion to build a second data center.
As of Dec. 31, 2024, Foxconn invested nearly $717 million in its Mount Pleasant campus and created 1,242 jobs, making the company qualified for $62.9 million in state tax credits, according to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
The company expects to see “strong visibility” for AI data server demand over the next two years and plans to expand the facilities in Mount Pleasant as well as in Texas, Kathy Yang, rotating CEO at Hon Hai Technology Group, said during the company’s second quarter earnings call in August.
“We are continuing to expand in these locations, including adding AI server liquid-cooling testing capacity,” Yang said. “In addition, in California and at our Ohio campus, we will be adding capacity for cloud and networking products. Through these efforts, we aim to fully satisfy our customers’ growing demand.”
The latest investment comes about a week after the Apple component supplier announced a collaboration with OpenAI.
The two companies will focus on design work and U.S. manufacturing readiness for new AI infrastructure hardware, according to the Nov. 20 press release.
The deal entails OpenAI sharing insights into new and developing hardware needs across the AI industry. Foxconn will use that information to help design and develop hardware to be manufactured at the company’s U.S. facilities.
Additionally, the collaboration will help strengthen domestic supply chains across the United States and expedite the distribution of new AI systems. Foxconn will manufacture AI data center components, including cabling, networking, cooling, and power systems.
While the agreement does not include purchase commitments or financial obligations, OpenAI will instead have early access to assess the AI systems with an option buy the products, according to the company’s press release.
“As the demand for more data infrastructure continues to rise, Foxconn will keep responding to our customers’ needs with flexibility and at scale in the United States,” Jerry Hsiao, Foxconn’s chief product officer and general manager of Hon Hai USA, said in a statement Wednesday.
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27 November 20253 min readFoxconn To Spend $569M Expanding Wisconsin Factory
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27 November 2025
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Vianode To Build North America’S First Large-Scale $3.2 Billion Clean Graphite Factory In OntarioVianode, a Norwegian advanced battery materials company, is investing $3.2 billion to build a synthetic graphite factory in St. Thomas, Ontario. The facility, called Via TWO, represents Vianode’s first large-scale production plant in North America. It will help supply the growing demand for graphite in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, energy storage, and other critical industries.
The first phase of the plant is expected to create around 300 skilled jobs, with eventual growth to 1,000 workers when fully scaled. The Ontario government is supporting the project with a loan of up to CAD $670 million. Vianode’s CEO, Burkhard Straube, highlighted that this investment underscores Ontario’s strength in clean tech and manufacturing. For the City of St. Thomas, the project is a major generational opportunity, bringing home high-paying jobs and sustainable industry.
Company: Vianode (Norwegian battery materials firm)
Plant Name: Via TWO
Location: Yarmouth Yards, St. Thomas, Ontario
Investment: CAD $3.2 billion
Government Support: Up to CAD $670 million loan from Ontario
Jobs: around 300 initially; up to 1,000 at full capacity
Production Start: Expected in 2028
Annual Capacity (future): Up to 150,000 tonnes synthetic graphite
Emissions Profile: Vianode’s technology claims up to 90% lower CO₂ emissions vs conventional graphite
Vianode picked St. Thomas after a detailed North American site selection process, citing several key advantages. The city offers a low-carbon electricity grid, which supports Vianode’s sustainability goals. It is also strategically located near manufacturing hubs, including a major EV battery plant being built by PowerCo (Volkswagen’s battery unit). According to Vianode, St. Thomas has a skilled workforce that’s ready to scale for advanced manufacturing.
This plant is more than just a local factory, it plays into a larger global strategy for battery and critical mineral supply chains. Vianode’s investment aligns with Canada’s ambitions under the G7 Critical Minerals Production Alliance to build resilient, secure materials capacity. Synthetic graphite is critical not just for EVs; it’s also used in semiconductors, grid storage, nuclear tech, and defense systems. By localizing this production, Canada reduces reliance on imports, especially away from dominant graphite producers abroad.
St. Thomas is fast becoming a clean-tech manufacturing hub. Just nearby, Volkswagen’s PowerCo is building a major EV battery plant. That means Vianode’s graphite production will directly feed into future EV battery factories. It’s part of Ontario’s push to own more of the EV supply chain, from raw materials to finished batteries. Government leaders argue that this dual push for minerals capacity and EV manufacturing will make the province more resilient to geopolitical supply shocks.
Ground-preparation work has officially started in Yarmouth Yards. Vianode plans to move into phased build-out in the coming months, with production expected by 2028. Over time, the facility will to scale capacity massively to help supply graphite for millions of EVs. The investment is also expected to draw further clean-tech and critical minerals players to southwestern Ontario, cementing its role in Canada’s future economy.
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22 November 20253 min readVianode To Build North America’S First Large-Scale $3.2 Billion Clean Graphite Factory In Ontario
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22 November 2025
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Vulcan Elements To Build $918M Rare Earth Magnet Factory In Benson, North CarolinaVulcan Elements Inc. plans to build a $918.1 million rare earth magnet factory in Benson, North Carolina, expanding its production capacity and adding 1,000 jobs in Johnston County, the company announced Tuesday.
The company currently operates a smaller magnet manufacturing facility in Research Triangle Park. The new 1 million-square-foot site in Benson represents a major scale-up and is expected to become the largest magnet production plant outside China. Rare earth magnets play a critical role in technologies dependent on electric motors and precision motion systems, including but not limited to electronics, robotics, electric vehicles, data centers, and numerous defense applications.
The plant will produce up to 10,000 metric tons of Neodymium Iron Boron magnets each year. This expansion addresses rising demand in advanced manufacturing and strengthens the domestic magnet supply chain.
The state’s Economic Investment Committee approved a Job Development Investment Grant to support the project. Over 12 years, the project is expected to add about $2.6 billion to the state economy. The JDIG allows the company to receive up to $17.58 million if it meets annual job creation and investment targets.
Because Johnston County is a Tier 3 county, the state will allocate up to $5.86 million to the Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account for rural infrastructure. The state may also provide up to $250,000 for road improvements.
The project will create new administrative, engineering, and production jobs, with an estimated annual payroll of $81.9 million. Multiple state and local partners, including the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, Johnston County, and the Town of Benson, supported the project.
Vulcan Elements recently announced a $1.4 billion partnership with the U.S. Government and ReElement Technologies to expand a fully domestic rare earth magnet supply chain. The agreement includes plans for a U.S.-based 10,000-metric-tonne magnet production facility and expanded recycling and processing of end-of-life magnets and electronic waste.
The expansion will receive federal and private funding, including a $620 million direct loan from the Office of Strategic Capital, $50 million from the Department of Commerce under the CHIPS and Science Act, $550 million in private capital, and an $80 million direct loan to ReElement Technologies. In exchange, the government will receive warrants in both companies and $50 million in equity in Vulcan Elements.
This project builds on a recently completed rare-earth magnet facility in Sumter County, South Carolina, contributing to a broader national effort to expand domestic magnet production.
Project: Vulcan Elements domestic rare earth magnet facility expansion
Location: Benson, Johnston County, North Carolina
Investment: $918.1 million
Jobs Created: 1,000 new positions (administrative, engineering, and production roles)
Facility Size: 1 million square feet
Production Capacity: 10,000 metric tonnes of Neodymium Iron Boron magnets annually
Purpose: Expand domestic rare earth magnet production capacity; support growing demand in electronics, robotics, electric vehicles, data centers, and defense systems
Estimated annual payroll: $81.9 million
Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved for 12 years
Projected state economic growth over 12 years: $2.6 billion
Potential JDIG reimbursement to company: up to $17.58 million
Tier 3 County Adjustment: Up to $5.86 million allocated to the Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account to support rural infrastructure
Additional State Support: Up to $250,000 anticipated for road improvements
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19 November 20253 min readVulcan Elements To Build $918M Rare Earth Magnet Factory In Benson, North Carolina
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19 November 2025
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Eos Energy To Spend $353M To Establish Factory, Relocate Hq To Pittsburgh AreaFounded in 2008, Eos is a maker of aqueous zinc batteries for power storage, with a focus on serving the utility, industrial and commercial sectors. Its relocation and expansion come as demand grows for energy and energy storage systems that enhance electrical grid reliability and support data center buildouts.
Eos has received $22 million in support for its project from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The company could also be eligible for tax credits and deductions from the state, according to Shapiro’s office. Additionally, Allegheny County invested $2 million to support the project.
“Eos’ move will not only strengthen our region’s position as a hub for advanced energy storage, but it will also attract new suppliers, partners, and innovators to the Pittsburgh region,” Stefani Pashman, CEO of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, said in a statement.
Eos currently has two manufacturing facilities in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, located just east of Pittsburgh. Combined with its new factory, the company said it plans to produce energy storage systems with a total capacity of 8 gigawatt-hours per year. It also plans to establish a software hub at Nova Place to support its proprietary battery management platform DawnOS, and expand its partnership with Carnegie Mellon University for workforce development.
“Energy storage is the backbone of the modern energy system, and this significant milestone marks our progress to bring America’s battery to scale,” Eos CEO Joe Mastrangelo said in a statement.
In addition to local support, Eos received a loan advance of $22.7 million in July from the U.S. Department of Energy to expand its operations.
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23 October 20252 min readEos Energy To Spend $353M To Establish Factory, Relocate Hq To Pittsburgh Area
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23 October 2025
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Rwanda’S $190 Million Cimerwa Clinker Factory To Save The Country BillionsRwanda’s Cement manufacturer plans to invest approximately $190 million for the construction of CIMERWA Clinker Factory. The clinker plant project is expected to address the company’s dependence on imports and save the country approximately $2.88 billion in the next 25 years, once it commences operations.
This announcement on the clinker plant was recently made by CIMERWA Chief Executive Officer, Mangesh Kumar Verma. This followed the release of the company’s unaudited financial results.
Also, according to Verma, the plant would commence operations within to years. Additionally, it would produce approximately 60,000 tonnes of clinker, a key component in production of cement, per month.
Furthermore, other than clinker production, the facility would position Rwanda as net exporter of clinker instead of importer.
“The moment our clinker plant commences operations, it will save forex outflow of approximately $2.28 billion in the next 25 year’” Verma stated.
Furthermore, with a monthly, production of 60,000 tonnes, the plant is expected to meet CIMERWA’s local demand which is estimated at 45,000 tonnes per month. The surplus that will be produced will be exported.
In another similar project in clinker production, East African Portland Cement (EAPC) revealed plans of investing $200 million in a clinker factory in Kajiado county in Kenya. This factory is expected to enable EAPC to increase its production capacity and cut its overall production costs.
Project name: Cimerwa Clinker Plant Project. Also, it is sometimes referred to as Cimerwa’s new clinkerisation plant.
Investor/Company: CIMERWA Plc
Estimated investment: Approximately $190 million
Projected production: Around 60,000 tonnes of clinker per month.
Expected start of operations: Within two years of the announcement (made around October 2025).
Economic impact :
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02 October 20252 min readRwanda’S $190 Million Cimerwa Clinker Factory To Save The Country Billions
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02 October 2025
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Eli Lilly Building $6.5B Pharmaceutical Ingredient Factory In TexasEli Lilly plans to build a new $6.5 billion manufacturing facility at Generation Park in Houston, Texas. This planned synthetic medicine active pharmaceutical product (API) facility, the second of four new U.S. sites Lilly will announce this year, will focus on manufacturing the company's pipeline of small molecule medicines. It is expected to be operational within five years.
Lilly will bring 615 new jobs to the Greater Houston area, including engineers, scientists, operations personnel, and lab technicians. The company also expects to generate 4,000 construction jobs as the site is being built and brought online.
The site will be among those that will manufacture orforglipron, Lilly's first oral, small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, which the company expects to submit to global regulatory agencies for obesity by the end of this year.
Earlier this year, at a press conference in Washington, D.C., Lilly announced plans to bolster its domestic medicine production across therapeutic areas by building four new pharmaceutical manufacturing sites in the United States. The company recently announced its intended site in Virginia and plans to announce two remaining locations this year.
Lilly plans to use technologies including machine learning, AI, digitally integrated systems and advanced data analytics, and digital automation will be embedded throughout the site to streamline operations. To achieve this, the company will collaborate with local universities and invest in educational initiatives across Texas to build a strong pipeline of talent.
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25 September 20252 min readEli Lilly Building $6.5B Pharmaceutical Ingredient Factory In Texas
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25 September 2025
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Eli Lilly Plans $5 Billion Factory To Make Cancer Meds In VirginiaRICHMOND, VA — Pharmaceutical manufacturer Eli Lilly and Company is moving forward with plans for a $5 billion state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that will generate 650 jobs in Virginia. The announcement was made by Governor Glenn Youngkin this week. The governor said the project will also generate 1,800 construction jobs at the West Creek Business Park in Goochland County.
The investment will be a significant expansion beyond the company's original plans, which called for a $2.148 billion investment and 468 jobs.
The new site will be the company's first active pharmaceutical ingredient and drug product plant for Lilly's emerging bioconjugate platform and monoclonal antibody portfolio. The treatments are primarily used to treat cancer but are being explored for autoimmune diseases and other conditions.
Lilly has committed to more than $50 billion in new manufacturing investments since 2020, with plans to build four new manufacturing facilities in the U.S. The Goochland project represents one of the four projects; the three other locations should be announced before the end of 2025.
Lilly will be eligible to receive a special appropriation of up to $130 million based on an investment of more than $2.148 billion and the creation of 468 jobs, subject to approval by the Virginia General Assembly.
Lilly, a nearly 150-year-old pharmaceutical company based in Indianapolis, has made some significant investments to boost its U.S.-based capabilities. In June, the pharmaceutical giant announced plans to acquire Verve Therapeutics, a Boston-based clinical-stage company developing genetic medicines for cardiovascular disease, for $1.3 billion.
The acquisition came just a few months after the company announced its commitment to more than double its U.S. manufacturing investment to $50 billion, creating thousands of jobs in the process.
The company currently has more than 49,000 employees worldwide, with about 22,000 employees based in the U.S. Lilly has manufacturing facilities in nine countries, including U.S.-based facilities in Indiana, North Carolina, New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico.
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19 September 20252 min readEli Lilly Plans $5 Billion Factory To Make Cancer Meds In Virginia
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19 September 2025
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Radiance To Build $370 Million Secure Microchip Factory In LouisianaRUSTON, La. — Radiance Technologies, an employee-owned defense contractor, this week announced a $370.65 million investment to expand its footprint in Louisiana. The company plans to build a state-of-the-art microchip packaging facility in Lincoln Parish, a move it hopes will bolster national security, fuel innovation, and drive local economic growth.
The Huntsville, Alabama-based company is expected to create 150 direct new jobs with an average salary of $85,000, 180% of the parish average, while expanding on its 14 current positions. Louisiana Economic Development (LED), the state's business development agency, estimates that the project will result in an additional 146 indirect new jobs.
The new 40,000-square-foot facility will house R&D, design and fabrication operations for microchips. Radiance has existing locations in Shreveport and Baton Rouge.
A longtime partner of Louisiana Tech, Radiance is a tenant company in the university's Enterprise Campus research park, where it leverages faculty expertise and the talent pipeline to develop solutions for defense, intelligence, and civilian customers.
LED is providing $20 million in matching dollars through a performance-based grant to the Louisiana Tech University Foundation for the purchase of equipment at the new manufacturing facility, with funding tied to project milestones. In addition, LED is awarding $17 million to Louisiana Tech to upgrade research equipment and create specialized training programs in secure chip manufacturing.
The Louisiana Tech University Foundation led the effort to expand the Radiance footprint on the campus, working closely with the City of Ruston to secure land for the manufacturing facility.
Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026 with an anticipated completion in summer 2027.
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28 August 20252 min readRadiance To Build $370 Million Secure Microchip Factory In Louisiana
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28 August 2025
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Egypt And China’S Sailun Group Sign $1 Billion Deal To Construct Sokhna Industrial Zone Tire FactoryEgypt has inked an agreement with China’s Sailun Group to construct an automotive tire manufacturing factory in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCEZ), involving total investments of $1 billion. This was revealed by a Cabinet statement. Furthermore, the construction of this tyre manufacturing facility facility is expected to span three years. Furthermore, it is expected to ultimately achieving an annual production target of 10 million tires. The first phase of the Sokhna Industrial Zone Tire Factory facility is set to be completed by 2026.
Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone contains six ports and four industrial areas that are situated alongside or in proximity to this vital waterway. Additionally, the government has set special legal and tax advantages upon the area to capitalize on the international shipping traffic that passes through.
Also read: Egypt Finally Inks Agreement on its $1.7 Billion Red Sea Petrochemicals Project Near the Suez Canal
Partnership: A contract between China’s Sailun Group and TEDA Egypt, a developer within the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone).
Total investment: $1 billion
Location: China-Egypt Teda industrial zone, Sokhna Industrial Zone (within the SCZone)
Timeline and phased development:
Capacity:
Initial production (Phase 1):
Full Production (Upon full completion):
Factory size: 350,000 square meters
The chairperson of the zone indicated in the previous year that many investments are being channelled toward infrastructure so as to attract potential investors.
Also read: Egypt Inks $200 Million Deal with China’s Sunrev Solar to Construct the Ain Sokhna Solar Energy Complex Project
China has been keen to increase its economic engagement in Egypt. It has ventured into key sectors like ports, green hydrogen, industrial projects, and space exploration.
Recent partnerships and collaborations between Egypt and China in this year cover a wide range of sectors. These underscore a deepening strategic relationship between the two countries.
Additionally, both nations have committed to enhancing economic ties. These economic ties will be enhanced especially in areas like electric vehicles, electronics, artificial intelligence, water desalination, solar energy, and feeder industries.
Also read: Egypt Signs $658 Million Contracts for Abu Tartur Phosphoric Acid Complex Project
Also, significant investment promotion forum is also on the agenda to stimulate joint investments. Chinese investments are notably thriving within the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone. Furthermore, the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone is home to over 160 Chinese enterprises. Also, Egypt’s favorable strategic location and extensive trade agreements further position it as an optimal production and export hub for Chinese businesses.
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17 August 20253 min readEgypt And China’S Sailun Group Sign $1 Billion Deal To Construct Sokhna Industrial Zone Tire Factory
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17 August 2025
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Details Of T1'S Solar Vision Emerge After Bailing On $2.6B U.S. Battery FactoryT1 Energy and Corning today announced a new partnership to boost the U.S. solar supply chain. T1 will source hyper-pure polysilicon and solar wafers made by Corning at its plant in Michigan.
Starting later next year, Corning wafers will be delivered to T1's G2_Austin solar cell facility, which is currently under development. The cells will then be used to make solar modules at T1's operational G1_Dallas site.
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T1's G2_Austin 5 GW Solar Cell Facility is an $850 million project. According to the company, the project is enabled by the Trump Administration's tariffs and other policies that support American manufacturing. The facility is expected to begin producing cells by the end of 2026 and create up to 1,800 full-time jobs.
G2_Austin is a key part of T1's strategy to build a domestic solar and battery supply chain.
T1, formerly known as Norwegian company Freyr Battery, is now based in Austin, Texas. This February, Freyr announced plans to shift its focus from lithium battery development to American solar panel manufacturing with "battery aspirations."
Officials in Georgia may still have a sour taste in their mouths when it comes to T1. When T1 rebranded earlier this year, it also abandoned plans to build a massive electric battery factory in Newnan, which is near Atlanta. The company said it was bailing on the $2.6 billion project that was set to hire more than 700 people.
According to T1, the new agreement with Corning will create a more stable and predictable supply of domestically sourced solar components. By connecting American-made polysilicon, wafers, cells and modules, this vertically integrated model supports long-term planning, regulatory compliance and energy resilience, the company says.
T1 says the U.S. needs more electricity immediately to compete in the global AI race and achieve energy independence. The T1-Corning agreement addresses this urgency by unlocking the nation's most scalable energy source through a manufacturing base that spans Michigan and Texas.
The company bought its solar panel factory from top Chinese solar panel maker Trina Solar for $340 million last year.
"This landmark supply chain agreement with Corning will help invigorate America with scalable, reliable, low-cost energy," said Daniel Barcelo, T1's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. "This is American companies building in America and protecting American energy security."
According to Barcelo, the U.S. needs to establish critical energy supply chains built on domestic capacity and industrial knowhow.
AB Ghosh, Corning Vice President and General Manager of Solar and Chairman and CEO of Hemlock Semiconductor, said the company is "accelerating the ramp of our advanced manufacturing capabilities to support a resilient U.S. solar supply chain."
Hemlock Semiconductor, which is majority-owned by Corning, is the largest U.S. manufacturer of hyper-pure polysilicon. The company is headquartered in Hemlock, Michigan.
By building foundational infrastructure in Michigan, Corning hopes to add good-paying manufacturing jobs, strengthen the U.S. solar industry and advance a more energy-independent future for the U.S.
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WEBVTT
X-TIMESTAMP-MAP=LOCAL:00:00:00.000,MPEGTS:0
00:00.009 --> 00:05.369
T1 Energy and Corning today announced a new
partnership to boost the US solar supply chain.
00:05.679 --> 00:11.829
T1 will source hyper pure polysilicon and solar
wafers made by Corning at its plant in Michigan.
00:12.039 --> 00:17.559
Starting later next year, Corning wafers will
be delivered to T1's G2 Austin Solar Cell
00:17.559 --> 00:20.229
facility, which is currently under development.
00:20.440 --> 00:26.079
The cells will then be used to make solar
modules at T1's operational G1 Dallas site.
00:26.200 --> 00:32.020
T1's G2 Austin 5 gigawatt solar cell facility
is an $850 million project.
00:32.310 --> 00:36.180
According to the company, the project is
enabled by the Trump administration's tariffs
00:36.180 --> 00:38.779
and other policies that support American
manufacturing.
00:39.020 --> 00:44.659
The facility is expected to begin producing
cells by the end of 2026 and create up to 1800
00:44.659 --> 00:48.979
full-time jobs.
G2 Austin is a key part of T1's strategy to
00:48.979 --> 00:52.020
build a domestic solar and battery supply chain.
00:52.299 --> 00:56.580
T1, formerly known as Norwegian company Freyr
Battery, is now based in Austin,
00:56.700 --> 00:58.419
Texas.
This February.
00:58.610 --> 01:03.759
It announced plans to shift its focus from lithium
battery development to American solar panel
01:03.759 --> 01:06.910
manufacturing with battery aspirations.
01:07.120 --> 01:11.239
Officials in Georgia may still have a sour
taste in their mouths when it comes to T1.
01:11.480 --> 01:17.000
When T1 rebranded earlier this year, it also
abandoned plans to build a massive electric
01:17.000 --> 01:19.879
battery factory in Noonan, which is near
Atlanta.
01:20.080 --> 01:24.760
The company said it was bailing on the $2.6
billion project that was set to hire more than
01:24.760 --> 01:27.849
700 people.
According to T1, the new agreement with Corning
01:28.059 --> 01:32.860
will create a more stable and predictable
supply of domestically sourced solar components
01:32.860 --> 01:36.690
by connecting American-made polysilicon wafers,
cells, and modules.
01:36.980 --> 01:39.769
This vertically integrated model supports
long-term planning,
01:39.940 --> 01:43.449
regulatory compliance, and energy resilience.
The company says.
01:43.660 --> 01:48.580
T1 says the US needs more electricity
immediately to compete in the global AI race
01:48.580 --> 01:53.419
and achieve energy independence.
The T1 Corning agreement addresses this urgency
01:53.419 --> 01:57.099
by unlocking the nation's most scalable energy
source through a manufacturing
01:57.209 --> 02:00.110
base that spans Michigan and Texas.
02:00.400 --> 02:04.800
The company bought its solar panel factory from
top Chinese solar panel maker Trina Solar for
02:04.800 --> 02:08.800
$340 million last year.
This landmark supply chain agreement with
02:08.800 --> 02:12.119
Corning will help invigorate America with
scalable, reliable,
02:12.240 --> 02:16.960
low-cost energy, said Daniel Barcelo, T1's
chief executive officer and chairman of the
02:16.960 --> 02:19.669
board.
This is American companies building in America.
02:19.669 --> 02:22.880
And protecting American energy security.
According to Barcelo,
02:22.919 --> 02:27.419
the US needs to establish critical energy
supply chains built on domestic capacity and
02:27.419 --> 02:30.940
industrial know-how.
AB Gosh, Corning, vice president and general
02:30.940 --> 02:34.330
manager of solar and chairman and CEO of
Hemlock Semiconductor,
02:34.539 --> 02:38.820
said the company is accelerating the ramp of
its advanced manufacturing capabilities to
02:38.820 --> 02:43.139
support a resilient US solar supply chain.
By building foundational infrastructure in
02:43.139 --> 02:46.610
Michigan, Corning hopes to add good paying
manufacturing jobs,
02:46.860 --> 02:52.490
strengthen the US solar industry, and advance a
more energy independent future for the US.
02:52.899 --> 02:55.660
I'm Anna Wells.
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16 August 20256 min readDetails Of T1'S Solar Vision Emerge After Bailing On $2.6B U.S. Battery Factory
Manufacturing Net
16 August 2025
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€250 Million Siemens Train Factory Officially Opened In Munich-AllachSiemens has marked a significant milestone by opening its newly expanded train factory in Munich-Allach, a move set to redefine rail manufacturing in Europe. Since 2023, the company has invested approximately 250 million euros into constructing modern buildings, state-of-the-art production facilities, and scaling up AI-based solutions. This investment underscores Siemens Mobility’s commitment to strengthening its European service network and maintaining its competitive edge in the global rail market. Notably, the expansion will generate over 500 new jobs, bringing the workforce to about 2,500 employees. As a result, the factory now stands among the most advanced train production sites on the continent.
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Moreover, this growth doubles the facility’s workspace from 47,000 to more than 100,000 square meters. For the first time, all products based on the Vectron locomotive platform, including the new Vectouro passenger cars, will be manufactured under one roof. This integration aims to boost efficiency and foster innovation across the production line. In addition, the site will triple its capacity for modern services and become the new headquarters for Siemens Mobility, consolidating research, development, production, and management. According to Roland Busch, CEO of Siemens AG, the factory embodies the future of networked mobility, blending automation, digitalization, and artificial intelligence.
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Equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as laser-guided installation, robotics, AI-enabled quality management, digital twins, and AI-driven software development, the expanded facility can now produce up to 385 Vectron locomotives and 180 passenger cars annually. Meanwhile, the Rail Service Centre will significantly ramp up its operations, increasing locomotive overhauls and accident repairs from 25 to 80 per year. Four additional service tracks, along with specialized workshops for bogies and wheelsets, will support this growth. Furthermore, around 70 data and software experts will join the Munich-Allach team to provide modular services and deploy the Railigent X application suite, enhancing support for international clients.
Interestingly, the Munich-Allach site carries a rich legacy that dates back over a century. Originally established in 1841, the facility was once a modest locomotive workshop. Over time, it has evolved into a global hub for rail technology, mirroring the transformation of the rail industry itself. Today, with Siemens’ continued investment, the factory symbolizes a perfect blend of heritage and innovation. By merging “heavy metal” manufacturing with “heavy AI,” Siemens is not only securing its position in the market but also shaping the future of sustainable rail transport across Europe and beyond.
Total Investment: €250 million invested since 2023 in new buildings, high-tech production facilities, and AI-based software solutions
Facility Size Doubled: Factory footprint expanded from 47,000 m² to over 100,000 m², nearly doubling usable space
Production Integration: For the first time, Siemens will manufacture both Vectron locomotives and Vectouro passenger cars on a single site
Enhanced Manufacturing Capacity: Annual production capacity increased to 385 Vectron locomotives and 180 passenger cars
Cutting‑Edge Tech: Adoption of advanced technologies including laser-guided installation, robotics, AI-enabled quality control, digital twins, and AI software development
AI‑Powered Maintenance: Service center capacity to triple, from 25 to 80 locomotive overhauls/repairs per year, supported by modular services and Railigent X solutions
Infrastructure Upgrades: Addition of four new service tracks and specialized workshops for wheelsets and bogies, strengthening heavy-maintenance operations
Software & Data Talent: Approximately 70 data and software specialists will join on‑site to support digital service delivery, including Railigent X
Job Creation: More than 500 new jobs created, bringing the total workforce to around 2,500 employees by 2028
Global HQ Consolidation: The site now houses Siemens Mobility’s global headquarters, bringing R&D, production, service, and management under one roof
Legacy and Innovation: Located on a historic site dating back to Krauss-Maffei’s locomotive production; now transformed into a modern, high-tech rail competence center
Future‑Ready Strategy: With this “heavy‑metal to heavy‑AI” shift, Siemens strengthens Germany’s position as a hub for competitive, digitized, sustainable rail manufacturing
Construction Review
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10 July 20254 min read€250 Million Siemens Train Factory Officially Opened In Munich-Allach
Construction Review
10 July 2025
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Orbic Builds $110M Device Factory To Boost Us-Made TechSubscribe to our free newsletter today to keep up to date with the latest manufacturing news.
Orbic Electronics has begun construction on a $110 million manufacturing facility in Hauppauge, New York, signaling a renewed commitment to domestic electronics production. The project, named “Project Patriot,” represents more than a corporate expansion. It aligns with broader economic and political efforts to reestablish the United States as a competitive player in global technology manufacturing.
The new facility, located at 555 Wireless Boulevard in Suffolk County, will serve as a cornerstone in Orbic’s plan to relocate high-tech device manufacturing from overseas locations back to American soil. With this initiative, Orbic is positioning itself as a key contributor to reshaping the US electronics supply chain, which has long been dominated by Asian manufacturers.
The choice of Long Island, specifically the Hauppauge Industrial Park, reflects Orbic’s focus on logistical efficiency, skilled labor availability, and regional infrastructure. With an existing 69,500-square-foot structure and a planned 75,000-square-foot expansion, the completed 144,500-square-foot facility is expected to become one of the largest high-tech manufacturing hubs in the region.
More than 1,000 jobs will be created as a result of this investment, ranging from skilled manufacturing roles to engineering and quality assurance positions. This employment boost is significant for Suffolk County, where job growth has lagged in manufacturing sectors, and for the broader New York economy.
Orbic’s strategy centers on reshoring, or moving production previously based in countries like China and India back to the United States. This approach responds to consumer demand for domestically produced goods and serves as a hedge against future disruptions like those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
By manufacturing in the United States, Orbic reduces its reliance on global supply chains that are susceptible to geopolitical tension, regulatory shifts, and shipping delays. The Hauppauge facility represents a move toward greater control over quality and scheduling.
This decision echoes a national trend among US-based technology firms seeking to build resilience into their operations. Orbic’s domestic presence is expected to provide customers with improved product traceability, lower lead times, and stronger after-sale support.
Orbic is also investing in talent development. Through partnerships with Suffolk County Community College and Queensborough Community College, the company is co-developing training programs designed to prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing and electronics assembly.
These programs will offer both classroom instruction and hands-on experience in areas such as circuit assembly, production automation, and electronics testing. The goal is to create a steady pipeline of local workers who are equipped to meet the demands of modern device production.
Rather than recruiting from outside the region, Orbic is prioritizing community engagement and workforce accessibility. This approach ties job growth directly to local education and aims to sustain long-term employment for residents.
New York State has committed up to $10 million in Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits to support the project. These performance-based incentives are linked to Orbic’s hiring and capital investment targets, ensuring accountability while encouraging growth.
Governor Kathy Hochul has described Project Patriot as a step forward in her administration’s goal to revitalize domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign production. Regional leaders have echoed this sentiment, calling the project a sign of confidence in Long Island’s industrial future.
Economic development officials view Orbic’s decision as a potential catalyst for further investment in the Hauppauge region, which offers proximity to transportation networks, existing infrastructure, and a population eager for stable employment in technology fields.
When production begins in 2026, the facility is expected to manufacture a wide range of connected devices. These include smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, wireless hotspots, and accessories, with a projected annual output of up to 5 million units.
This volume positions Orbic as one of the few US-based companies capable of producing consumer-grade electronics at scale. It offers an alternative to offshore providers, especially for government and enterprise clients that prioritize domestic sourcing and supply chain security.
Sources:
Manufacturing Today
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13 June 20254 min readOrbic Builds $110M Device Factory To Boost Us-Made Tech
Manufacturing Today
13 June 2025
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