Manufacturers Moving Back to the USA

More Than 100 New Jobs Expected in Merlin

More manufacturing jobs are making their way to Merlin.

“It’s huge obviously for the Grants Pass, North Valley area,” said Michael Bird, a Project Consultant at Rendata Industrial Park.

So who’s moving in to the small town of Merlin The Green Builders Institute, which will make sustainable, easy-to-assemble housing.

“In the Rogue Valley and Josephine County there are a lot of small companies that can provide sub-components to us so that was a benefit,” said Michael Gandee, Chairman of The Green Builders Institute.

Could the Tide be Changing

In a recent study, it’s suggested that manufacturing will come back to the United States. Slowly, more companies are following the trend and deciding to manufacture in the U.S. rather than China.

“If you’re a small entrepreneurial company with a new idea, you’re a lot smarter to be in the USA than to be offshore,” explained Gandee.

While China may have cheaper prices for now, Gandee said China’s price advantage will soon go away as labor and shipping costs rise overseas.

That’s why Gandee said the company is staying in the Valley.

“To cover our cost, we convinced our major sub-component suppliers to also locate at the Rendata Industrial Park.”

Looking Ahead…

In the coming months the company plans to move equipment into the Rendata Industrial Park. By June of 2012 they plan to start hiring more than 100 workers.

“We’ve got a lot of community support for this project,” began Rendata’s Project Consultant, Bird. “These people coming here will be a big boost to our local economy,” he continued.

It’s a boost made possible by companies deciding to stay local and choose American.

Gandee, with The Green Builders Institute said they will be focused on hiring veterans in the Valley.

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