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For many Americans, two places are a symbol of a manufacturing downturn in the United States: the hollowed out car factory in Detroit and the vacant steel mill in Gary, Indiana.
For decades, the two cities
And the surrounding states that make up the "rust belt --
It has been a painful reminder that industry is declining, and outsourcing and globalization have had a devastating impact on manufacturing life and staff in the heart of the United States.
However, in the last five years, a rusty state: a strange thing happened in Indiana.
Away from Gary's abandoned factory, draw your eyes on the south side of the state map, and you will notice that there are factories in almost every industry, all over Indiana's vast corn fields.
This is not Michigan, Illinois, or Ohio, but rather the relatively humble flyover state, which has become the leader in manufacturing in the United States.
Michael Hicks, a professor of economics at Power State University, said: "When we moved, I couldn't believe that there were so many manufacturing activities here . ". "Shocking.
"The reality is that manufacturing has never really left Indiana except Gary --
This witnessed its wealth growth for the first time in the early 20 th century, when, as agriculture became more mechanized, young people in the country, formerly farmers, suddenly found themselves in difficult times.
Manufacturers recognize that Indiana has a capable and willing workforce and has built small and medium-sized factories across the state that primarily serve American automakers.
"We don't have a centralized factory --
We don't have Detroit, we don't have anyone.
Professor Hicks explained.
"This means that Indiana can maintain its manufacturing presence --
Mainly because of the steel industry's downward impact on Pittsburgh, or the automotive industry's less sensitive impact on Detroit.
"Manufacturing now accounts for an astonishing 30% of the country's economic output --
12% of the US gross domestic product (gdp (GDP)-
From car and car homes to pharmaceutical and biomedical equipment, almost all products are produced.
When indirect and induced work (
That is to say, retailers who choose to open in a small town to cater to manufacturing workers)
Count it in. nearly two-
The third reason for national economic activity is manufacturing.
Cummins is a nearly 100-year-
Old engine and power system manufacturers that started initially in Columbus, Indiana
100 other companies.
Clessie Cummins imported a license for the production of diesel engines.
Since then, Cummins has consistently focused on improving engine performance and innovation to grow into a global business on a scale that exceeds $20 bn (£13bn)
In sales and 50,000 employees.
This is a typical manufacturer in the state, employing about 7,000 workers in different locations.
Engine factory in Columbus
About 45 minutes drive south of Indiana
Nearly 700 employees work six days a week to assemble 600 engines each day that mainly enter the Chrysler RAM truck. Dana Sims -
His mother, brother and cousin all work in the factory.
She said that because it was a good job, she was attracted to the facility and then fell in love with the project.
As she wandered around the factory, she pointed out the machines nicknamed "Big Igor" and "giant torque" and then stopped in front of the company's latest robotic arm.
"It takes 51 seconds for this machine to finish what we did in the past in five minutes," she said . ".
When asked if she was worried that she would accept her job one day, she said with a smile that it was just making her job easier and mitigating the possible harm that workers like her might cause
It is the combination of advanced manufacturing and educated and knowledgeable workers that keeps Cummins profitable --and in Indiana.
Ceo Tom Linebarger, the company's sixth-ever leader, said these factors, in addition to changes in the nature of the supply chain, were one of the reasons the company chose to invest $200 (£130m)
In another factory in southern Seymour
We conducted global research on manufacturing.
Cost of efficiency and cost of global supply
We have studied factories in India, China, and even the UK. In general, Seymour is the best . "
He believes that the company's success lies not only in its relentless pursuit of global opportunities, but also in its foundation.
"There is no doubt that the culture of the company is the culture of the Midwest --
"It's modest and a person who wants to support the community," he said . ".
It's not just Cummins that is expanding: GM is committed to investing $1. 2bn (£670m)
At a factory in Fort Wayne, the state has succeeded in attracting businesses such as steel maker T & B Tube and shelf company Edsal Manufacturing from Illinois to Gary's border.
This growth is even more surprising because during the recession, forecasters have been predicting that the state's unemployment rate will rise due to the sensitivity of manufacturing to the recession (
Most consumers reduce big purchases like household appliances and cars in the first place, which usually affects manufacturers in a disproportional way).
This has not happened, mainly because the Indiana government has taken a series of prescient actions.
"Indiana is seen as a reasonable Island," said Brian Burton, the new head of the Indiana Manufacturers Association . ".
"Over the past 10 years, we have had major regulatory and tax structural reforms that have helped us gain a competitive advantage.
"In what some think is prudent in the Midwest, Indiana has funded its state workers' pension plan --
Not like a state like Illinois.
Allowing it to implement a series of tax cuts before the recession makes the country attractive to businesses.
In addition, the state passed the "right to work" legislation in 2012, which means that the Union cannot force everyone in the Union factory to pay their dues
The move could weaken the organized workforce, but the company is optimistic.
Although some scholars
Including Professor Hicks.
A study by Indiana Economic Development found that 12,000 jobs and more than $1 in revenue after the law changed. 2bn (£670m)
The company said they chose Indiana because it was a right --to-work state.
Industry insiders are concerned that the upcoming wave of retirement may have an impact on the labor force, as nearly 40% of the state's existing manufacturing employees are expected to retire in the next few years.
That's why politicians, companies like Cummins, and local schools are investing in educating another wave of potential employees.
Ensure that industries that have been powering the country since the agricultural era continue to provide economic engines.