When Low Wages Aren't Enough Anymore: Prospects for Remote Branch Plant Regionsin the International Economy

摘要

Branch plants of non-locally owned firms are rural America's most importantmanufacturing employers. Greater global trade puts many of these facilities at risk. The report's first section discusses globalization and reviews options of firms facing growing foreign competition. Section two assesses the role of branch plants in rural communities and describes the geographic and sectoral concentration of rural manufacturing branch plant employment in the U.S. Section three is a methodology to assess the importance of competitiveness to rural manufacturing branch plant sectors and firms. Sections four through six are case studies of four industries that are a major presence in rural areas and that have become global industries--apparel, textiles, auto parts, and food processing. Section seven has policy recommendations.