Labor costs don’t doom manufacturing in U.S.

Keywords Opinion
  • Comments
  • Print
Listen to this story

Subscriber Benefit

As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
This audio file is brought to you by
0:00
0:00
Loading audio file, please wait.
  • 0.25
  • 0.50
  • 0.75
  • 1.00
  • 1.25
  • 1.50
  • 1.75
  • 2.00

It’s a false choice that American manufacturing HAS to be more expensive [Carrier closing shows vagaries of modern manufacturing, Feb. 22].

Yes, labor costs are higher. Yes, few customers might be willing to pay more for an American-made product. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

If you can become more efficient in other ways, you can make up for the higher labor cost, especially if you have products that are expensive to ship from other countries. Look at how GE moved appliance manufacturing back to Kentucky. They don’t get to charge a premium at the store because it’s American made, but they (and others) have figured out how to make that work. It’s a shame that Carrier hasn’t figured this out.

__________

Mark Graban
Colleyville, Texas

Please enable JavaScript to view this content.

Story Continues Below

Editor's note: You can comment on IBJ stories by signing in to your IBJ account. If you have not registered, please sign up for a free account now. Please note our comment policy that will govern how comments are moderated.

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In