Latest news with #inAmerica
CNBC
08-08-2025
- Business
- CNBC
Why it's so difficult to manufacture in the U.S.
At a 540,000-square-foot facility in Seymour, Indiana, Guardian Bikes is pulling off a unique challenge: making children's bikes in America. The company says it produces about 12,000 bikes per week, a manufacturing feat that has become increasingly uncommon in the U.S. "All the way back to World War II era, pretty much every bike sold in the United States was made in the U.S.," said Guardian Bikes co-founder and CEO Brian Riley. "By the time you get to the '70s, '80s, '90s, it all evaporated." Over the last four decades, many American factories have shut down as production moved overseas in search of cheaper labor and larger supplier networks. Between 1997 and 2023 the number of U.S. manufacturing firms and plants dropped by 25% as global trade barriers fell, according to the World Resources Institute. Now, as companies like Apple, IBM and Johnson & Johnson pledge billions towards U.S. manufacturing and politicians call for reshoring, Guardian offers a glimpse into the possibilities and difficulties of being "Made in America." "It wasn't easy," said Riley. "It even took kind of getting into losing money for a little bit." Guardian Bikes used to rely on a Chinese original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to build its product based on specifications provided by Guardian. But long shipping times and quality concerns prompted a pivot. Starting in 2022, Guardian opened its own plant in the Midwest with the help of $19 million in financing from JPMorgan. Riley said the higher cost of producing domestically is offset by automation, lower inventory costs, and in some cases, tariffs. "With the most recent tariff environment, we're starting to get either cost parity or in some cases, the domestic parts are cheaper than what you can get out of China," said Riley. But building a domestic supply chain from scratch isn't easy. Many parts, like bicycle chains and reflectors, are no longer made in the U.S. at scale. Experts say finding input suppliers is one of many challenges companies face in bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. Meanwhile, countries like China and Vietnam have become manufacturing powerhouses, investing billions more in factories and training. Even with new tariffs and federal subsidies under the CHIPS Act, some economists remain skeptical of a true U.S. "manufacturing renaissance." "Think about how much a pair of sneakers would cost if they were made here in the United States, or a phone or any number of the items that you go to a retail store to purchase. It would be a lot more expensive," said Colin Grabow, associate director at the Cato Institute's Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies. "So we should all welcome the fact that goods are being produced in the most efficient ways possible, because that lowers prices for us and allows us to raise our standard of living." To learn more about how Guardian Bikes is pulling off "Made in America," watch the video above.
Business Wire
03-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Invested in America: Philip Morris International Highlights Bold Commitment to America Through New National Ad Campaign
STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Philip Morris International's U.S. businesses ('PMI U.S.') unveiled 'Invested in America,' a bold advertising campaign that brings to life the company's deep-rooted commitment and increased contributions to America and Americans. The campaign's message is grounded in the role PMI U.S. is playing in powering job growth, revitalizing manufacturing, improving public health by offering adults 21+ who smoke better choices, and strengthening communities across the nation. 'Philip Morris International is invested in America's future—and we have a proud story to tell,' said Stacey Kennedy, CEO of PMI U.S. 'From building our advanced manufacturing facilities to contributing to progress within communities nationwide, the people of PMI U.S. are helping to write America's next chapter. Our story is part of the story of America, unfolding from our global headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, to our operations across America's heartland, where we will continue to create high-quality, high-paying jobs and invest in innovation for generations to come.' The ad campaign captures PMI U.S.'s vision of what responsible business leadership looks like in today's America, grounded in the places it calls home. It is rooted in concrete actions that deliver tangible benefits to American workers, communities, and the economy. The campaign will launch on July 3 with full-page print advertisements, and a corresponding digital campaign will follow. Together, the ads will introduce PMI U.S.'s vision to decision-makers and opinion leaders across the business, policy, and civic spheres, inviting them to join a coalition of stakeholders dedicated to the country's success. It will also tell the PMI U.S. story to Americans, who want to see corporations step up to the challenges they see in their lives and communities. 'Invested in America' will highlight the four pillars of PMI U.S.'s American commitment: America's Manufacturing Comeback: With announced plans to invest over $800 million in new and expanded U.S. manufacturing facilities to produce smoke-free products, PMI U.S. isn't just growing American manufacturing—it's supporting a renaissance, creating high-skilled, high-paying jobs that contribute to thriving communities. Advancing Public Health: PMI, which has never sold cigarettes in the U.S., is on a mission to help America's ~30 million legal-age adults who smoke replace combustible cigarettes—by far the most harmful way to consume nicotine—with FDA-authorized, smoke-free alternatives that are scientifically substantiated to be a better choice for adults 21+ who would otherwise smoke. Strengthening Communities: PMI U.S.'s approach to corporate citizenship involves strategic investment in communities where its employees and 21+ adult consumers live and work, focusing on sustainable impact rather than short-term interventions. It is committed to causes that matter to Americans, including supporting military veterans and their families, promoting economic empowerment, and responding to natural disasters. Purpose-Driven Performance: With $14+ billion invested globally in smoke-free innovation since 2008, PMI is driving transformative solutions while delivering strong business results. Philip Morris International is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, and PMI U.S. has multiple operations in Virginia, Colorado, North Carolina, and Kentucky. As it opens and expands facilities, the business is generating hundreds of high-quality jobs and millions of dollars in direct investment in communities around the country. PMI U.S. has also contributed approximately $25 million to charitable causes since 2022. In 2024 alone—the first official year of its philanthropy program—PMI U.S. and its employees contributed more than $10 million to 327 nonprofits in 35 states. 'This campaign embodies our innovation and determination to reshape an entire industry and strengthen America,' Kennedy added. 'It also reflects our commitment to meaningful investments that create genuine value for our business, our workforce, and our communities. In every state where we operate, we're not just doing business—we're creating opportunities that will define the America of tomorrow.' Invested in America Philip Morris International Inc.'s U.S. businesses (collectively, 'PMI U.S.') are on a mission to improve public health in America by providing the ~30 million legal-age consumers who still smoke traditional cigarettes with better, smoke-free alternatives. PMI U.S. is committed to responsible marketing practices that help prevent access to its products by people under the age of 21. PMI U.S. businesses employ more than 2,500 people across America and operate product manufacturing facilities, including in Owensboro, Kentucky, and Wilson, North Carolina. Since 2022, PMI U.S. has contributed approximately $25 million to charitable causes, amplifying the good work of organizations already active within communities through financial contributions and volunteering. For more information, please visit and Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements This press release contains projections of future results and goals and other forward-looking statements, including statements regarding expected operational performance; capital expenditures; and business plans and strategies. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and inaccurate assumptions. In the event that risks or uncertainties materialize, or underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements. Pursuant to the 'safe harbor' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, PMI is identifying important factors that, individually or in the aggregate, could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements made by PMI. PMI's business risks include: excise tax increases and discriminatory tax structures; increasing marketing and regulatory restrictions that could reduce our competitiveness, eliminate our ability to communicate with adult consumers, or ban certain of our products in certain markets or countries; health concerns relating to the use of tobacco and other nicotine-containing products and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke; litigation related to tobacco and/or nicotine use and intellectual property; intense competition; the effects of global and individual country economic, regulatory and political developments, natural disasters and conflicts; the impact and consequences of Russia's invasion of Ukraine; changes in adult smoker behavior; the impact of natural disasters and pandemics on PMI's business; lost revenues as a result of counterfeiting, contraband and cross-border purchases; governmental investigations; unfavorable currency exchange rates and currency devaluations, and limitations on the ability to repatriate funds; adverse changes in applicable corporate tax laws; recent and potential future tariffs imposed by the U.S. and other countries; adverse changes in the cost, availability, and quality of tobacco and other agricultural products and raw materials, as well as components and materials for our electronic devices; and the integrity of its information systems and effectiveness of its data privacy policies. PMI's future profitability may also be adversely affected should it be unsuccessful in its attempts to introduce, commercialize, and grow smoke-free products or if regulation or taxation do not differentiate between such products and cigarettes; if it is unable to successfully introduce new products, promote brand equity, enter new markets or improve its margins through increased prices and productivity gains; if it is unable to expand its brand portfolio internally or through acquisitions and the development of strategic business relationships; if it is unable to attract and retain the best global talent, including women or diverse candidates; or if it is unable to successfully integrate and realize the expected benefits from recent transactions and acquisitions. Future results are also subject to the lower predictability of our smoke-free products performance. PMI is further subject to other risks detailed from time to time in its publicly filed documents, including PMI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024, and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. PMI cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not a complete discussion of all potential risks and uncertainties. PMI does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that it may make from time to time, except in the normal course of its public disclosure obligations. References to 'PMI' mean the Philip Morris International family of companies. 'PMI U.S.,' 'we,' 'our,' and 'us' refer to PMI U.S. businesses.
Indian Express
25-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Donald Trump's iPhone lookalike T1 Phone may not come with ‘Made in America' label: Report
Last week, United States President Donald Trump launched a new smartphone called the T1 Phone. The Trump Organization describes the new phone as 'a sleek, gold smartphone, engineered for performance and proudly designed and built in the United States.' Now, a recent report by the Financial Times suggests that it will be hard for the Trump T1 phone to bear the 'Made in America' tag. In a statement to the publication, a Trump Mobile spokesperson said that the $499 T1 Phone is manufactured in 'Alabama, California and Florida'. However, they did not offer any details about the production partners or how they plan to source components made in the US. Moreover, there are no details about the manufacturing facilities where the T1 phone will be made. According to Todd Weaver, CEO of Purism, it is hard to make a smartphone with the specifications Trump Mobile has promised. 'Unless the Trump family secretly built out a secure, onshore or nearshore fabrication operation over years of work without anyone noticing, it's simply not possible to deliver what they're promising', he added. Purism's Librem 5 is the only phone in the world that carries the Made in America label. But since the company focuses on US manufacturing, its products are unable to compete with big smartphone manufacturers like Samsung or Apple when it comes to software or hardware specifications. If we take a look at the specifications of the T1 Phone, it resembles smartphones from existing Chinese manufacturers like Vivo and Umidigi, which means the T1 Phone may be a rebranded version of a budget Chinese phone from a fairly less popular brand. Also, according to the Federal Trade Commission's guidelines, to get a 'Made in the USA' label, the T1 Phone will require almost all or virtually all of its components to be made in the country.
Newsweek
12-06-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Most Women Can Spot 'Toxic Masculinity' After This Many Dates
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Roughly 79 percent of women said they could spot "toxic masculinity" as early as the third date in a new study, which also found that nearly 7 in 10 said there was a growing emotional divide between men and women. Why It Matters Toxic masculinity generally refers to harmful beliefs and behaviors related to masculine ideals taken to the extreme. The phrase can include a wide array of behavior, from actions to dominate and harm women to homophobia, pushing down emotions and being overly aggressive and competitive with other men. As increasing numbers of Americans stay single and women have become financially independent from men today, any hint of toxic masculinity on an early date could be a dealbreaker. Its overall impact on dating culture could also lead to long-term tension between the sexes. What To Know Toxic masculinity is seen as a deal-breaker for many women, according to Match's Singles in America study of 75,000 singles. Among all singles, the traits most closely associated with healthy masculinity were kindness and empathy (34 percent), and nearly 8 in 10 women said they could spot toxic masculinity by the third date. Nearly 70 percent of women said the emotional divide is growing between the genders. The lived experiences of men and women in dating can have stark contrasts. A third of single men said women assume they're only interested in sex, and one in four feel unfairly labeled commitment-phobic. "It's understandable that women are turned off by toxic masculinity right now. The feminist movement is being eroded by a historic backlash against the #MeToo movement. We are in scary times for sure," Dr. Wendy Walsh, a relationship expert from DatingAdvice, told Newsweek. "However, can we please slow the roll on the toxic masculinity finger pointing? Ladies, please! Every male behavior isn't toxic. It may just be, well, it may just be a masculine trait. Now, I'm not saying that toxic masculinity doesn't exist, nor that it doesn't hurt women. It's there and it does. But is it overdiagnosed? For sure." On the other hand, many women felt misjudged as only looking for a provider over a partner, and often felt men believed they were looking for hookups over a meaningful connection. File photo of a man and woman dining in New York City's Bryant Park on August 13, 2021. File photo of a man and woman dining in New York City's Bryant Park on August 13, the growing gap between men and women, singles are more likely to believe in love now than they were in 2014. The belief in love at first sight nearly doubled from 34 percent to 60 percent in that time frame, and 73 percent of all singles still believe in forever love. Roughly seven in 10 even said they believe in destiny when it comes to relationships. "Today's singles are rejecting the one-size-fits-all approach to dating," Garcia said. "The human desire for love has not changed, but the ways in which single adults pursue and prioritize it are radically evolving." The study also found that nearly half of singles in their 40s were having sex at least once a month, and 93 percent said sexual compatibility and chemistry are key factors in romantic relationships. "By their 40s, many singles have outgrown the pressure to perform or conform," said Dr. Amanda Gesselman, director of Sex and Relationship Science at Match, in a statement. "They know what they like, and they're unapologetic about it. For them, sex isn't about experimentation, it's about refinement." Still, 47 percent of all singles reported feeling burned out by dating, and 54 percent feel drained by the modern dating scene. What People Are Saying Dr. Wendy Walsh, a relationship expert from DatingAdvice, told Newsweek: "It is important that women notice when a man feels threatened by a woman's power and attempts to compensate through bragging, intimidation, and that age-old psychological trick that many men use—putting down a woman to undermine her self-esteem." Dr. Justin Garcia, chief scientific adviser to Match and executive director of the Kinsey Institute, said in a statement: "There's a disconnect between the way many people define masculinity, and how men and people who date men want them to show up in relationships. Kindness and empathy are universally desired traits when it comes to finding a romantic partner, and this year they rose even higher up the rankings. Emotional depth, among both men and women, is incredibly valuable as singles search for someone they can reliably weather the storms of life with." What Happens Next For some women, toxic masculinity might be confused with a desire for traditional gender roles, Walsh said. "Gender roles are learned within families, and there are still plenty of men who need a little nudge and education in this area to make things feel fair at home. But I think it's an overreach to call a man like this 'toxic' when he's just been conditioned by his family of origin," Walsh said. However, Walsh said far more men than women are diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder, with up to 7 percent of men potentially having the disorder. Since narcissists tend to be the "poster boys" for toxic masculinity, it makes sense why women are on guard, Walsh said. However, there are still differences between genders that may need to be understood before establishing a healthy relationship, she added. "Just like in politics, I think men and women need move closer to the middle. It's unrealistic to hope your boyfriend will think and feel just like a girlfriend," Walsh said. "You can marry a girlfriend if you like. We all need to understand that there are documented sex brain differences. Understanding, male psychology would help many women in their dating lives just as it is incumbent on men to learn how women think, feel and behave. The best relationships happen when partners have curiosity and empathy for each other."
Business Wire
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Americans to Corporate America: Step Up, Get Local, and Lead with Your Values
STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A groundbreaking new survey, 'Invested in America: Today's High Standards for U.S. Companies,' released today on behalf of Philip Morris International's U.S. businesses ('PMI U.S.'), reveals that the majority of Americans expect corporations to take a leading role in addressing community and societal challenges—favoring local impact. The PMI U.S. Philanthropy 2025 Benchmark Survey, conducted in April among 1,000 U.S. adults aged 21+, offers a portrait of a public that wants companies to go beyond business as usual. Companies are viewed as powerful and potentially better equipped than the government to drive change but only if CEO visibility and philanthropy are authentic and focused on genuine community betterment. The survey found: 84% of Americans believe big companies have an ethical responsibility to support the communities where they operate. 78% say they're more likely to buy from a brand that shares their values. 72% say corporations should help solve major systemic issues. 59% believe corporations may be better equipped than the government to tackle society's most pressing problems. 'These findings make it clear: The era of pragmatic philanthropy is here,' said Stacey Kennedy, CEO of PMI U.S. 'Americans are hungry for a new, grounded approach to ethical responsibility that's about listening to communities, investing locally, and showing up consistently.' When asked what makes a company a good neighbor, Americans overwhelmingly prioritize practical action over platitudes. Hiring locally and supporting small businesses (26%) and maintaining a consistent, visible presence in communities (23%) topped the list of valued practices. Meanwhile, 86% said the best way for a company to support a community is by offering stable, well-paying jobs. It's clear that Americans have little tolerance for performative-only philanthropy. Respondents ranked 'failing to listen' as the number one mistake companies make in community engagement, followed closely by 'doing it for PR.' They want companies to partner with local leaders, invest in jobs training, and build trust through sustained involvement, not one-off donations. The public holds complex views on business leadership. While 68% think CEOs should take public stands on key issues, a majority (58%) say they prefer not to know a CEO's political leanings. What matters more is visible involvement: CEOs who are active in their communities and empower their employees to give back earn the public's trust and support. Taken as a whole, the survey findings offer current guidance for PMI U.S. and other companies during a complex time for corporate leadership. 'It's clear that a deliberate approach of listening to learn is key,' said J.B. Simko, Chief Civil Society & Underage Prevention Officer at PMI U.S. 'Americans want to see partnerships that strengthen local communities and a shift from grand charity to shared responsibility and active collaboration. Corporate giving and engagement must focus more on tailored support and long-term partnerships that meaningfully address local needs – an approach we strive to take in the communities where we live and work.' As part of its mission to improve public health by offering science-backed, smoke-free products that are better alternatives to continued smoking, PMI U.S. is also committed to being a good neighbor in the communities where its people live and work. The company has invested more than $832 million in new and expanded manufacturing facilities in America that provide well-paying jobs, and its affiliates have contributed more than $25 million in worthy causes since 2022, prioritizing military veterans and their families, economic empowerment, and disaster preparedness and relief. Survey Methodology The PMI U.S. Philanthropy 2025 Survey was fielded by 3W Insights between April 22 and 27, 2025, among 1,000 U.S. adults 21 and older. The survey was conducted online using opt-in panel participants. The survey is representative of the U.S. population, based on known Census demographics and geographics. The margin of error for this survey is +/-3.1%, with higher margins of error for subgroups. Statistical testing was conducted at a 95% confidence level, and subgroup findings in this analysis are statistically significant at 95% confidence. About PMI Invested in America Philip Morris International Inc.'s U.S. businesses (collectively, 'PMI U.S.') are on a mission to improve public health in America by providing the ~30 million legal-age consumers who still smoke traditional cigarettes with better, smoke-free alternatives. PMI U.S. is committed to responsible marketing practices that help prevent access to its products by people under the age of 21. PMI U.S. businesses employ more than 2,500 people across America and operate product manufacturing facilities, including in Owensboro, Kentucky, and Wilson, North Carolina. Since 2022, PMI U.S. has contributed approximately $25 million to charitable causes, amplifying the good work of organizations already active within communities through financial contributions and volunteering. For more information, please visit and References to 'PMI' mean the Philip Morris International family of companies. 'PMI U.S.,' 'we,' 'our,' and 'us' refer to PMI U.S. businesses.
