It’s just business: manufacturing moves from Foxconn, Nokia, Proper Beverage Co. and more

The business of manufacturing never stops, even as we approach a busy holiday season. Mergers, investments and strategic expansions are necessary for industrial companies to keep competitive. Below, see five such recent actions manufacturers are making in the industrial space today. 

Expansion: Local news site WZZM13 reported that Proper Beverage Co. would expand its Kentwood, Michigan beverage packing plant by building a new, 300,000-square-foot plant. While the company didn’t disclose how much it would pay for the new factory, it did say the new facility would eventually employ 400 people in the area. Proper Beverage President Brian Hirsch called the move “an investment in both quality and community.” The new facility is expected to start operations in mid-2026.

Investment: Nokia announced November 21 that it would spend $4 billion on its U.S. operations to focus on semiconductor manufacturing and AI development. According to the company, $3.5 billion of the money will go towards U.S. R&D, while the remaining $500 million wil go towards manufacturing and R&D sites in Texas, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Nokia CEO Justin Hotard, in a statement, said the new investments would improve national security and drive new research into networking technology.

Acquisition: Fairbanks Morse Defense announced November 24 it had agreed to acquire IMI PLC to acquire the latter company’s Truflo Marine business, which builds advanced valves for submarines and other naval vessels. Fairbanks Morse, a manufacturer and servicer of naval power and propulsion systems, in a statement said the acquisition would strengthen its ability to support submarine operations. Fairbanks Morse Defense CEO Steve Pykett said the acquisition complements his company’s existing submarine services.

Expansion: TFP Nutrition announced November 17 that it would build a new manufacturing plant in Platteville, Colorado. The pet food and animal nutrition company said the new plant is meant to invest in the company’s growth for serving customers in the Western United States. The company did not disclose how much it would spend on the new factory, but it did say the new plant is scheduled to begin operations in January 2026.

Expansion: Foxconn, a.k.a. Hon Hai Technology group, announced November 25 it would spend $569 million to expand its operations in Racine County, Wisconsin. According to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, the expansion will create an estimated 1,374 new jobs over the next four years. In a statement, chief product officer for Foxconn Jerry Hsiao said the expansion would help the Taiwanese electronics manufacturer keep up with demand for data center infrastructure. The WEDC confirmed the new expansion makes Foxconn eligible for $96 million in performance-based tax credits.