Caterpillar, Ultium Cells, Genentech and Avio USA disclosed a combined $3.25 billion in factory spending last week, a cluster of announcements that underscores how capital is flowing toward domestic capacity in equipment, batteries, biologics and munitions. The moves span North Carolina, Tennessee, Oregon and Virginia, with completion dates stretching from 2028 into the next decade.
Caterpillar bets on compact equipment
The equipment maker will spend roughly $1 billion on a greenfield site in Sanford, North Carolina, targeting production of compact track loaders and telehandlers. The company described the plant as a modern, technology-enabled operation with automation, digital production systems and integrated logistics. Caterpillar said the investment responds to growing demand from small contractors and expanding businesses. No hiring figures, construction timeline or incentive package were disclosed.
Ultium retools for a new chemistry
The LG Energy Solution and General Motors joint venture plans a $1 billion overhaul of its Spring Hill, Tennessee facility to manufacture lithium manganese-rich prismatic cells. Ultium claims the chemistry delivers 33 percent more energy density than lithium iron phosphate at a similar cost, and that it will be the first to produce the technology at commercial scale. The site, which received more than $2.3 billion in initial funding after the JV formed in late 2019 and a $275 million expansion in 2022, will keep making high-nickel batteries alongside the new line. Modifications start later this year, targeting a 2028 finish and 500 additional jobs. The announcement follows a seven-month shutdown at the venture's Ohio plant, which restarted in August after demand softened.
Genentech doubles fill-finish footprint
The Roche subsidiary broke ground on a $750 million expansion at its Hillsboro, Oregon campus, adding 211,000 square feet to double the existing facility. The project aims to bring device fill-finish capabilities for oncology, neurology and immunology medicines, with operations slated for 2031. Genentech expects 250 new roles, many blending manufacturing with artificial intelligence, automation and robotics expertise. The investment sits inside a broader $50 billion US commitment from Roche Group spanning manufacturing and research.
Avio builds for the defense industrial base
The Italian aerospace company's US subsidiary started construction on a $500 million solid rocket motor plant in Hurt, Virginia. The 900,000-square-foot facility targets production of thousands of motors annually for programs at Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, with roughly 1,500 jobs expected in Southern Virginia. Governor Abigail Spanberger unveiled the project in February; the state offered up to $97.7 million in incentives tied to investment and hiring. Construction targets late 2028 completion, with production beginning early 2029.