Johnson & Johnson’s US$1bn Investment for Vision & Eye Care

“By further strengthening our Vision operations in Jacksonville with next-generation manufacturing, packaging and distribution capabilities, we are enhancing the resilience of our US supply chain while helping more people see better and live better.

“This commitment reflects the confidence we have in our people, our technology and our more than 40-year legacy of advancing eye health globally.”

By investing in next-generation technologies, Johnson & Johnson is positioning itself to better serve the evolving needs of eye care consumers and healthcare professionals.

Strengthening healthcare supply chains

The Jacksonville expansion reflects Johnson & Johnson’s broader strategy to reinforce domestic healthcare manufacturing and distribution infrastructure.

Company leadership emphasised that advanced manufacturing in the US plays a critical role in delivering innovative, high-quality healthcare solutions for patients.

The investment forms part of Johnson & Johnson’s previously announced US$55bn commitment to US manufacturing, research and development and technology through early 2029.

Construction of the new facility is already underway, with full operations expected to begin in 2028.

“Johnson & Johnson’s commitment is a strong vote of confidence in Jacksonville, our workforce and our future,” says Mayor Donna Deegan.

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‘When Was The Last Time…’

President Donald Trump said that the U.S. lost semiconductor manufacturing to Taiwan and other countries and lauded his efforts to bring chip production back to America.

Trump took to Truth Social early Thursday and highlighted the partnerships he facilitated between Intel Corporation, Nvidia Corporation and Tesla Inc. to design and manufacture chips domestically.

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“…we helped bring in Nvidia, and they agreed to build their first level Chips with Intel. Next, Elon agreed to build his TerraFab, the largest Chip Factory in the World, designed together with Intel’s Technology team,” Trump wrote.

He then confirmed that Apple Inc. has also “agreed to work” with Intel to design and build its chips in the U.S.

Trump also blamed previous administrations for allowing the semiconductor technology, which was “invented” in the U.S., to decline by failing to implement protective tariffs.

The President also highlighted how Intel’s value has surged from about $100 billion to over $600 billion since the U.S. investment nine months ago, boosting America’s stake to more than $60 billion.

“When was the last time a President made America money??” he wrote.

Apple Explores Intel-Made Chips

Trump’s post comes after a Wall Street Journal report in May suggested that Apple and Intel have reached a preliminary deal for Intel to manufacture some Apple-designed chips, potentially reducing Apple’s reliance on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. and reshaping the semiconductor supply chain.

Trending: Avoid the #1 Investing Mistake: How Your ‘Safe’ Holdings Could Be Costing You Big Time

The companies have not revealed which Apple products will use Intel-made chips, and key terms of the agreement remain undisclosed.

Apple and Intel did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comments.

US Intel Stake Generates Return

On Wednesday, Intel’s 18A-P semiconductor node entered the risk production phase, marking a significant milestone in the company’s advanced manufacturing timeline. This development aligns with the schedule Intel shared with customers and partners in 2025.

The U.S. government acquired a 9.9% passive stake in Intel in August, purchasing 433.3 million shares at $20.47 each through an $8.9 billion investment tied to the CHIPS Act and Secure Enclave funding. At Intel’s current price of $120.10, the government’s stake is now worth nearly $52.04 billion, representing an unrealized gain of about $43.14 billion, or almost a 5.8x return on the original $8.9 billion investment.

Image via Shutterstock

Read Next: 

Building Wealth Across More Than Just the Market

Building a resilient portfolio means thinking beyond a single asset or market trend. Economic cycles shift, sectors rise and fall, and no one investment performs well in every environment. That’s why many investors look to diversify with platforms that provide access to real estate, fixed-income opportunities, precious metals, and even self-directed retirement accounts. By spreading exposure across multiple asset classes, it becomes easier to manage risk, capture steady returns, and create long-term wealth that isn’t tied to the fortunes of just one company or industry.

Arrived

Backed by Jeff Bezos, Arrived Homes makes real estate investing accessible with a low barrier to entry. Investors can buy fractional shares of single-family rentals and vacation homes starting with as little as $100. This allows everyday investors to diversify into real estate, collect rental income, and build long-term wealth without needing to manage properties directly.

ARK7

Residential real estate has historically provided investors with income potential and long-term appreciation, but direct ownership can be expensive and time-consuming. ARK7 enables investors to buy fractional shares of rental properties, offering access to potential rental income and real estate exposure without property management responsibilities. By lowering the barrier to entry, the platform gives investors another way to diversify beyond traditional stocks and bonds.

Doroni

Electric aviation is an emerging industry with the potential to transform personal transportation and urban mobility. Doroni is developing eVTOL aircraft designed for personal use, aiming to combine the convenience of a car with the flexibility of vertical flight. As interest in advanced air mobility grows worldwide, the company is positioning itself within a sector that could play a significant role in the future of transportation.

Immersed

Immersed is building technology for the future of work through spatial computing. Known for its AR/VR productivity platform that enables users to work across multiple virtual screens, the company has grown to more than 1.5 million users worldwide. Immersed is also developing Visor, a lightweight headset designed specifically for professional productivity, positioning the company at the intersection of remote work, extended reality (XR), and next-generation computing.

Vinovest

Fine wine and rare whiskey have historically moved independently of the stock market, making them a compelling alternative asset. Vinovest manages authenticated, insured portfolios of investment-grade wine and whiskey starting at $5,000 — sourcing, storage, and insurance all handled for you.

EnergyX

EnergyX is a clean energy technology company focused on direct lithium extraction and refinery technologies for the lithium-ion battery supply chain. Its proprietary DLE systems are designed to recover lithium from brine resources more efficiently and with less environmental impact, supporting efforts to expand lithium supply for electric vehicles, grid-scale storage, and other battery applications.

FarmTogether

Farmland has historically held its value through market volatility and delivered returns uncorrelated to stocks and bonds. For accredited investors, FarmTogether offers direct access to high-quality U.S. farmland starting at $15,000 — fully managed, with no landlord headaches.

EquityMultiple

For accredited investors looking beyond stocks and bonds, EquityMultiple provides access to vetted commercial real estate deals starting at $5,000, with only ~5% of opportunities passing their due diligence process.

Fundrise

Private real estate and private credit can add income and stability to a stock-heavy portfolio. Fundrise offers access to diversified private real estate and credit strategies through an easy-to-use platform, with professionally managed portfolios designed to generate passive income and long-term growth.

American Hartford Gold

American Hartford Gold is a precious metals dealer that helps clients buy physical gold and silver coins and bars, either for direct delivery or within self-directed precious metals IRAs. The company’s services include gold and silver IRAs, IRA rollovers, and home delivery of bullion, giving investors a way to use tangible metals to diversify portfolios and seek protection against inflation and market volatility.

Mode Mobile

Mode Mobile is changing the way people interact with their phones by letting users earn money from the same apps and activities they already use every day. Instead of platforms keeping all the advertising revenue, Mode Mobile shares a portion back with users who engage with content, play games, and scroll on their devices. Named one of Deloitte’s fastest-growing software companies in North America, the company has built a large beta user base and is scaling a model that turns everyday smartphone usage into a potential income stream.

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Senate Finance Committee to Consider ITC Nominees

Bites (noun): more meaty news to sink your teeth into.

Barks (noun): peripheral noise worth your attention.

Want to have your doggie(s) featured in one of our future Barks & Bites Columns? Send your dogs photo(s) along with their name, breed (if you know it) and their age to [email protected]. All photos will be added to the IPWatchdog Dog Wall at IPWatchdog Studios and will be added to the queue of images we select from each week.  

This week in Other Barks & Bites: Circuit Judge Leonard Stark authors a concurrence explaining the Federal Circuit’s changes to the skilled searcher test in Ironburg Inventions v. Valve; Senate committees separately advance bills aimed at clarifying the framework for likeness rights in collegiate sports and creating a federal right to a person’s likeness; the Senate Finance Committee announces a hearing to vet several of President Trump’s nominees, including Peter-Anthony Pappas; USPTO Director John Squires issues a decision declining discretionary denial and designated informative in part for its analysis of U.S. manufacturing considerations; EU officials announce the seizure of 66,000 counterfeit World Cup football kits as part of Operation CLEANTRADE; and the Senate HELP Committee advances a pair of bills that would favor generic and biosimilar drugmakers over pharmaceutical patent owners.

Bites 

CAFC Reverses Estoppel Rulings Against Valve in Ironburg Patent Case – On Thursday, June 18, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) issued a precedential ruling in Ironburg Inventions Ltd. v. Valve Corp. reversing the Western District of Washington’s ruling that Valve was estopped from challenging the validity of Ironburg’s patents on grounds that were not raised in inter partes review (IPR) proceedings because the district court both relied on insufficient evidence to find one validity ground estopped and improperly accounted for hindsight bias in estopping the other ground. Circuit Judge Leonard Stark authored a concurrence noting several major contributions that the majority’s opinion made to the skilled searcher test, which gives patentees the burden of showing both that the prior art references were findable by a skilled searcher, and that the skilled searcher would have reasonably been expected to discover the invalidity ground the challenger seeks to assert in court.

Senate Finance Committee to Hold Nomination Hearing on Pappas’ USITC Appointment – On Thursday, June 18, U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) announced that the full committee will convene for a hearing next Thursday morning at 10 AM to discuss five President Donald Trump nominees to make up the full membership of the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC), which currently only has three sitting commissioners of the six commissioners that are provided for by statute. One of the nominees to be questioned next Thursday is Peter-Anthony Pappas, currently Director of Intellectual Property Policy under Senate IP Subcommittee Chairman Thom Tillis (R-NC) who has earned support from Council for Innovation Promotion (C4IP) Executive Director Frank Cullen both for his efforts to improve subject matter eligibility analyses, including contributions to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s 2019 Revised Subject Matter Eligibility Guidelines, and his efforts in debunking false claims about patent thickets and evergreening. 

Athletic Industry Support Helps Send Protect College Sports Act to Senate Floor – On Thursday, June 18, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation voted 19-9 on a bipartisan basis to advance the Protect College Sports Act to the floor of the U.S. Senate with several amendments to the bill advanced by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Ted Budd (R-NC) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). This Tuesday, new support was raised for the bill, which aims to create a framework to stabilize name, image and likeness (NIL) rights in collegiate sports, by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Team USA Athletes’ Commission and players’ associations for both the National Football League and National Basketball Association, adding to the 20 collegiate conferences and other collegiate organizations.

Senate HELP Committee Advances Pair of Bills Targeting Pharma Patent Owners – On Wednesday, June 17, the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee held a markup hearing for a series of bills that ultimately target pharmaceutical companies protecting their drugs through patent rights in favor of generic and biosimilar drugmakers who market cheap versions of patented drugs. While the HELP Committee did not vote on the Ensuring Timely Access to Generics Act, which received a series of nine amendments from Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT), the committee did advance two bills toward a full vote on the Senate floor: the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act, which would make it easier for biosimilar makers to prove interchangeability with the biologic equivalent, and the Medication Affordability and Patent Integrity Act, which would require applications for U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to certify that information it has submitted for FDA approval is consistent with patent filings at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Fourth Circuit Affirms “HAVANA CLUB” Trademark Renewal Granted 10 Years After Deadline – On Tuesday, June 16, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit issued a ruling in Bacardi & Company Ltd. v. Squires affirming the Eastern District of Virginia’s summary judgment ruling finding that trademark owner Cubaexport finding that a 2016 order by the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control properly validated Cubaexport’s renewal payment that was due in 2005. The Fourth Circuit found that, while the USPTO Director acted within his statutory authority to deny trademark registration when it determined that Cubaexport lacked required licenses for the wire transfer of funds to pay for its 2005 trademark renewal, Cubaexport’s ability to secure an OFAC license for the transfer in 2016 properly authorized the 2005 transaction.

PTAB Ruling Declining Discretionary Denial for U.S. Manufacturing is Designated Informative – On Monday, June 15, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced its ruling in Tesla, Inc. v. Bulletproof Property Management, LLC which denied patent owner Bulletproof’s request for discretionary denial for a series of inter partes review (IPR) proceedings petitioned by Tesla. The decision, issued by Director John Squires and immediately designated as an informative decision for the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), declined discretionary denial for several reasons including a broad stipulation on co-pending district court litigation, petitioner demonstration of an apparent USPTO error, Tesla filed its petitions within two years of issuance of each challenged patent, and Tesla provided evidence that it manufactures the products accused of infringing Bulletproof’s patents within the United States.

Barks

Unanimous Senate Judiciary Advances NO FAKES Act to Create Federal Voice, Likeness Rights – On Thursday, June 18, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to advance the Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe (NO FAKES) Act of 2026, which if enacted as drafted would create a federal right to an individual’s voice and likeness terminating no later than 70 years after death to prevent AI companies from making unauthorized uses of a person’s voice and likeness.

Operation CLEANTRADE Leads to Seizure of 66,000 Fake Football Jerseys Ahead of 2026 World Cup – On Thursday, June 18, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) announced that Operation CLEANTRADE, a joint anti-counterfeiting initiative led by the Spanish National Police with support from several EU agencies, had seized more than 66,000 counterfeit football jerseys and kits imitating the crests of national football teams playing in the 2026 World Cup.

Nokia, Lenovo Renew Multi-Technology Patent Cross-License on Confidential Terms – On Thursday, June 18, Finnish telecommunications company Nokia and Chinese multinational technology firm Lenovo announced that they had signed a confidential agreement on a multi-year, multi-technology patent cross-license agreement, renewing the cross-license agreement between those parties last entered into in 2021.

EPO Launches Data Desk Showing Granular Patenting Trends in Critical Tech Sectors – On Thursday, June 18, the European Patent Office (EPO) announced that it had launched a new Data Desk feature through the agency’s online portal that gives users access to granular data on patent trends in rapidly evolving tech sectors, with energy storage, hydrogen, power grids, quantum and solar photovoltaics currently available through the first version of Data Desk.

USPTO Promotes Deborah Stephens to Serve as Agency’s Permanent CIO – On Tuesday, June 16, the USPTO announced that it had appointed Deborah Stephens, who has served multiple roles at the agency for 25 years including leading information technology (IT) modernization while serving as Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Patent Information Management, to serve as Chief Information Officer (CIO), promoting Stephens from her current role as Acting CIO.

EUIPO Strengthens Ties With German IP Community During First Edition of “National Days” – On Monday, June 15, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) held its first stakeholder event as part of the agency’s new “National Days at the EUIPO” initiative, inviting representatives from the court systems, agencies and industry organizations in Germany to discuss strategic updates on that nation’s IP landscape.

This Week on Wall Street

U.S./Iran Conflict Leads to $400M Quarterly Loss in Middle Eastern Business for Accenture – On Thursday, June 18, Irish technology consulting company Accenture announced earnings for the third quarter of 2026 showing a $400 million revenue loss for Accenture’s Middle Eastern business, with more revenue headwinds expected by the company in its fourth quarter earnings report as the economic impacts of the U.S./Iran conflict begin to take hold.

Quarterly Earnings – The following firms identified among the IPO’s Top 300 Patent Recipients for 2024 are announcing quarterly earnings next week (2023 rank in parentheses): 

• Monday: None
• Tuesday: None
• Wednesday: Micron Technology Inc. (23rd)
• Thursday: None
• Friday: None

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3 North American Manufacturing Stocks Watching Tariffs And Cost Pressures

Tariff headlines are back in focus, with fresh Section 301 proposals, shifting steel and aluminum duties, and questions around USMCA all reshaping the cost of doing business across borders. For North American manufacturers, higher and more uncertain trade costs can either squeeze margins or create openings where competitors face bigger hurdles. This article looks at three stocks from a U.S., Canada, and Mexico manufacturing screener that appear positioned to benefit from these policy moves. It explores how their business models intersect with the latest tariff rules and where investors may want to dig deeper.

Century Aluminum (CENX)

Overview: Century Aluminum produces primary aluminum and alumina, supplying both standard and higher value products from smelters in the United States and Iceland, supported by a carbon anode plant in the Netherlands and bauxite and alumina operations in Jamaica.

Operations: The company generates all its US$2.5b of revenue from primary aluminum, with around US$1.9b coming from the United States and about US$660 million from Iceland.

Market Cap: US$5.4b

Century Aluminum sits at the heart of the tariff story, with a largely U.S. and EU production footprint that benefits when Section 232 and Section 301 measures raise costs for overseas competitors and support regional aluminum premiums. Recent trade actions limiting imports from China and other countries, together with projects like the Mt. Holly expansion and the planned Oklahoma smelter, position the company to serve reshoring and electrification demand while tapping U.S. manufacturing tax credits. At the same time, investors need to weigh meaningful risks, including sensitivity to power and raw material costs, heavy reliance on supportive trade policy, and some recent insider selling. All of these factors can affect the quality and durability of current profitability and growth expectations.

Tariff fueled momentum at Century Aluminum looks powerful, but the full story sits in how policy support, power costs and new U.S. projects interact. Start with the 4 key rewards and 2 important warning signs (1 is major!)

NasdaqGS:CENX Earnings & Revenue History as at Jun 2026

West Fraser Timber (TSX:WFG)

Overview: West Fraser Timber is a large Canadian wood products company that makes lumber, engineered wood panels, pulp, paper, and bioenergy inputs used in housing, renovation, packaging, and industrial applications across North America and Europe.

Operations: West Fraser Timber generates most of its US$5.3b of revenue from Lumber at US$2.5b and North America Engineered Wood Products at US$2.0b, with Europe Engineered Wood Products contributing US$524 million and the balance from segment adjustments and corporate items.

Market Cap: CA$7.8b

West Fraser Timber stands out in this screener because it sits on the right side of several trade and sustainability trends, yet still carries meaningful risks. As a Canadian exporter into the U.S., it benefits when Section 301 tariffs raise costs for overseas competitors while USMCA keeps its own trade channels relatively open, even as softwood lumber duties and tariff uncertainty remain a drag. Some analysts highlight the possibility of a shift from current losses to future profitability, supported by higher margin engineered wood products, mill modernization and a growing sustainability story including emissions targets and long term fibre agreements. At the same time, recent losses, ongoing trade disputes and a dividend that is not covered by earnings show that the recovery path is not straightforward.

West Fraser Timber’s shift from basic lumber to higher margin engineered wood and bio-products could be more than a cycle story. Yet the real twist is buried in the 2 key rewards and 1 important major warning sign

TSX:WFG Revenue & Expenses Breakdown as at Jun 2026

Amprius Technologies (AMPX)

Overview: Amprius Technologies develops and sells silicon anode lithium ion batteries, with its SiCore and SiMaxx product lines designed for high energy density mobility uses such as drones, high altitude aircraft and other emerging aviation platforms.

Operations: Amprius Technologies generates US$90.3m of revenue from its Battery Business, with around US$62.8m from EMEA customers, US$15.9m from North America and US$11.5m from Asia Pacific.

Market Cap: US$2.2b

Amprius Technologies sits at the intersection of tariff policy and next generation battery demand, with U.S. anchored supply chains, high energy density cells and a growing mix of defense, drone and electric mobility customers. New Section 301 tariffs that keep import costs elevated for foreign battery suppliers can affect the relative economics for Amprius, particularly as it secures multi million contracts, expands global capacity and raises 2026 revenue guidance. The flip side is real execution risk, including heavy exposure to aviation and drone demand, complex scale up of silicon anode technology, share dilution and ongoing losses that still need to narrow. For investors watching North American manufacturing, a key question is how those policy tailwinds, growth targets and balance sheet risks fit together into a coherent risk reward view on Amprius.

Amprius Technologies is racing to scale high energy batteries as tariffs reshape who wins future defense and drone contracts, but the real tension between its ambition and its risks sits inside the 3 key rewards and 3 important warning signs

NYSE:AMPX Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Jun 2026

The three stocks covered here are only a starting point, with the full North American Manufacturing screen surfacing 44 more companies that share similarly compelling fundamentals and policy linked narratives inside the North American Manufacturing screener. Use Simply Wall St to identify, filter and analyze the specific catalysts, financial profiles and trade related angles that matter most so you can focus on the highest conviction manufacturing ideas across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Take Control of Your Investment Journey

If Century Aluminum or any of these companies sound like a great opportunity, register for FREE with Simply Wall St and add your companies to a Watchlist to monitor the share price against the fair value the ideal entry point.
Once you’ve made your move, manage your holdings with our Portfolio Command Center that filters out the noise to deliver only the most critical, actionable updates.
Throughout your journey, our Community allows you to filter the best ideas from thousands of investor perspectives.
By uncovering hidden catalysts and risks early, you’ll accelerate your decision-making and stay one step ahead of the market.

Seeking Alternatives Before The Crowd?

Fresh ideas can move fast, and the stocks leading the next breakout rarely stay under the radar for long. Before momentum is gone and prices start flying, act now.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data
and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your
financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data.
Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.
Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Supreme Nonwoven opens first US manufacturing plant in North Carolina

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has announced that Supreme Nonwoven Inc, a manufacturer of advanced nonwoven materials and products, will establish its first manufacturing facility in the United States in Lexington. The project is expected to create 50 new jobs in Davidson County and involve an investment of $25.8 million.

The company, which has built a strong reputation over the past four decades, serves customers across the apparel, automotive, filtration, and industrial sectors through its broad portfolio of material technologies and value-added solutions.

Supreme Nonwoven Inc will invest $25.8 million to establish its first US manufacturing facility in Lexington, North Carolina, creating 50 jobs.
The 200,000-square-foot plant will serve apparel, automotive, filtration, and industrial customers across North America, while strengthening technical collaboration and supporting the company’s regional growth strategy.

Stein said, “Our state is a premier destination for textile innovation. Our history in this industry is enhanced by a skilled workforce that is ready to support global companies seeking to establish and expand their presence in the US.”

The new facility, spanning more than 200,000 square feet, will function as a centre for technical collaboration, allowing the company to work more closely with North American customers and partners on customised material solutions. The site is expected to enhance responsiveness, support tailored applications, and provide access to the latest developments in nonwoven technologies.

Amit Kavrie, managing director of Supreme Group said, “We see this as an important step in bringing our material technologies and development capabilities closer to customers in the region while building a foundation for long-term growth.”

“Lexington offers us a strong base from which to support customers with responsiveness, technical collaboration, and reliable execution,” said Manoj Swain, director of international operations of Supreme Group adding, “As we build this operation, our focus will be on creating the right competencies locally while also drawing on the broader capabilities of the Group to serve regional customer requirements over time.”

The new positions will offer an average annual salary of $55,800, above Davidson County’s average wage of $54,395. The project is expected to generate an annual payroll impact of approximately $2.79 million for the local economy.

To support the investment, the company has been awarded a performance-based grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund.

North Carolina Senator Steve Jarvis said, “Investments like this create good jobs, strengthen our local economy, and demonstrate confidence in the business-friendly climate we have worked hard to build across North Carolina. I look forward to the positive impact this project will have on our community and families for years to come.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (CG)

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Lockheed Martin And GM Defense Partner To Strengthen U.S. Manufacturing And Defense Industrial Base

Lockheed Martin and GM Defense announced a new collaboration intended to strengthen America’s manufacturing and defense industrial base.

The collaboration was facilitated by the U.S. Department of War and is structured under a memorandum of understanding. Through the MOU, the companies will explore opportunities to accelerate the delivery of critical defense capabilities and innovation.

The partnership is expected to combine Lockheed Martin’s defense production expertise with General Motors’ advanced industrial capabilities in high-rate commercial manufacturing and engineering.

The collaboration will focus on three areas: strengthening defense supply chains, advancing manufacturing and design capabilities, and evaluating opportunities to expand production capacity through commercial manufacturing expertise and infrastructure.

Initial efforts will include exploring ways to accelerate production readiness and apply proven commercial manufacturing approaches to defense production requirements.

The companies said the collaboration reflects growing demand across the defense sector for greater production capacity, supply chain resilience, and manufacturing agility.

By combining commercial and defense expertise, Lockheed Martin and GM Defense aim to identify opportunities that can accelerate production timelines while maintaining the quality, performance, and reliability standards required for mission-critical systems.

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company focused on advancing all-domain mission solutions. GM Defense delivers integrated vehicles, power, autonomy, and connectivity solutions to defense, security, and government markets.

KEY QUOTES:

“America’s security depends not only on developing advanced technologies, but on our ability to produce them quickly, reliably and at scale. This collaboration brings together two leaders in American manufacturing and innovation to explore new ways to strengthen the defense industrial base, expand production capacity and accelerate delivery of critical capabilities for the United States and its allies.”

Frank St. John, Chief Operating Officer of Lockheed Martin

“Working together, GM Defense and Lockheed will further strengthen American manufacturing and national defense by driving greater speed, efficiency, and innovation in the aerospace and defense sectors. Over the coming weeks, we will be working to identify initial projects to pursue together.”

Steve duMont, President of GM Defense

 

 

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Trump Claims Apple And Intel Struck A Major US Chip Manufacturing Deal

President Donald Trump announced today that Apple has finalized a historic deal to design and manufacture its next-generation chips using Intel’s facilities on American soil. Neither company has commented on the claim, but if true, this would be huge for Apple, which has spent years relying heavily on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to build the custom silicon powering its iPhones and Macs. It’s only a matter of time when we find out whether Trump’s strong-arming tech companies to repatriate their manufacturing in the United States truly pans out.

Again, assuming Trump’s post on Truth Social is accurate, the deal is the culmination of a yearlong pressure campaign led by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who reportedly met with Apple leadership repeatedly to broker a domestic alliance with Intel. Rumors of a preliminary partnership had been circulating for months, so it’s possible that Trump’s post alludes to something real. Also In his post, President Trump heavily critiqued previous administrations for allowing foreign nations to dominate the semiconductor landscape, emphasizing his use of tariffs and economic incentives to force major tech players back to domestic supply chains.

For Intel, securing Apple as a foundry customer would be a monumental victory. Once the undisputed titan of the chip world with its “Intel Inside” branding, the company struggled for years to keep pace with foreign competitors as production moved overseas. Under the direction of former CEO Pat Gelsinger and current CEO Lip-Bu Tan, Intel aggressively overhauled its foundry division. The company successfully executed its ambitious roadmap to develop five manufacturing nodes in four years, culminating in its 18A process.

Insider reports suggest that Apple has already begun testing system-on-chips (SoCs) built on Intel’s updated 18A-P tech. Testing is slated to continue through the end of 2026, with full-scale production and initial deliveries for Apple’s M7 Mac chips targeted for late 2027, followed by next-generation iPhone chips built on Intel’s 14A node by 2028. Intel is expected to fulfill Apple’s domestic orders across its heavily
subsidized fabrication plants in Oregon, Arizona, and Ohio.

Also at play here is the ongoing financial entanglement between the federal government and Intel. In August last year, the U.S. government took an 10% equity stake in Intel via an $8.9 billion taxpayer investment. This capital injection combined funds originally earmarked through the CHIPS Act with resources from the military’s Secure Enclave program. In his statement, Trump explicitly tied the government’s stake to Intel’s recent financial turnaround, claiming the company’s valuation has soared from $100 billion to $600 billion due to the state’s intervention and subsequent high-profile contracts, which also include a partnership with Elon Musk’s TeraFab.

Shares of Intel are up more than 9% this morning on the heel’s of President Trump’s post. Apple’s stock is up around 0.33% at the time of this writing.

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nLIGHT Stock And The Quiet Resilience Of US Domestic Manufacturing

Tariffs, shifting trade rules, and pressure on global supply chains are reshaping how investors think about US manufacturing stocks. Instead of relying on smooth cross-border trade, markets are reassessing companies that produce more at home and can better control their costs and inputs. This article looks at three US Domestic Manufacturing screener stocks that are directly exposed to these trade headlines and may react in different ways as policies evolve. Each stock is assessed on its business mix, exposure to tariffs and supply chains, and balance of risks and potential resilience, to help you decide whether they deserve a closer look or a wider berth.

nLIGHT (LASR)

Overview: nLIGHT designs and manufactures high power semiconductor and fiber lasers used in aerospace and defense systems, industrial cutting and welding, and precise microfabrication, with much of its production based in US facilities. The company also supplies laser amplifiers and control systems that slot into high energy directed energy platforms for military customers worldwide.

Operations: nLIGHT generates about US$201.8 million from Products and US$88.1 million from Development, with roughly US$208.8 million of revenue from North America and around US$81.1 million combined from EMEA and Asia Pacific.

Market Cap: US$3.7b

nLIGHT sits at the intersection of onshoring and defense modernization, with vertically integrated US manufacturing and a growing focus on high energy directed energy systems that align with domestic industrial and security priorities in a world of rising tariffs and supply chain friction. Recent launches such as the HADES 70 kW class laser weapon module and a move toward scalable production have drawn analyst attention. At the same time, forecasts of faster revenue and earnings growth sit beside a history of losses, premium valuation multiples, insider selling, and dependence on government programs. For investors tracking US manufacturing and defense exposure, the key question is whether nLIGHT’s defense led trajectory and supply chain positioning justify those risks and the current pricing.

nLIGHT’s expansion into high energy defense systems is drawing attention, but the more important consideration is how current expectations compare with its profile of losses, premium pricing, and dependence on government customers, so it is worth reading the 2 key rewards and 2 important warning signs

NasdaqGS:LASR Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Jun 2026

Clearfield (CLFD)

Overview: Clearfield designs and manufactures fiber management and delivery hardware that helps telecom carriers, community broadband providers, and enterprises deploy high speed internet, 5G, and data networks more efficiently across the United States and abroad.

Operations: Clearfield generates about US$148.5 million in revenue, with roughly US$142.0 million from the United States and US$6.5 million from other countries.

Market Cap: US$537.2 million

Clearfield stock is part of the broader discussion about onshoring and tariff risk because its fiber panels, cabinets, and connectors support US broadband builds while relying on a deliberately diversified supply chain. Management highlights dual sourcing between US and Mexican plants under USMCA, long standing Asian supplier relationships outside China, and the ability to shift cable production back to US facilities, all aimed at keeping product flowing even as trade rules change. At the same time, investors may consider current losses, valuation, insider selling, and reliance on government supported rural broadband programs alongside analyst expectations for revenue and earnings. The tension between that tariff resilience narrative and those financial trade offs is a key consideration when evaluating Clearfield.

Clearfield’s story of US focused broadband hardware, diversified suppliers, and government backed projects raises a bigger question, so review the 1 key reward and 3 important warning signs

NasdaqGM:CLFD Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Jun 2026

Daktronics (DAKT)

Overview: Daktronics designs, manufactures, and sells electronic scoreboards, large LED video displays, and digital signage used in sports venues, airports, highways, retail, and other public spaces across the United States and internationally.

Operations: Daktronics generates about US$295.8 million from Live Events, US$181.0 million from Commercial, US$177.4 million from High School Park and Recreation, US$77.0 million from International, and US$71.4 million from Transportation, with roughly US$709.2 million of revenue from the United States and US$93.4 million from outside the US.

Market Cap: US$977.1 million

Daktronics stock stands out in a tariff heavy world because around 80% of its finished products are built in US factories, management reports that less than half of its US factory inputs are imported, and recent tariff costs have been described as either negligible or already built into pricing and contracts. At the same time, the company is landing high profile projects at major airports and MLB stadiums. Analysts have noted expectations for stronger earnings and a higher future return on equity, even as revenue changes appear more modest and one off items and new leadership keep results choppy. For investors who want to understand whether this mix of US focused manufacturing, tariff flexibility, and project based activity justifies the risks, Daktronics may warrant closer attention.

Daktronics looks like a US manufacturing story that is quietly decoupling tariff worries from its order book, so it could be worth reading the 3 key rewards and 1 important warning sign to see what might be hiding behind those high profile projects.

NasdaqGS:DAKT Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Jun 2026

The three US manufacturing stocks in this article are a starting point, but the full US Domestic Manufacturing screener surfaces 42 more companies with equally compelling stories around domestic production, supply chains, and industrial capacity. Use Simply Wall St to identify and analyze the specific catalysts, financial health metrics, and business narratives that match your own highest conviction ideas in US manufacturing.

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Johnson & Johnson Announces Another $1B US Manufacturing Plant

Johnson & Johnson announced plans to invest more than $1 billion in another new, US-based manufacturing site, this time in Florida. 

The global pharmaceutical manufacturer’s aim in building the new, Jacksonville facility is to strengthen its Vision operations by scaling US-based manufacturing, packaging, and distribution capabilities, according to a company news release. 

The investment also includes advanced manufacturing and packaging technologies to expand capacity and meet growing demand for Johnson & Johnson’s Acuvue brand contact lenses, used by more than 40 million patients worldwide, according to the company. The global pharmaceutical company manufactures more than 1.7 billion Acuvue contact lenses annually for US patients.

“This investment reinforces our long-standing conviction that advanced manufacturing in the United States is essential to delivering innovative, high quality healthcare solutions to patients at home and around the world,” Joaquin Duato, chairman and chief executive officer of Johnson & Johnson, said in the news release. 

Related:Lilly to Acquire 3 Vaccine Manufacturers

Duato added in the news release that the investment will bolster the resilience of Johnson & Johnson’s US supply chain. 

The global pharmaceutical manufacturer stated in the news release that it initially established a presence in Jacksonville in 1981 and has more than 1.5 million square feet of manufacturing, research, distribution, and operations facilities in the city today. 

The new facility is part of the pharmaceutical manufacturer’s previously announced $55 billion US investment in manufacturing, research and development, and technology through early 2029. Construction of the new facility is underway. J&J expects it to be fully operational in 2028.

The investment builds on J&J’s $6 billion annual economic impact in Florida, and supports the continued growth of its Jacksonville operations, strengthening opportunities for the 3,500 employees based in the area while reinforcing the regional economy.

In February, the global drug maker announced another investment of more than $1 billion in a next-generation cell therapy manufacturing facility in Montgomery County, PA. Additionally, in North Carolina, Johnson & Johnson is building a $2 billion drug product manufacturing facility.

The considerable investment is part of a larger push by pharmaceutical manufacturers to onshore or reshore their facilities, in part to avoid tariffs. Companies that are investing in building and expanding US-based facilities and research centers as part of three-year agreements include: 

Related:How CDMOs Turn “Undruggable” Into “Developable”

The multinational drug maker also announced plans to invest in a new Pennsylvania-based manufacturing facility — to the tune of more than $3.5 billion — in February.

In September, it started construction of its new active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing plant in North Chicago, and announced a $1.95 billion investment to expand API production in the US in August 2025.

Related:Sun Pharma to Acquire US Drug Maker

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Lockheed Martin and GM Defense to explore manufacturing collaboration aimed at strengthening U.S. defense industrial base

Lockheed Martin and GM Defense have announced a new collaboration to strengthen the U.S. manufacturing and defense industrial base. The effort was facilitated by the U.S. Department of War.

The companies will work under a memorandum of understanding. They will explore opportunities to accelerate the delivery of critical capabilities and innovation.

The collaboration is intended to combine Lockheed Martin’s defense production expertise with General Motors’ industrial capabilities. GM brings experience in high-rate commercial manufacturing and engineering.

The companies said the work will focus on strengthening defense supply chains. It will also cover manufacturing and design capabilities, as well as potential production capacity expansion through commercial manufacturing expertise and infrastructure.

Initial efforts will include exploring ways to accelerate production readiness. The companies will also assess how proven commercial manufacturing approaches could support defense production requirements.

“America’s security depends not only on developing advanced technologies, but on our ability to produce them quickly, reliably and at scale,” said Frank St. John, chief operating officer, Lockheed Martin. “This collaboration brings together two leaders in American manufacturing and innovation to explore new ways to strengthen the defense industrial base, expand production capacity and accelerate delivery of critical capabilities for the United States and its allies.”

“Working together, GM Defense and Lockheed will further strengthen American manufacturing and national defense by driving greater speed, efficiency, and innovation in the aerospace and defense sectors,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “Over the coming weeks, we will be working to identify initial projects to pursue together.”

The companies said the collaboration reflects growing demand across the defense sector. They identified production capacity, supply chain resilience and manufacturing agility as key areas of need.

By combining commercial and defense expertise, Lockheed Martin and GM Defense aim to identify opportunities to accelerate production timelines. The companies said any such work would need to maintain the quality, performance and reliability standards required for mission-critical systems.

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