BD To Invest $19 Billion In U.S. Through Government Partnership To Expand Medical Manufacturing

BD has entered into a partnership with the U.S. government that includes plans for the medical technology company to invest $19 billion in the United States over several years, with $3 billion specifically directed toward expanding domestic manufacturing.

The agreement is intended to strengthen U.S. healthcare supply chains and increase domestic production of essential medical consumables used by hospitals and healthcare providers.

BD, formally Becton, Dickinson and Company, said the broader $19 billion commitment will include capital, operational and supply chain investments across its U.S. business.

Of that total, $3 billion is expected to support manufacturing expansion at strategic production sites across the country.

The company plans to expand end-to-end U.S. production by approximately 5 billion essential medical consumables annually.

That additional capacity is expected to increase BD’s share of essential medical consumables supplied domestically to roughly 80%.

BD also intends to manufacture 100% of the needles it supplies for use in the United States domestically, using American-made steel.

The partnership reflects efforts by the federal government and BD to increase domestic production capacity for medical products considered important to healthcare delivery and emergency preparedness.

BD is the nation’s largest manufacturer of essential medical consumables, and the company said its products are used in approximately 90% of U.S. hospital visits.

The agreement also provides BD with relief from future tariffs imposed under Section 232 on covered products and manufacturing inputs.

That tariff treatment remains subject to the final scope and implementation of any future Section 232 actions and BD’s achievement of agreed milestones.

Because tariff rates, covered products and implementation timing have not yet been finalized, BD is not currently estimating the financial impact of that portion of the agreement.

The company expects to provide additional information once the Section 232 tariffs are finalized.

BD already operates a substantial U.S. manufacturing network, with facilities in locations including Columbus and Broken Bow, Nebraska; Canaan, Connecticut; Añasco, Puerto Rico; Sandy, Utah; El Paso, Texas; Covington, Georgia; and Sumter, South Carolina.

The new investment is intended to further expand that domestic footprint while increasing the resilience of the company’s supply chain.

BD has operated for nearly 130 years and has a long history of supplying essential medical products during major healthcare events.

The company cited its development of the first disposable syringe used in efforts against polio and the delivery of more than 2 billion additional devices during the recent pandemic as examples of its role in responding to large-scale public health needs.

BD said the new commitments are expected to help establish one of the world’s most resilient manufacturing bases for essential medical consumables while improving the reliability of supplies available to U.S. healthcare providers.

The partnership also forms part of BD’s broader strategy of investing in innovation, manufacturing and healthcare infrastructure while maintaining its global operations.

BD employs more than 60,000 people worldwide and develops technologies across medical essentials, connected care, biopharma systems and interventional care.

KEY QUOTES:

“This agreement reflects a shared commitment between the U.S. Government and BD to strengthening America’s healthcare infrastructure, expanding U.S. manufacturing capacity and supporting reliable access to essential medical technologies, ultimately building a more resilient healthcare system for the future. The administration recognizes the importance of investing in a stronger, more secure healthcare supply chain, and BD is uniquely positioned to help bring that vision to life through our scale, innovation expertise and longstanding U.S. manufacturing footprint.

For nearly 130 years, BD has partnered with health systems and governments in the U.S. and around the world to meet critical healthcare challenges. We are proud to build on that legacy through significant investment in U.S. manufacturing and innovation, while continuing to advance healthcare and serve patients, providers and communities around the world who depend on us.”

Tom Polen, Chairman, CEO and President of BD

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Alvotech Wins FDA Approval to Expand U.S. Manufacturing Capacity for SIMLANDI at Reykjavik Facility

Approval enables AVT02 drug substance for U.S. commercial supply to be manufactured in either of Alvotech’s two Reykjavik drug substance suites

Further confirms resolution of FDA inspection-related matters at the Reykjavik site

REYKJAVIK, Iceland (October 5, 2026)

– Alvotech (NASDAQ: ALVO; ALVO-SDB), a global biotechnology company specializing in the development and manufacture of biosimilar medicines for patients worldwide, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a supplement to the Biologics License Application (BLA) for AVT02 (adalimumab-ryvk), marketed in the U.S. as SIMLANDI®, enabling drug substance for the product to be manufactured in a second production suite at the company’s Reykjavik facility. This approval further confirms resolution of inspection-related matters at the Reykjavik site.

“This approval is important both operationally and as a further regulatory milestone for our Reykjavik facility,” said Lisa Graver, Chief Executive Officer of Alvotech. “The addition of DSM2 effectively doubles the drug substance manufacturing capacity available to support U.S. supply and provides greater flexibility for commercial supply of AVT02 to the U.S. market. It also reflects the significant progress our teams have made in strengthening quality systems and manufacturing operations at the site.”

The second suite, DSM2, supports the complete drug substance manufacturing process, including cell culture and purification, and doubles Alvotech’s manufacturing capacity available to support U.S. supply. DSM2 is already approved for the manufacture of commercial drug substance for European markets, including for AVT02, AVT03, and AVT05. Following the FDA approval, Alvotech can now manufacture AVT02 drug substance for U.S. commercial supply in either DSM1 or DSM2, providing additional capacity and greater flexibility across its manufacturing operations.

The approval follows the FDA’s July 2026 closure of its most recent inspection of the Reykjavik facility with a Voluntary Action Indicated (VAI) classification. Alvotech therefore expects the FDA to be able to take action on other pending applications associated with the facility according to their respective goal dates. These include BLAs for AVT05, Alvotech’s proposed biosimilar to Simponi® and Simponi Aria® (golimumab), AVT06, Alvotech’s proposed biosimilar to Eylea® (aflibercept), AVT03, Alvotech’s proposed biosimilar to Prolia® and Xgeva® (denosumab) and AVT16/AVT80, Alvotech’s proposed biosimilars to Entyvio® (vedolizumab). Each application remains subject to the FDA’s individual review and regulatory decision.

About AVT02 / SIMLANDI® (adalimumab-ryvk)

AVT02 is a monoclonal antibody approved as a biosimilar to Humira® (adalimumab) in more than 50 countries globally, including the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia. It is currently marketed in the U.S. as SIMLANDI® and under private label, in Europe as HUKYNDRA®, in Canada as SIMLANDI® and in Australia as ADALACIP®. Teva Pharmaceuticals is Alvotech’s strategic partner for the exclusive commercialization of SIMLANDI® in the United States, while Alvotech is responsible for development and manufacturing.

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Sarah MacLeod


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About Alvotech

Alvotech is a biotechnology company, founded by Robert Wessman, focused solely on the development and manufacture of biosimilar medicines for patients worldwide. Alvotech seeks to be a global leader in the biosimilar space by delivering high-quality, cost-effective products and services, enabled by a fully integrated approach and broad in-house capabilities. Five biosimilars are already approved and marketed in multiple global markets, including biosimilars to Humira® (adalimumab), Stelara® (ustekinumab), Simponi® (golimumab), Eylea® (aflibercept) and Prolia®/Xgeva® (denosumab). The current development pipeline includes disclosed biosimilar candidates aimed at treating autoimmune disorders, eye disorders, and cancer. Alvotech has formed a network of strategic commercial partnerships to provide global reach and leverage local expertise in markets that include the United States, Europe, Japan, China, and other Asian countries and large parts of South America, Africa and the Middle East. For more information, please visit https://www.alvotech.com. None of the information on the Alvotech website shall be deemed part of this press release.

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Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this communication may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements include, for example, Alvotech’s expectations regarding competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities including pipeline product development, future plans and intentions, regulatory submissions, review and interactions, the potential approval and commercial launch of its product candidates, the timing of regulatory approval, market launches and financial projections. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Alvotech and its management, are inherently uncertain and are inherently subject to risks, variability, and contingencies, many of which are beyond Alvotech’s control. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to factors set forth in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in documents that Alvotech may from time-to-time file or furnish with the SEC. There may be additional risks that Alvotech does not presently know or that Alvotech currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, assurance, prediction or definitive statement of a fact or probability. Alvotech does not undertake any duty to update these forward-looking statements or to inform the recipient of any matters of which any of them becomes aware of which may affect any matter referred to in this communication. Alvotech disclaims any and all liability for any loss or damage (whether foreseeable or not) suffered or incurred by any person or entity as a result of anything contained or omitted from this communication and such liability is expressly disclaimed.

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Attalon Invests Nearly $13 Million to Expand U.S. Sapphire Manufacturing Capacity

Attalon Invests Nearly $13 Million to Expand U.S. Sapphire Manufacturing Capacity

Investment in Murrieta, California, expands domestic production of advanced optical materials supporting growing demand across EO/IR and next-generation defense systems

Attalon, a leading U.S. aerospace and defense technology company, today announced a nearly $13 million investment to expand sapphire manufacturing capacity at its Murrieta, California, operation, strengthening domestic production of a critical optical material used across demanding electro-optical and infrared defense applications.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260929509193/en/

Sapphire produced at Attalon’s Murrieta, California, facility supports advanced optical systems for mission-critical defense applications. Attalon is investing nearly $13 million to expand domestic manufacturing capacity.

The investment comes as demand for high-performance optical materials continues to increase across advanced sensing, targeting, surveillance, missile and other mission-critical defense systems. By expanding its U.S.-based sapphire manufacturing capabilities, Attalon is increasing the production capacity, manufacturing readiness and technical capabilities required to support customers as these systems move toward greater production volumes.

“Sapphire is an enabling technology behind some of today’s most demanding defense systems, and ensuring we have the domestic capacity to produce it at scale is increasingly important,” said John Bergeron, Chief Executive Officer of Attalon. “This investment is about building that capacity here in the United States and ensuring our customers have a trusted manufacturing partner ready to grow alongside their programs.”

The investment builds on a longstanding effort to establish and sustain a domestic U.S. supply of defense-critical sapphire. More than seven years ago, Congressman Ken Calvert, now Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and representative for Murrieta, played an important role in supporting federal investment in the advanced technology and manufacturing capabilities required to establish Murrieta as a domestic source for high-performance sapphire.

That early government investment, coupled with sustained private-sector investment in the facility, helped build the technical expertise and U.S. manufacturing capability required to support demanding defense applications, including the F-35 program. Attalon’s nearly $13 million investment marks the next phase of that effort—expanding capacity, advancing manufacturing capabilities and strengthening a proven domestic supply of sapphire for current and next-generation defense systems.

Sapphire combines exceptional optical performance with the durability required for demanding defense environments. Its material properties make it particularly well suited for advanced EO/IR applications where optical performance, environmental resilience and reliability are essential to mission success.

“Our Murrieta team has built deep expertise in sapphire, from material development through production, and this investment allows us to translate that expertise into greater manufacturing scale,” said Anthony McBride, Vice President and General Manager of Precision Optics at Attalon. “We’re expanding the capabilities and infrastructure needed to increase throughput while maintaining the precision, consistency and reliability our customers depend on.”

The expansion is part of Attalon’s continued investment in the enabling technologies behind next-generation defense systems and its strategy of expanding U.S.-based manufacturing for mission-critical technologies. Across advanced optical materials, precision optics, optical coatings, directed energy and thermal technologies, the company is increasing domestic capacity in areas where manufacturing scale, reliability and supply-chain resilience are increasingly important to national security and the advanced defense platforms that depend on them.

About Attalon

Attalon is a leading U.S. aerospace and defense technology company engineering and manufacturing advanced lasers, precision optics, optical coatings, advanced materials and thermal technologies. With more than 500 employees across the United States, Attalon combines deep technical expertise with scalable domestic manufacturing to deliver mission-critical capabilities that strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and support the modern warfighter.

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Valerie.McKiernan@atln.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260929509193/en/

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Amazon and Wiwynn expand Texas manufacturing facility, creating nearly 1,000 jobs

“Amazon’s continued work with Wiwynn to bring nearly 1,000 advanced manufacturing jobs to the U.S. is exactly the type of collaboration we want to see to help strengthen the U.S. supply chain. This investment is one example of Taiwan’s commitment to invest $250 billion in advanced manufacturing into the United States.“ said Deputy United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Rick Switzer. “America’s competitive edge is reliant on investment that will onshore more of these opportunities and our administration is committed to supporting the critical infrastructure that will spur our economic growth.”

“Wiwynn’s new advanced manufacturing facility represents a major new chapter in our global manufacturing footprint and an important milestone for Amazon, Texas, and the entire U.S. supply chain,” said William Lin, president and CEO of Wiwynn. “Through our over $1.6 billion investment in the Texas facility, we are expanding our ability to address the growing demand of U.S. customers, reinforce the resilience of the global supply chain, and create high-value career opportunities as we continue to grow in partnership with the local community.”

Amazon’s data centers power the services millions of people and businesses rely on every day, from hospitals and emergency services to streaming entertainment and AI innovation. Wiwynn’s server racks are a critical part of that infrastructure, and together, these investments help fuel the U.S. economic engine. Since 2017, data center activity has grown U.S. manufacturing jobs by nearly 70% to over 200,000 jobs*.

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Hadrian closes $360M revolving credit facility to expand US manufacturing

What’s the deal? Hadrian, the advanced manufacturing startup building automated factories for aerospace and defence, has closed a $360 million revolving credit facility. Morgan Stanley Senior Funding served as lead left arranger and bookrunner.

Joint lead arrangers included Western Alliance Bank, J.P. Morgan, First Citizens Bank, Customers Bank, HSBC Ventures USA, Axos Bank, and Texas Capital Securities.

Why now? The facility lands in August 2026, a week after Hadrian raised a $1.37 billion Series D that valued it at $7.87 billion. The debt will fund manufacturing infrastructure, machinery, and hardware as the company scales output for defence and aerospace customers.

By the numbers: The raise ranks in the top 1% by size among 63 debt rounds by US robotics companies over the past four years.

What’s the endgame? Hadrian is building highly automated factories that combine process engineering, AI, and robotics, aiming to help space and defence manufacturers run full programmes at scale in the US. The company operates four facilities covering just under three million square feet.

Where’s it expanding? Beyond its two Torrance, California sites, Hadrian has launched new factories in Arizona and Alabama, with more in development across the country. The credit line directly supports that growing network as production ramps.

What they’re saying: The facility “underscores the institutional confidence in our strategic direction,” said chief executive officer and founder Chris Power. He added the financing will help build “the industrial capacity the United States needs to remain strategically competitive, while creating thousands of high-quality jobs across the country.”

The signal: Pairing a large equity round with an even swifter debt facility shows how capital-intensive reshoring plays are stacking financing to move fast. For Hadrian, machinery and factory buildout are the constraint — and lenders are betting on defence demand to fill them.

Image credit: Hadrian

Read more: PR Newswire

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Hadrian Secures $360 Million Credit Facility to Expand U.S. Manufacturing Network

Opening of Hadrian’s factory in Cherokee, AL.

Hadrian has closed a $360 million revolving credit facility to finance additional manufacturing infrastructure, machinery and related hardware as the advanced manufacturing company expands production capacity for U.S. defense and aerospace customers.

The financing follows Hadrian’s recently announced $1.37 billion Series D funding round, which valued the company at $7.87 billion. Together, the equity raise and new credit facility provide additional capital for a manufacturing buildout that now spans four facilities totaling just under 3 million square feet, with more sites under development.

Morgan Stanley Senior Funding Inc. served as lead left arranger and bookrunner for the revolving facility. Western Alliance Bank, J.P. Morgan, First Citizens Bank, Customers Bank, HSBC Ventures USA Inc., Axos Bank and Texas Capital Securities also served as joint lead arrangers and bookrunners.

Hadrian plans to use the credit facility to continue investing in the physical infrastructure required to scale its manufacturing model. Unlike funding directed primarily toward software development or corporate expansion, the facility is intended to support capital-intensive assets including production equipment and factory hardware.

That capacity is central to Hadrian’s strategy of building highly automated U.S. factories that combine process engineering, artificial intelligence and robotics. The company is targeting defense and aerospace manufacturing, where scaling production requires not only factory space but also specialized machinery, production systems and repeatable processes capable of meeting customer requirements.

“This facility’s closing represents a key next step in Hadrian’s growth trajectory,” founder and CEO Chris Power said. He added that the financing will support the company’s efforts to build additional U.S. industrial capacity and create manufacturing jobs.

Hadrian currently operates two facilities in Torrance, California, along with newly launched sites in Arizona and Alabama. Its four facilities collectively cover just under 3 million square feet, and the company has additional locations in development across the country.

The geographic expansion reflects the infrastructure requirements behind Hadrian’s effort to increase domestic production for space and defense programs. Building a larger manufacturing network requires coordinating factory construction, machinery installation, automation systems and production ramp-up while maintaining consistent processes across sites.

Hadrian’s model is designed to use automation to address those execution challenges. The company combines robotics and AI with manufacturing process engineering, seeking to increase production capacity while giving workers tools to manage more automated factory workflows.

The $360 million revolving structure also provides a different source of capital from Hadrian’s Series D equity financing. A revolving credit facility can give a company access to capital as spending requirements emerge, providing flexibility as equipment purchases and factory investments progress across multiple locations.

The new financing arrives one week after Hadrian announced the $1.37 billion Series D. The company did not provide a breakdown of how the equity financing and revolving facility will be allocated among individual factories or equipment programs.

Hadrian’s expansion is focused on the manufacturing infrastructure behind defense and aerospace supply chains, where increasing output can involve significant capital spending before additional production comes online. Factory footprints must be developed and equipped, manufacturing processes validated and capacity coordinated with customer programs.

The company ultimately aims to enable space and defense manufacturers to produce complete programs at greater scale in the United States. Its growing network of factories provides the physical foundation for that strategy, while automation is intended to improve how production capacity can be deployed and replicated across facilities.

Kirkland & Ellis served as legal counsel to Hadrian on the revolving credit transaction.

With its latest debt facility and Series D financing completed in close succession, Hadrian has added substantial capital for the next stage of its U.S. factory buildout, shifting the focus toward deploying machinery, commissioning infrastructure and translating its expanded footprint into production capacity for aerospace and defense customers.

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Stanley Black & Decker Investing $1 Billion in the U.S. to Drive Innovation, Strengthen U.S. Manufacturing Footprint and Expand the Skilled Trades Workforce Essential to Building America’s Infrastructure

NEW BRITAIN, Conn., Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As U.S. infrastructure investment accelerates, the construction sector faces a critical challenge: deploying cutting-edge tools and technologies to boost productivity while closing a widening skilled trades gap, with nearly half a million new workers needed by 2027. Against this backdrop, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) is investing $1 billion in the U.S. to advance innovation, develop next-generation tools and solutions, and increase access to training opportunities to expand the skilled trades workforce.

“Our U.S. investment strategy has multiple dimensions and goes far beyond expanding manufacturing – it’s about igniting innovation, building world-class capabilities, and redefining the future of work in America,” said Chris Nelson, Stanley Black & Decker’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “By leaning into research and development and investing in the future of our U.S. operations, we are setting the benchmark for next-generation products and solutions. These investments will empower America’s tradespeople to work safer, reach new levels of productivity, and rise to help solve the nation’s toughest challenges. This is how we plan to lead America forward – by building, competing, and innovating.”

Of the $1 billion Stanley Black & Decker plans to invest through 2028, approximately 50% will go to research and development to accelerate the creation of next-generation tools and breakthrough solutions for trades professionals. The other 50% will support capital expenditures and long-term investments to further strengthen its U.S. manufacturing footprint and support new product development. In addition, Stanley Black & Decker has committed to investing $60 million through its DEWALT Grow the Trades initiative through 2030 – of which $27 million has already been deployed – to expand training programs and open new pathways to rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

“By advancing technology, investing in U.S. manufacturing and expanding training to skilled trades Stanley Black & Decker is helping to build a stronger workforce and a more resilient future for communities across the nation,” said Nelson.

Jay Timmons, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, underscored the far-reaching impact of Stanley Black & Decker’s investment in the United States. “For more than 180 years, Stanley Black & Decker has helped define what it means to make things in America – innovating, investing and creating opportunities for manufacturing workers and the communities they serve. Their commitment to strengthening U.S. manufacturing and empowering America’s manufacturers exemplifies the leadership our nation needs. These investments not only reinforce our industrial foundation – they open doors to new economic opportunities and secure a brighter future for communities across the country. This is the kind of vision that propels our industry forward.”

About Stanley Black & Decker
Founded in 1843 and headquartered in the USA, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) is a worldwide leader in Tools and Outdoor, operating manufacturing facilities globally. The Company’s approximately 41,000 employees produce innovative end-user inspired power tools, hand tools, storage, digital jobsite solutions, outdoor and lifestyle products, and engineered fasteners to support the world’s builders, tradespeople and DIYers. The Company’s world class portfolio of trusted brands includes DEWALT®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®, BLACK+DECKER®, and Cub Cadet®. To learn more visit: www.stanleyblackanddecker.com or follow Stanley Black & Decker on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are made in this press release, including statements concerning Stanley Black & Decker’s investment, innovation and philanthropy initiatives and anticipated benefits from such initiatives. These forward-looking statements are sometimes identified from the use of forward-looking words such as “believe,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” “continue,” “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “predict,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “intend,” “plan,” “forecast,” “target,” “is likely,” “will,” “can,” “may” or “would” or the negative of these terms or similar expressions elsewhere in this press release. All forward-looking statements are subject to a number of important factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking statements. These factors and risks include, but are not limited to, Stanley Black & Decker’s ability to successfully implement its investment strategy, macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions and other financial, operational and legal risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company’s risk factors and cautionary statements contained in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements represent the Company’s expectations as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

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Nebraska Manufacturing Growth Slows as Regional Economy Continues to Expand

By Allison Peck

The Tyson beef plant in Lexington, shown in December, 2026 closure accounted for 3,212 jobs. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)

Manufacturing activity across the Mid-America region remained in growth territory for the sixth consecutive month in July, according to the latest Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index. While the regional economy continues to show steady expansion, Nebraska recorded the weakest manufacturing performance among the nine states included in the monthly survey.

The overall Business Conditions Index slipped slightly to 55.7 in July from 56.0 in June. A reading above 50 indicates growth in the manufacturing sector.

Ernie Goss, director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group, said regional manufacturers continue to perform well despite persistent inflationary pressures.

“Regional manufacturing growth continues on a solid pace but with elevated inflationary pressures at the wholesale level,” Goss said.

Inflation remains a major concern for manufacturers. Although the wholesale price index declined from June, it stayed well above growth-neutral levels, leading researchers to conclude the Federal Reserve is unlikely to lower interest rates over the next several months.

Supply managers also reported continued effects from the war in Iran. Nearly two-thirds said the conflict has led to shipping delays and higher transportation costs, while more than 93 percent reported they have been able to pass those increased costs on to customers.

Employment across the region showed modest improvement, with the manufacturing employment index moving above growth-neutral for only the second time in the past year. About one in four companies reported adding workers during July, while only one in 13 reported layoffs.

Some manufacturers also reported signs that production is returning to the United States.

“It is encouraging to see reshoring taking place,” one supply manager said. “Two major customers have moved operations from Mexico to the U.S.”

In Nebraska, the Business Conditions Index fell to 51.1 in July from 52.5 in June, the lowest reading among the nine-state region. While the state’s manufacturing sector continued to expand slightly, its employment index dropped to 46.6, indicating continued job losses.

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data cited in the report, Nebraska has lost approximately 4,700 manufacturing jobs over the past 12 months, a decline of 4.6 percent. The food processing industry accounted for about 4,000 of those lost jobs.

Despite Nebraska’s weaker performance, business leaders across the region remain cautiously optimistic. The six-month Business Confidence Index climbed to 57.7 in July, its highest level since January. However, Goss warned that continued geopolitical tensions, higher oil prices and supply disruptions could weaken confidence in the months ahead.

The Creighton University survey measures manufacturing activity in Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota and is considered a leading indicator of economic conditions across the Mid-America region.

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Trump Pushes U.S. Defense Firms To Expand Arms Manufacturing Capacity

President Donald Trump is expected to call on top defense executives on Wednesday to ramp up weapons production and expand manufacturing capacity as conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East put pressure on U.S. stockpiles and reveal weaknesses in the industrial base.

Trump will join a roundtable discussion at a two-day Defense and Innovation Summit hosted by Republican Senator Dave McCormick at the U.S. Army War College in Pennsylvania. The gathering brings together military officials, defense contractors, investors and technology leaders to discuss strengthening U.S. manufacturing and accelerating the delivery of advanced weapons systems.

Faster Innovation and Production

Trump’s appearance underscores a broader focus by the administration on defense production as prolonged conflicts have consumed large quantities of missiles, interceptors and other weapons, while highlighting the limits of the U.S. military supply chain and production capacity. Trump is expected to make several Pennsylvania-based defense investment announcements.

Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine urged defense companies on Tuesday to accelerate production and innovation, saying the military needs industry partners to help deliver capabilities faster as warfare evolves.

“What I need you to know, and I know this is simple for me to say, but hard to do, is to go faster. Please go faster. Think bolder,” Caine said.

Broader Industrial Strategy

For Trump, expanding defense manufacturing has become part of a wider economic strategy to revive U.S. industrial capacity, with the Pentagon increasingly viewed as a catalyst for factory investment, advanced manufacturing and domestic supply chains.

In late June, Trump met with munitions makers at the White House to urge the industry to move faster.

United States has supplied large quantities of weapons to allies while also using munitions in its own military operations, raising concerns about inventories of key air-defense and precision-guided weapons and increasing pressure on contractors to boost output. Soaring demand for rocket motors used to power missiles and other weapons has spurred new thinking about supply chains.

Seeking big returns, Silicon Valley-style startups are now taking on defense companies that have long dominated the industry, pulled into the competition by a need for production speed, high volume and lower costs. Legacy solid rocket motor makers Northrop Grumman and L3Harris say they have been pushing their own research and development to pull in new technologies like 3D printing and new mixing technologies.

Michael Duffey, who oversees buying for the Pentagon, told the summit audience that the department is using long-term procurement contracts to give defense companies the confidence to invest billions of dollars in expanding factories, citing roughly $20 billion in private investment tied to plans to boost production of Patriot missiles and other high-demand weapons.

“The global environment now demands that we produce at this scale, at this speed, at this volume,” he said.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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BRINC Raises $125 Million to Expand Public Safety Drone Platform and U.S. Manufacturing

BRINC, a developer of public safety drone technology, has raised $125 million in a financing round led by Motorola Solutions, with participation from Index Ventures and Figma CEO Dylan Field, to expand manufacturing and accelerate deployment of emergency response drones across the United States.

The latest financing brings the company’s total funding to more than $250 million and will support its goal of equipping 80,000 police and fire stations nationwide with 911 response drones.

The capital will fund expanded U.S. manufacturing, new product development, and go-to-market growth. BRINC said it will move into a new manufacturing facility by year-end that is three times larger than its current factory, significantly increasing production capacity.

“Every second matters in an emergency,” said Blake Resnick, Founder and CEO of BRINC. “Our 911 response drones put eyes on scene before first responders arrive, giving everyone the situational awareness they need to act decisively and keep people safe.”

The company reported strong commercial momentum, with revenue more than tripling in 2025 while monthly production capacity increased fivefold. BRINC also said it has signed nearly four times as many 911 response drone contracts this year compared with the same period in 2025, including deployments with the Los Angeles Fire Department, St. Louis Police Department, and hundreds of other public safety agencies.

BRINC’s product lineup includes the Lemur 2 indoor drone, the Responder drone designed for extended on-scene operations, and the Guardian, a 911 response platform intended to provide rapid aerial situational awareness. The company’s drones integrate with Motorola Solutions’ public safety technologies and interoperate with other emergency response platforms.

Founded to develop technology for emergency responders, BRINC manufactures its products in the United States through a vertically integrated supply chain. Its systems are now used by more than 900 public safety agencies, including over 20% of U.S. SWAT teams, according to the company.

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