Made in USA comeback to bring 2-3M jobs

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) - An analysis by a global consulting firm headquartered in Massachusetts finds that the U.S. could gain 2 to 3 million jobs as profitability overseas reaches a tipping point.

Research from the Boston Consulting Group says that by 2015, rising currency and labor costs in China will make US manufacturing costs more competitive. They predict US companies will likely return to America, bringing 2 to 3 million jobs with them. Chairman Joe Wagner (D-Chicopee) of the Legislature’s economic development committee says lawmakers and executive leaders are looking into the report.

“You know I think that is good news and we’re going to try and get ahead of the curve and try and create an atmosphere that is inviting for people looking to establish businesses here,” said Wagner.

Lawmakers say the Commonwealth has eased up on expansion and relocation permits and created grant programs and favorable tax credits to attract manufacturing back to the state.

“For years, nobody wanted to come to Massachusetts, but I think we’ve been able to offer some good incentives, not only to attract new business but to keep the businesses that we have here,” said Rep. Angelo Puppolo (D-Springfield).

Case in point, lawmakers note that Western Massachusetts has already cornered the market in areas like precision manufacturing, and that the state should seize any opportunity to improve it.

“If advances continue to be made overseas, we may lose that edge,” said Rep. Don Humason (R-Westfield). “If we could do anything to help bring [manufacturing jobs] here to our country and make it stronger for companies to do business here then that’s better for everybody.

While job creation has been a top priority on Beacon Hill, 22 News did note that 13 of 15 members on the Legislature’s workforce development committee were mostly absent from a hearing Thursday. They are responsible for efforts to employ middle class workers.