False assumption.
Automation is not a panacea.
The high investment cost of automating domestic manufacturing is undermined by imports in many ways.
Imports has nothing to do with it Willie! Automating is much more efficient with our computer capabilities we have now and the cost of sick time, vacation time, HR, supervision, safety concerns, hasmat, union dues, SS, health insurance, and Government intervention has led businesses to continue their life long ambition to cut costs.
False assumption.
Automation is not a panacea.
The high investment cost of automating domestic manufacturing is undermined by imports in many ways.
The cost of automation is much, much lower than you think. I am in this industry and understand the cost/benefit studies showing how clearly factory automation is far, far more cost-effective than moving offshore.
In many instances, lower cost technology implemented offshore can match quality requirements.
This is not true since the skill of offshore labor is very, very low and training is costly. Quality cannot be obtained easily.
Automated technology can also be used offshore, undercutting the cost of skilled technicians, maintenance and support personnel required to operate it domesticly.
Yes, automation can be used offshore, but the only reason a company would do that is due to burdensome regulations, taxes and workforce we have in the US
In both of the above instances, additional investment in support technology necessary for safety and/or environmental compliance is unnecessary.
The safety record of manufacturing sites overseas is very high. The problem is that our safety and environmental laws are overly burdensome or outdated and inflict costs on industry that are unnecessary.