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In February, we reported on new plants and expansion tied to growing demand for AI infrastructure, and in March, that trend accelerated. In April, it reached a whole new level. Advanced manufacturing drove investment this month with the continued buildout of artificial intelligence infrastructure, next-generation semiconductor capacity, and the power systems required to support them.
At the same time, defense-related manufacturing continues to gain momentum, alongside major investments in pharmaceuticals, energy, and materials, including two new steel plants. Together, these projects point to a broader realignment of U.S. manufacturing around high-growth, high-priority industries. Spanning multiple states and representing billions in investment, here are the latest new plants and expansions announced across the U.S. in April 2026.
L3Harris Technologies announced a more than $1 billion expansion of its solid rocket motor production site in Orange County, Virginia. The project will establish the Virginia Advanced Propulsion Facilities and significantly increase output for key defense programs.
The expansion will more than double manufacturing space and create more than 350 jobs. Ken Bedingfield, President of Missile Solutions, said, “L3Harris’ continued investments in solid rocket motor facilities are bolstering manufacturing capacity for key national defense programs.”
Blue Ops, a division of Red Cat Holdings, announced an expansion of its manufacturing capabilities in Valdosta, Georgia. The project adds large-scale robotic 3D printing and AI-enabled production systems to support unmanned surface vessel manufacturing.
The company said the expansion will significantly increase output capacity for maritime defense platforms.
Eaton announced a new 370,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Bellevue, Nebraska, to produce medium-voltage switchgear used in data centers and industrial power systems. The expansion reflects rising demand tied to AI-driven infrastructure growth.
The facility is expected to create more than 200 jobs. Mike Yelton, President, Electrical Sector Americas Region, said, “Eaton is making bold investments to drive growth—expanding our U.S. manufacturing footprint, adding jobs and helping customers accelerate projects.”
Applied Optoelectronics announced an expansion of its Houston-area manufacturing operations, adding two buildings in Pearland, Texas totaling approximately 388,000 square feet. The facility will produce optical networking products used in high-speed AI data center connectivity.
Founder, Chairman, and CEO Dr. Thompson Lin said, “The demand for optical connectivity in data centers has exceeded our expectations.”
AbbVie announced a $1.4 billion investment to build a 185-acre pharmaceutical manufacturing campus in Durham, North Carolina. The site will produce medicines across immunology, neuroscience, and oncology, expanding domestic drug manufacturing capacity.
The project is expected to create 734 jobs. Chairman and CEO Robert A. Michael said, “Our investment in North Carolina represents a significant milestone for AbbVie as our largest capital investment to date and an important expansion of our manufacturing footprint into a new region of the United States.”
Linde announced plans to build an air separation facility in Garysburg, North Carolina. The plant will produce oxygen, nitrogen, and argon for use in semiconductor manufacturing, healthcare, and industrial applications.
The more than $75 million project is expected to create 20 jobs. Vice President Todd Lawson said, “We are experiencing incredible growth across multiple end markets in the area.”
Suniva announced a $350 million investment to establish a solar cell manufacturing facility in Laurens County, South Carolina. The 620,000-square-foot plant will produce advanced solar cells, supporting domestic renewable energy supply chains.
The project is expected to create 564 jobs. CEO Tony Etnyre said, “Our expansion in South Carolina means that renewable energy, made right here at home, will now do more than ever to secure that future.”
U.S. Steel announced a $1.9 billion investment to build a direct reduced iron facility at Big River Steel Works in Osceola, Arkansas. The facility will support vertically integrated steel production, strengthening domestic supply chains from raw material through finished steel.
The project is expected to support about 200 full-time employees, 35 embedded contractor roles, and roughly 2,000 construction jobs at peak. President and CEO David B. Burritt said, “From iron ore in Minnesota to steel production in Arkansas, this $1.9 billion investment strengthens our ability to create steel that is truly mined, melted, made in America, from start to finish.”
Marubeni-Itochu Steel America announced plans to build a flat-rolled steel processing facility in Osceola, Arkansas. The plant will support advanced steel processing operations tied to automotive and industrial markets.
The $37 million investment is expected to create 35 jobs. President and CEO Toshio “Tony” Namiki said, “Our commitment to investing in Mississippi County reflects our confidence in the region's potential and its skilled workforce.”
Ferrara Candy Company announced plans to build a 750,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. The plant will support processing, packaging, and distribution operations for the company’s growing product portfolio.
The $675 million project is expected to create 1,000 jobs. CEO Marco Capurso said, “Our new Orangeburg facility represents a major step forward in transforming Ferrara’s manufacturing scale and capability, positioning the company for long-term global leadership.”
Signature Foods USA announced the opening of its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Easley, South Carolina. The plant will produce dips and spreads for retail grocery markets.
The $11.5 million investment is expected to create 202 jobs. CEO Peter Dornbos said, “Anderson County in South Carolina was our number one choice for starting the first U.S. operation for our Dutch Group, Signature Foods NL.”
Morinaga America Foods opened a new manufacturing facility in Mebane, North Carolina. The site will produce HI-CHEW candy and expand the company’s presence in the U.S. confectionery market.
The $136 million project is expected to create 204 jobs.
Oxbo opened a 200,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Bergen, New York. The plant will produce advanced harvesting equipment used in high-value crops.
The $60.5 million investment supports approximately 250 employees. CEO Roel Zeevat said, “The opening of our Bergen facility reflects our continued focus on sustainable, long-term growth.”
Mondi opened a new paper bags manufacturing facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The plant will produce industrial and eCommerce packaging solutions, including products for food, construction, and chemical markets.
The facility incorporates advanced automation technologies to improve efficiency. President Paper Bags Americas Rory Taylor said, “The opening of our new Pittsburgh plant marks an important milestone for our paper bags business in North America.”
Siemens Mobility opened a new passenger rail manufacturing facility in Lexington, North Carolina. The site expands domestic production of rail vehicles and supports growing demand for passenger rail infrastructure.
The facility is expected to create more than 500 jobs.
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