Efforts by the Biden administration have been successful in creating new factory jobs in Wisconsin as part of a larger push to bring high-speed internet to the entire country. These jobs not only contribute to the infrastructure development but also support President Joe Biden’s messaging for the 2024 elections.
Vice President Kamala Harris recently announced that up to 200 new manufacturing jobs will be brought to Wisconsin. The Sanmina factory in Kenosha County will employ workers who will produce parts for Nokia, which will help connect customers to broadband internet.
Nokia’s decision to move production to the U.S. came after extensive engagement with the Commerce Department to comply with the “Buy America” rules in the government’s $42.5 billion investment for universal internet services.
In her speech at the factory, Vice President Harris emphasized the importance of manufacturing products in America, stating that materials and products used in these projects must be made in America by American workers. This aligns with President Biden’s efforts to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
The administration’s aim is to link job gains to specific actions taken by President Biden, especially amidst concerns about the economy due to inflation. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, Nokia and government officials have openly discussed the process of bringing this particular project to fruition.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo highlighted the administration’s commitment to not easily grant Buy America waivers. They extensively analyzed supply chains to determine which products could be made in the U.S. and what parts might need to be sourced from abroad to ensure timely project completion.
Nokia had multiple meetings with government officials to navigate this process. There were challenges, but Nokia successfully rose to the occasion and engaged with the government to fulfill the requirements.
Despite concerns that the preference for American-made supplies would increase costs and lead to delays, Nokia executives explained that the costs of moving production to the U.S. were relatively minor compared to other expenses related to internet infrastructure development.
While the choice of the Kenosha factory in Wisconsin was coincidental due to Nokia’s existing relationship with Sanmina, it has political implications. Kenosha County is a swing state that then-President Donald Trump narrowly won in 2020, and Biden’s administration is focusing on creating jobs and improving broadband access in the region.
Under President Biden, factory jobs in the Kenosha area have reached a two-decade high, surpassing the peak during the Trump presidency. This aligns with President Biden’s goal of reviving manufacturing jobs and provides support for his reelection campaign.
The Biden administration believes that more factory jobs are on the horizon as American manufacturing companies rethink their supply chains and strive to diversify them. Commerce Secretary Raimondo sees a promising future for places like Wisconsin.
