Machine Nation News Team
May 15, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM
Kimberly-Clark Announced Plans To Invest More Than $2 Billion Over The Next Five Years In Its North America Segment, Expanding Its U.S. Manufacturing Capacity And Modernizing Its Supply Chain
Kimberly-Clark Corporation, the maker of Kleenex and Huggies, announced on May 1, 2025, a $2 billion investment over the next five years to expand its North American manufacturing capacity and modernize its supply chain. The initiative includes constructing a new manufacturing facility in Warren, Ohio, and developing the Beech Island, South Carolina, plant, adding over 900 jobs across both sites. The investment also funds automation, AI-powered analytics, and technological upgrades across its U.S. supply chain network. It targets a $14 billion consumer goods market driven by demand for tissue, diapers, and personal care products. CEO Mike Hsu emphasized the plan’s role in “cementing our domestic manufacturing presence” amid President Trump’s 10% global tariffs, reducing reliance on international supply chains. The projects, supported by state incentives, align with a 5% rise in U.S. consumer goods demand since 2023 and are expected to boost production by 20% by 2030. The expansion strengthens Kimberly-Clark’s 25 U.S. facilities, supporting Ohio and South Carolina’s combined 50,000 manufacturing workforce.
For the precision machining industry, Kimberly-Clark’s investment highlights the critical role of tolerance in consumer goods manufacturing. Producing packaging equipment and automation components, such as conveyor rollers and mold dies, requires CNC milling to achieve tight tolerances, often within ±0.001 inches, ensuring precise fit and reliable high-speed operation. 5-axis milling machines, programmed with optimized feed rates and spindle speeds, maintain these tolerances for consistent part quality in automated lines with real-time quality control. The facility expansions drive demand for local machine shops to supply precision tooling, adopting Industry 4.0 technologies like AI-driven milling and additive manufacturing. As part of a $50 billion precision manufacturing market, this project creates opportunities for suppliers in Ohio and South Carolina, where manufacturing jobs have grown 2% since 2022, bolstering domestic supply chains.
Source:
Kimberly-Clark Corporation Press Release, May 1, 2025
Source:
Social Media Buzz (powered by X):
X is energized about Kimberly-Clark’s $2 billion investment, with posts on May 18, 2025, calling it a “major boost” for U.S. manufacturing. Users praised the 900 jobs, with one noting “Warren, Ohio, is thriving,” while another tied it to “tariffs driving reshoring.” The buzz reflects optimism for economic growth and supply chain resilience.
What is the Tolerance?
This is one of many key terms of our broad Machine Nation Essential Modern Precision Industries Guidebook (MPIG). Click here to get a copy straight to your inbox.
Tolerance - The allowable deviation in a machined part’s dimensions, typically specified in thousandths of an inch, critical for ensuring precision in CNC milling for manufacturing equipment.
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Related Tags:
#KimberlyClark #USManufacturing #Tolerance #PrecisionMachining #SupplyChain #Reshoring