Why Apple And GE Are Bringing Back Manufacturing - HW for 11/18

Before you read: What is your opinion of outsourcing? Is it a good idea or a bad idea? Write your answer in a sentence or two, explaining what you think and why.

Now, read this article from Forbes magazine. It talks about why U.S. manufacturers are quitting outsourcing their manufacturing divisions and moving them back to the U.S. for local production.

Answer these questions based on the article in writing. You need only write simple sentences to answer.

1. Why are U.S. companies bringing their manufacturing divisions back home? (3 reasons)
2. What happened when the manufacturing divisions came back to the U.S.? (3 things)

3. In the article, Lou Lenzi, of General Electric, says, "When you outsource the making of products, your whole business goes with the outsourcing." What do you think he means by this?

4. At least 4 companiese are mentioned in the article (see the list below). What kinds of companies are they and what kinds of things do they make?
a) Whirlpool
b) Otis
c) Wham-O
d) General Electric (GE)
To answer this question, do not rely only on the article alone. Check the companies' homepages to find out what each of them makes.

5. What is your opinion of outsourcing after reading the article?