Author Topic: On shoring in tech  (Read 1712 times)

Brad

  • Inner Core
  • Hero Member
  • *
  • Posts: 4138
  • What, me worry?
    • View Profile
On shoring in tech
« on: April 18, 2018, 01:08:26 PM »
Linux computer maker System76 is moving manufacturing from China to the US.  They will start with desktop computers first to learn how to do it then move on to laptops, so this is a multi year process.

https://opensource.com/article/18/4/system76-us-manufacturing-plant

1. Hopefully this is the first very tiny step in a larger trend.
2. Although this has been in planning for years, it's probably a good idea given the deterioration of relations between China and the US.
3. I suspect they will automate the manufacturing as much as possible.

For System76 this seems like a part of a larger strategy.  The company used to use Linux Ubuntu exclusively but has recently launched their own flavor of Linux called Pop!_OS.  They seem to want to take more control of their upstream sources.  I suspect the goal is to quietly become a third brand in computer hardware and operating systems.

littleman

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6531
    • View Profile
Re: On shoring in tech
« Reply #1 on: April 18, 2018, 09:31:38 PM »
Even if this doesn't end up being a major job creator, I think it has to be a good thing that manufacturing is coming back to the US.  It will be more efficient and environmentally friendly to have production closer to the market.  I wish System76 luck, it will be nice to be able to buy an American made Linux powered laptop.

rcjordan

  • I'm consulting the authorities on the subject
  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 16269
  • Debbie says...
    • View Profile
Re: On shoring in tech
« Reply #2 on: April 18, 2018, 10:41:47 PM »
I suspect being able to use bots to at least take the edge off of payroll factors heavily into on-shoring.  If I were cynical & distrusting, which I'm certainly nothhh I'd expect bots to slowly displace workers once the plant is established.  Regardless, I think right-to-work states will benefit most unless a union-friendly state offers ridiculously massive incentives.

Brad

  • Inner Core
  • Hero Member
  • *
  • Posts: 4138
  • What, me worry?
    • View Profile
Re: On shoring in tech
« Reply #3 on: April 18, 2018, 11:50:01 PM »
Agreed. Net gain to actually produce our own stuff in country even if it is 100 percent robots.

I don't mind paying more for quality* goods made in the US or made in countries that have standards (Canada, UK, EU come to mind.)

*Quality and competition are important.  I remember the 1970's well when American made consumer goods seemed cheesy and low quality and Japanese stuff worked and was more reliable.

grnidone

  • Inner Core
  • Hero Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1638
    • Yahoo Instant Messenger - e
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: On shoring in tech
« Reply #4 on: April 20, 2018, 08:33:54 PM »
I, too, hope this is part of a larger trend, not just in computer manufacturing, but in manufacturing in general.