Green manufacturing has become a powerful marketing tool. Consumers increasingly have begun buying green products that are more cost effective, healthier, and leave less of a carbon footprint on our planet. As a result, manufacturers are developing products that fit this need. At the same time they are implementing supply chains that are greener.

Research and Development (R&D) tax credits have been offered in the U.S. government since 1981. If your business doesn’t do research, you may think this article can’t help you, but this year you may be wrong. Recently, the rules for R&D tax credits have been redefined. The criteria for qualifying have become more lenient, and now include a larger group of businesses, specifically manufacturers. You may be entitled to a share of the billions of dollars offered to small businesses this year and not even know it.

The conventional wisdom is that the U.S. no longer produces much. The notion that globalization has dealt a fatal blow to the American manufacturing sector is a widespread one. It has become common to hear people declare that "everything is made in China!" Not only do most believe the U.S. is no longer the manufacturing giant it once was, but they also think it has fallen behind emerging countries that are set to usurp America's once-secure lead.