The Titanium Economy

The high-tech industrial technology sector – coined the “Titanium Economy” – is driving an industrial revival in formerly dormant US manufacturing regions.

Determined entrepreneurs are taking advantage of technological advances and market opportunities to spark a renaissance in previously defunct industrial zones across the United States. 

Most of the companies that make up the Titanium Economy don’t market directly to consumers, yet their innovations touch nearly every aspect of modern life. For example, Qorvo manufactures an essential mobile phone part on a uniquely large scale. Trex turns used plastic bags into construction materials. Sealed Air replaces plastic packaging with biodegradable packaging that keeps food hot or cold.

Families own and run many Titanium-Economy enterprises, but being family-owned and operated doesn’t limit these firms. The best of them maintain nurturing workplace cultures, honor agile decision-making and adopt innovations. For example, to retain younger workers, family-run Dot Foods invested in robotic equipment to perform repetitive tasks and free up employees to do more meaningful...