The Ribbon Cutting Isn’t the Finish Line — It’s Where Execution Risk Begins

Why global manufacturers stumble after launch — and how to make sure your new operation doesn’t

Everyone loves a ribbon cutting.

New logos on sleek buildings. Fresh jobs. Headlines touting economic growth. It’s a moment that captures excitement, momentum, and promise.

But what happens after the scissors are put away and the cameras leave? That’s when reality walks in — and for many new operations, especially international companies setting up their first U.S. facilities, that’s exactly when things can start to unravel.

The hidden risk no one likes to talk about

Companies often spend months — even years — meticulously planning site selection, negotiating incentives, and structuring legal entities. But all too often, execution planning for actual day-to-day operations gets left for last.

The consequences?

Shifts start without experienced leadership.

Worker turnover skyrockets in the first 60 days.

Training programs limp along.

Throughput lags far behind what was projected.

No amount of fanfare at launch can make up for early failures on the floor. In fact, if the first few months fall apart, recovery is painfully hard.

Research backs this up:

Deloitte found that attracting and retaining talent is the top challenge for 65% of manufacturers.

Another survey showed 71% of CEOs cite talent shortages as their #1 external obstacle when expanding operations.

Site consultants handle the strategy. We handle the execution.

At FHI, we’re not a staffing agency or a recruiter. We’re operators. We stand up frontline teams, manage shift performance, and take responsibility for delivering results on the floor — so your project moves from a blueprint to an actual, high-performing facility.

We’re the right fit for companies that:

✅ Need to ramp up quickly without sacrificing quality
✅ Lack frontline leaders familiar with U.S. labor environments
✅ Want true shift accountability — not just headcount on a roster

When an international manufacturer enters a new region, there’s no room for error. Execution isn’t optional. It’s foundational.

Look at what’s happening in South Carolina

Take South Carolina, for example. European manufacturers like Switzerland’s Matica Group are investing heavily in new high-tech facilities around Greer.

These are sophisticated operations with strong capital commitments and big expectations. But once hiring starts and the doors open, the location alone isn’t enough. What they need is a rock-solid workforce that shows up trained and ready to deliver — every shift, every day.

That’s where we come in.

We bring in experienced leaders, skilled associates, and proven labor strategies that help international manufacturers hit the ground running — and keep running.

Let’s talk before the press release

If your company (or a company you’re advising) is planning a U.S. expansion, let’s have a conversation.

Not about theory.

About execution.

Because the real work doesn’t start at the ribbon cutting. It starts the very next day — and that’s where we do some of our best work.

👇📅 We're here to help.  There's no pitch - just a conversation. 📅👇