[vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/2″]Ever wonder what America kicks butt at other than Women’s soccer, freedom and fast food? Something you might not consider: manufacturing. Thanks to the shale natural gas development and hydraulic fracturing (frac’ing), the United States will soon manufacture the goods we depend on more inexpensive than the world’s leader, China. The term, “Made in the U.S.A.”, is making a huge comeback thanks to competitively cheap oil and shale natural gas right here in the United States. The Boston consultancy (BCG), estimates the average cost to manufacture goods in the U.S. is now only 5% higher than in China, which is closer than it ever has been before. BCG projects that by 2018 it will be 2%-3% cheaper to manufacture goods here in the U.S. than in China. The shale gas revolutions effect on U.S. manufacturing is widespread and will benefit the country tremendously.
[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”8042″ border_color=”” img_link_large=”” link=”” img_link_target=”” img_size=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]How Frac’ing Helps
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Frac’ing here in the United States has helped to dramatically drive down the price of oil and gas being used by Americans every day, as well as in other industries that need oil and gas to manufacture things like steel, aluminum, paper and petrochemicals. In addition, U.S. electricity prices have dramatically decreases lower than any other industry, also thanks to natural gas. These lower energy prices can also make way for new advances in energy security. For example, if natural gas is used to fuel America’s vehicles, then it would reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Effects
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]According to PwC and their December 2014 analysis of the U.S. manufacturing and natural gas sectors, the annual cost savings of this new manufacturing resurgence is projected as $22.3 billion in 2030 and $34.1 billion in 2040. In addition to saving the country billions of dollars, PwC estimates that there will be 930,000 shale gas-driven manufacturing jobs created by 2030 and 1.41 million by 2040.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]In a speech earlier this year, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers Jay Timmons highlighted how affordable energy is “driving manufacturing’s resurgence”:“Now, let’s take a look at energy, because the time is right—energy that fuels our success as manufacturers and as a country. This is a moment of great opportunity. America has an unprecedented and incredible global advantage in reliable and affordable energy, and it’s driving manufacturing’s resurgence.”Making Sure We Succeed
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Even though the shale natural gas renaissance seems unstoppable, there is one thing that is capable of halting the benefits that production secures: lack of infrastructure.  Making sure that the natural gas distribution infrastructure is up-to-date and able to keep up with production is extremely important for the success of the U.S. manufacturing sector. Without the means to transport the product it doesn’t matter how much natural gas is produced. Natural gas infrastructure is vital to get the extracted gas from the producer to the consumer. In conclusion, as long as the production of shale natural gas here in the U.S. remains strong and the much needed infrastructure is put into place, the country will benefit with the resurgence of the manufacturing industry providing lower priced goods for Americans.
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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]To learn more about other ways shale natural gas plays into the manufacturing industry, what is made from natural gas and how it contributes to society, you can watch the video below:
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