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Motorola's Doomed Attempt to Assemble Smartphones in America
4 Aug
Summary
- Motorola tried to manufacture Moto X phones in the US in 2013 but failed
- Difficulty finding skilled workers and higher costs made domestic assembly unviable
- China's robust manufacturing ecosystem gives it an edge over the US for smartphone production
As of August 2025, the challenges Motorola faced in its attempt to manufacture smartphones in the United States more than a decade ago remain relevant. In 2013, the then-Google-owned company made an ambitious bet to produce its Moto X flagship device in Fort Worth, Texas, hoping to appeal to American consumers looking to buy domestically made products.
However, Motorola's efforts were short-lived. The company struggled to find and retain skilled workers capable of the intricate assembly required for smartphone production. Additionally, the higher costs associated with domestic manufacturing made it difficult for Motorola to remain price-competitive in the market. By May 2014, the company had shut down its Texas factory and moved Moto X assembly elsewhere.
The experience of Motorola's former CEO, Dennis Woodside, underscores the difficulties tech companies face in onshoring smartphone production. China's robust manufacturing ecosystem, with its plentiful labor force and sophisticated supply chain, continues to give it a significant advantage over the United States in this regard. As a result, the majority of smartphones, including those made by industry giants like Apple and Samsung, are still largely assembled in Asia rather than in America.
