If you’re wondering which companies manufacturing overseas are leading the global production game, you’re not alone.
I get asked this often by students, professionals, and career changers looking to understand where the biggest opportunities lie in the global workforce.
Let’s dive deep into this topic — not just to name the companies, but to explore how this impacts your career, where you can find opportunities, and how you can make smart decisions moving forward.
Which Companies Do The Most Overseas Manufacturing?
When it comes to companies manufacturing overseas, the giants of the tech and automotive industries dominate the landscape.
Apple, for example, relies heavily on Chinese factories for its assembly lines, partnering with suppliers like Foxconn and Pegatron.
In addition to China, Apple has expanded its manufacturing footprint to India and Vietnam, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness in production.
By diversifying its locations, Apple not only lowers costs but also expands its market presence.
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Nike is another standout in offshore manufacturing, working with over 500 factories across 41 countries.
Countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and China are critical for the company’s operations.
Nike’s strategy of outsourcing production allows the brand to scale efficiently, meeting global demand for footwear and apparel while reducing manufacturing costs.
This model has made Nike a leader in outsourcing production, creating numerous career opportunities worldwide in the process.
How Samsung and General Motors Maximize Overseas Manufacturing?
Samsung’s global manufacturing spans from South Korea to Vietnam and beyond, focusing on smartphones, electronics, and semiconductors.
By leveraging different regions for specific products, Samsung ensures top-tier production efficiency while maintaining competitive pricing in global markets.
Similarly, General Motors has major facilities in Mexico, Brazil, and China, positioning itself as a global leader in automotive manufacturing.
Both companies show the power of overseas production in driving growth and ensuring products are accessible to consumers worldwide.
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Read MoreWhy Do Companies Manufacture Overseas?
Companies choose foreign manufacturing for many reasons — the top ones being:
- Lower labor costs
- Scalable infrastructure
- Specialized expertise
- Access to global markets
For instance, a company might set up factories in Vietnam or India to cut down production costs while reaching consumers in Asia-Pacific faster.
Quick Insight:
According to Statista, the global manufacturing output in 2023 was over $17.5 trillion, with China contributing around 28.7% of that — the highest of any country.
Top 5 Companies Manufacturing Overseas:
Many companies choose to outsource part or all of their manufacturing to overseas firms, with China being the leading destination for production.
However, some companies are more heavily invested in overseas manufacturing than others. Here are five companies that lead the way in outsourcing their production abroad.
1. Apple Inc. – The Icon of Global Manufacturing
Apple’s strategy for overseas manufacturing is key to its success, and it relies heavily on its partnerships with suppliers in China, where major assembly plants like Foxconn are located.
These factories assemble iPhones and other Apple devices in large volumes, benefiting from lower labor costs and efficient production methods.
By focusing on China as a manufacturing hub, Apple can maintain cost-effective production while meeting global demand for its products.
Apple’s massive success is powered by its global supply chain, which is one of the most advanced and efficient in the world.
Key Highlights:
- Most of Apple’s products are assembled in China, especially by Foxconn and Pegatron.
- Apple has over 200 suppliers globally, with facilities in Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and India.
Fact:
Apple produced over 50 million iPhones in India alone in 2023, showing a shift in global production strategy.
Career Insight:
If you’re eyeing a career in supply chain, logistics, or product design, Apple’s global footprint is a goldmine of opportunity — especially in Asia.
| Sl No. | Country | Main Role | Key Supplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | Assembly + Components | Foxconn, Pegatron |
| 2 | Vietnam | AirPods Production | Luxshare |
| 3 | India | iPhone Assembly | Wistron, Tata |
| 4 | Taiwan | Semiconductor Fabrication | TSMC |
In recent years, Apple has expanded its manufacturing efforts beyond China, with Vietnam and India becoming increasingly important in its global production network.
India, for example, is now a crucial site for iPhone production, with companies like Wistron and Foxconn setting up factories to assemble Apple devices locally.
This shift not only helps Apple reduce dependence on China but also caters to the growing consumer base in Asia.
Apple’s ability to scale production in different countries is a testament to the power of offshoring.
By maintaining assembly operations in diverse regions, Apple ensures that it can quickly respond to market demand and improve its supply chain resilience.
The shift to India and Vietnam also allows Apple to reduce costs while strengthening its position in emerging markets, ultimately making its products more accessible to a wider range of consumers worldwide.
2. Nike, Inc. – The King of Outsourced Production
Nike is a prime example of a brand that has perfected the art of offshore manufacturing. With over 500 factories across 41 countries, Nike’s production network spans continents, with Vietnam being a key hub for footwear production.
By outsourcing the majority of its manufacturing to countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and China, Nike can keep its costs low while maintaining high-quality standards across its products.
Nike does not own the factories that make its products. Instead, it contracts out its manufacturing — which gives it flexibility and reach.
Where Nike Manufactures:
Nike works with over 500 factories in 41 countries.
- Vietnam makes up 50% of Nike’s footwear.
- Indonesia and China follow next.
Fact:
Nike employs over 1 million factory workers globally, most through third-party contracts.
Career Tip:
Nike offers roles in ethical sourcing, manufacturing strategy, and corporate responsibility — great entry points for those with supply chain, operations, or business degrees.
| Sl No. | Country | Products Manufactured | % of Total Production |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vietnam | Footwear, Apparel | 50%+ |
| 2 | China | Apparel, Accessories | 20% |
| 3 | Indonesia | Footwear | 25% |
In particular, Vietnam plays a central role in Nike’s supply chain, producing 50% of the company’s footwear.
This shift to Vietnam allows Nike to benefit from the country’s lower labor costs while still maintaining the efficiency and quality control needed to meet global demand.
Nike’s decision to centralize a significant portion of its production in Vietnam highlights the importance of selecting the right manufacturing locations to stay competitive in the global market.
Nike’s strategy of outsourcing manufacturing to countries like Indonesia and China has not only helped the company expand its product line but has also contributed to job creation and economic growth in those regions.
This model of global production enables Nike to scale quickly, adapt to market changes, and increase its presence in emerging markets.
As the brand continues to grow, its reliance on international manufacturing will remain key to its ongoing success in the global athletic wear industry.
3. General Motors – Auto Manufacturing at Global Scale
General Motors (GM) has been a major player in offshore manufacturing for years, operating production plants in China, Mexico, Brazil, and South Korea.
As one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, GM has strategically placed its factories in regions with access to large consumer markets and cost-effective production capabilities.
By doing so, GM not only reduces manufacturing costs but also strengthens its position in key markets like China, which is GM’s largest automotive market.
GM is a classic example of a company that has been manufacturing abroad for decades.
Where GM Operates:
- GM manufactures in China, Mexico, Brazil, South Korea, and more.
- China is its largest market, accounting for over 3 million vehicles sold annually.
Stat:
In 2022, GM produced 55% of its vehicles outside the U.S..
Career Angle:
Engineering roles, plant operations, and supply chain logistics are in high demand. Look for rotational programs offered by GM in Mexico and China for international exposure.
| Sl No. | Country | Primary Focus | Notable Models Produced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | Full Assembly | Buick, Cadillac |
| 2 | Mexico | Engines & Trucks | Chevrolet Silverado |
| 3 | Brazil | Small Cars | Chevrolet Onix |
| 4 | South Korea | Compact Vehicles | Chevrolet Spark |
A significant portion of GM’s manufacturing happens in Mexico, where it produces a wide range of vehicles, including Chevrolet trucks and engine components.
The country’s proximity to the U.S., along with lower labor costs, makes it an ideal location for GM’s manufacturing operations.
In 2022, GM produced more than 1 million vehicles in Mexico, solidifying its role as a critical hub for the company’s North American market.
By expanding its manufacturing footprint into countries like Brazil and South Korea, GM taps into local expertise and favorable economic conditions.
These factories help GM build vehicles tailored to specific regional markets, ensuring that the company remains competitive globally.
As GM continues to grow, its strategy of utilizing global manufacturing hubs will remain crucial to maintaining efficient production processes and meeting demand across diverse markets.
4. Samsung Electronics – Asia’s Tech Titan
Samsung Electronics has become a global leader by leveraging its vast overseas manufacturing network.
The company operates key production facilities in countries like Vietnam, China, and India, where it manufactures everything from smartphones to semiconductors.
This global footprint allows Samsung to optimize production costs while catering to diverse markets around the world, ensuring its products are both affordable and high-quality.
Samsung’s manufacturing reach is massive, thanks to its diversified production strategy.
Where Samsung Manufactures:
- Major production in South Korea, Vietnam, India, China, and Indonesia.
- Over 50% of its smartphones are made in Vietnam.
Insight:
Samsung has invested over $17 billion in semiconductor fabrication in the U.S. alone.
Pro Tip:
Tech manufacturing offers R&D roles, production management, and design engineering — all ideal for tech-savvy graduates.
| Sl No. | Country | Key Products | Facility Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vietnam | Smartphones, Tablets | Assembly Plants |
| 2 | South Korea | Semiconductors, OLEDs | High-Tech Plants |
| 3 | India | Consumer Electronics | World's Largest Phone Factory |
| 4 | Indonesia | Entry-level Phones | Regional Facilities |
In recent years, Vietnam has become an essential hub for Samsung’s smartphone production, with the company producing around 50% of its smartphones in the country.
The decision to expand production in Vietnam was driven by its favorable labor costs and skilled workforce.
By concentrating a significant portion of its production in Vietnam, Samsung ensures that it can quickly respond to global demand while minimizing expenses, maintaining competitive pricing in the tech market.
Samsung’s manufacturing operations in India are also growing rapidly, particularly in the production of smartphones and consumer electronics.
The company has invested heavily in India, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
India’s strategic location and favorable economic conditions make it an ideal base for Samsung to cater to the burgeoning demand for electronics in the Asian market, further solidifying its position in the global tech industry.
5. Unilever – Manufacturing Everyday Essentials Globally
Unilever, one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, operates an extensive network of overseas manufacturing facilities.
The company has strategically placed production plants in countries like India, China, Indonesia, and Brazil, which helps it cater to local markets with speed and efficiency.
This global approach allows Unilever to keep costs down while ensuring it can quickly meet the demand for products such as food, beverages, and personal care items in diverse regions.
Unilever operates in over 190 countries, with a strong local manufacturing strategy.
What Unilever Makes Overseas:
- Products like Dove, Surf Excel, Knorr, Lifebuoy, and Vaseline are made across Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
- The company has 300+ factories worldwide.
Fact:
Unilever uses local sourcing to adapt products to regional tastes and keep costs down.
Career Insight:
There’s a demand for roles in sustainable sourcing, R&D, and consumer insights. If you enjoy market-specific product development, this is a great place to grow.
| Sl No. | Region | Core Products | Key Countries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asia | Personal Care, Food | India, China, Indonesia |
| 2 | Latin America | Cleaning Products | Brazil, Mexico |
| 3 | Africa | Soaps, Shampoos | Nigeria, Kenya |
| 4 | Europe | Ice Cream, Detergents | Netherlands, UK |
India plays a significant role in Unilever’s global production operations, with the company having multiple manufacturing units across the country. These facilities produce popular brands like Surf Excel, Dove, and Lipton.
By manufacturing in India, Unilever benefits from the country’s skilled labor force and favorable production costs, allowing the company to meet the growing consumer demand in Asia and beyond.
In Southeast Asia, countries like Indonesia and Thailand are critical to Unilever’s manufacturing operations.
The company’s decision to set up production plants in these countries is driven by their strategic location and growing consumer markets.
By outsourcing manufacturing to Southeast Asia, Unilever can produce products more efficiently, ensuring that they are widely available and affordable to consumers in Asia Pacific and other regions around the world.
Why Global Manufacturing Matters for Careers?
Here’s the deal: the more global a company’s production, the more diverse the career opportunities.
You’re not just applying for a job in your home country — you’re preparing for a career that spans borders.
Career Paths in Global Manufacturing:
Top Career Options:
- Supply Chain Analyst
- Quality Assurance Manager
- International Logistics Coordinator
- Production Supervisor
- Industrial Engineer
- Export/Import Specialist
- Sustainability Officer
| Sl No. | Career Role | Top Skills Required |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Supply Chain Analyst | Data Analysis, Excel, Forecasting |
| 2 | Logistics Coordinator | Customs Knowledge, ERP Tools |
| 3 | Production Supervisor | Lean Manufacturing, Team Management |
| 4 | Sustainability Officer | ESG Compliance, Environmental Regulations |
| 5 | Quality Assurance Manager | Six Sigma, ISO Standards |
Pro Tips for Career Seekers:
- Learn the language of the country where the company manufactures — even basic skills can give you an edge.
- Use platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and edX to upskill.
- Follow company-specific career pages for global rotational programs.
| Sl No. | Tool Name | Purpose | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coursera | Upskilling | coursera.org |
| 2 | Glassdoor | Salary & Company Insights | glassdoor.com |
| 3 | LinkedIn Jobs | Global Job Listings | linkedin.com/jobs |
| 4 | Supply Chain Dive | Industry News | supplychaindive.com |
| 5 | Investopedia | Business/Finance Knowledge | investopedia.com |
Final Thoughts:
We live in a borderless job market, and the rise of companies with overseas production has made that possible. Whether you’re an engineer, business grad, or supply chain enthusiast, this space is booming with opportunities.
Here’s what you should do next:
- Pick a company you admire.
- Learn where they manufacture and how.
- Explore open roles that suit your background.
- Start building your global career — one step at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Companies often manufacture overseas to reduce costs, access skilled labor, and take advantage of economic incentives offered by foreign governments. It also helps them scale faster and serve global markets more efficiently.
Apple is one of the most prominent companies using overseas production, especially in China, India, and Vietnam. Their partnership with Foxconn and others allows them to mass-produce devices like the iPhone with speed and precision.
Overseas manufacturing often creates thousands of jobs in developing countries, especially in regions like Southeast Asia and Latin America. For example, Nike’s factories in Vietnam and Indonesia support local economies by providing steady employment.
Industries like electronics, automotive, apparel, and consumer goods heavily rely on offshore production. These sectors benefit from the low cost, flexibility, and global distribution that international factories provide.
Not entirely. While cost-cutting is a major factor, companies also look at scalability, supply chain efficiency, and proximity to growing markets. For instance, Unilever manufactures in India and Indonesia to better serve Asia’s rising middle class.
Yes, overseas manufacturing comes with risks such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and quality control issues. That’s why many companies now diversify their production across multiple countries to reduce dependency.
By producing goods in or near their target markets, companies like Samsung and General Motors can distribute faster, lower shipping costs, and respond quickly to demand, giving them a competitive edge in global business.
Absolutely. If you’re exploring careers in operations, supply chain, or international business, overseas manufacturing offers exciting paths. Roles in logistics, plant management, and global sourcing are in high demand in multinational firms.
Not necessarily. Most leading companies maintain strict quality standards, regardless of the country of production. For instance, Samsung’s smartphones made in Vietnam or India undergo the same rigorous testing as those made in Korea.
Working with such companies exposes you to international work environments, cross-cultural teams, and global mobility opportunities. It’s a smart move if you want a long-term, well-rounded career in a multinational organization.
Hey, I am Sachin Ramdurg. I run and manage futuredecider.com website that helps students, graduates, and professionals, to find and decide on their future career with ultimate future career advices and future career guides. I have an overall 12+ years of career guidance experience in multiple domains which has helped multiple students, graduates, and professionals to find the best career path for their future.