If you’ve ever bought a smartphone, car, or even a simple T-shirt, chances are it was made somewhere far from where you bought it.
These are made by companies that produce in different countries, using a global network of factories, suppliers, and workers.
This strategy isn’t just about cost savings — it’s a powerful business move that shapes global trade, job markets, and even your career decisions.
As a Career Expert who’s spent over a decade guiding students, engineers, and professionals toward smarter paths, let me break this down in a clear, practical way — especially if you’re exploring careers in manufacturing, supply chain, or international business.
10 Companies That Produce in Different Countries
When we think about brands that shaped American identity, we often picture the likes of Coca-Cola, Ford, Apple, and Levi’s.
These brands have become symbols of American culture and innovation.
But behind the scenes, many of these iconic names rely on overseas manufacturing to bring their products to life.
Let’s walk through nine iconic American-made products that you might be surprised to learn are, at least in part, made outside the U.S.
This is a common reality today, where balancing quality, cost, and supply chain efficiency often leads companies to manufacture in global locations.
Here’s a Quick Overview of the Top 10 Companies:
What is Offshore Software Engineering?
Offshore software engineering is when a company hires a software development team from another country—usually one where the labor costs are lower—to build or manage software projects. ...
Read More1. Apple Inc.
Apple designs its products in California, but most of them are made in Asia.
The iPhone, for example, is assembled in Foxconn’s factories in China and India.
In 2023, Apple started manufacturing the iPhone 15 in India, boosting local job creation by over 150,000 positions
| 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 |
Career Insight:
Apple needs supply chain managers, quality inspectors, and logistics analysts worldwide. Consider courses in supply chain logistics or operations management if this interests you.
2. Toyota Motor Corporation
Toyota is a leader in automotive manufacturing with plants in over 27 countries.
The U.S., Thailand, and France are key hubs.
More than 70% of Toyota cars sold in the U.S. are made in North America.
| Sl No. | Region | Major Products Manufactured |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | USA | Camry, RAV4, Tacoma |
| 2 | Thailand | Hilux, Fortuner |
| 3 | France | Yaris |
Pro Tip:
If you’re pursuing mechanical or industrial engineering, Toyota offers top internships globally, especially through its Kaizen-based training programs.
3. Samsung Electronics
Samsung manufactures phones, TVs, and semiconductors across Vietnam, India, and China.
- Over 50% of Samsung smartphones are made in Vietnam (Statista, 2023).
- It employs over 100,000 workers in its Vietnamese facilities.
| Sl No. | Career Roles Available | Required Skills |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hardware engineers | Circuit design, assembly |
| 2 | Production planners | SAP, logistics tools |
| 3 | International QA staff | ISO compliance, auditing |
Career Tip:
Consider South Korea’s Global Samsung Scholarship if you’re into tech and want to study abroad.
4. Nestlé
Nestlé operates in 190 countries and owns over 2,000 brands like KitKat, Nescafé, and Maggi.
- Its largest factory is in Brazil, and it has over 100 factories in India.
- Nestlé uses local sourcing for 80% of raw materials in Asia and Africa (Nestlé Global Report, 2024).
| Sl No. | Country | Product Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | Maggi Noodles |
| 2 | Brazil | Coffee Beans |
| 3 | China | Dairy Products |
Pro Tip:
Nestlé’s “Creating Shared Value” program focuses on community and sustainability. Great for those exploring ESG careers.
5. Nike
Nike doesn’t own factories.
It outsources manufacturing to over 500 suppliers globally.
- Over 40% of Nike’s footwear is made in Vietnam, followed by Indonesia and China.
- It employs over 1 million contract factory workers worldwide.
| Sl No. | Manufacturing Hub | Focus Products |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vietnam | Footwear |
| 2 | Indonesia | Apparel |
| 3 | China | Mixed products |
Career Insight:
Supply chain, ethical sourcing, and sustainability are big here. Nike offers internships in corporate responsibility for fresh graduates.
6. Siemens
Siemens is a German giant with manufacturing hubs in the USA, India, and China.
It produces automation equipment, medical devices, and energy systems.
Siemens operates 27 factories in India and employs over 15,000 engineers across these locations.
| Sl No. | Factory Locations | Output |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pune, India | Switchgear |
| 2 | Suzhou, China | Medical Equipment |
| 3 | Charlotte, USA | Gas turbines |
Pro Tip:
Siemens Graduate Trainee Program is globally respected. Focus on industrial engineering, mechatronics, and digital twin tech.
7. Unilever
Unilever owns over 400 household brands including Dove, Surf, and Lipton.
- The company produces across 100+ countries, with key hubs in India, Indonesia, and Mexico.
- In India alone, Unilever employs over 21,000 people in its factories.
| Sl No. | Country | Top Brands Produced |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | Lifebuoy, Surf Excel |
| 2 | Indonesia | Sunsilk, Rexona |
| 3 | Mexico | Knorr, Dove |
Career Insight:
Great for marketing and FMCG professionals. Look into their “Future Leaders Program.”
8. Intel Corporation
Intel makes semiconductors — the brain behind computers and electronics.
- The company has fabrication units in Ireland, Israel, and Malaysia.
- Intel invested over $10 billion in Israel to expand its fab facilities (2024 report).
| Sl No. | Fab Location | Product Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ireland | Microprocessors |
| 2 | Malaysia | Chip Assembly |
| 3 | Israel | R&D and Fabrication |
Pro Tip:
Careers in chip design and nanotechnology are booming. Semiconductor engineering is a highly-paid niche with global demand.
9. Procter & Gamble (P&G)
P&G is behind brands like Gillette, Pampers, and Ariel.
- Manufacturing hubs include Mexico, Poland, and China.
- In 2024, P&G opened a $300M facility in Poland focusing on sustainable production.
| Sl No. | Region | Product Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | Personal Care |
| 2 | Mexico | Detergents |
| 3 | Poland | Paper Products |
Sustainability, packaging innovation, and global logistics are emerging roles within P&G.
10. IKEA
IKEA produces in Poland, China, and India, though it’s a Swedish brand.
- Poland is IKEA’s top manufacturing country, responsible for over 20% of its furniture production.
- IKEA’s India facility supports local wood sourcing and community hiring.
| Sl No. | Country | Products Focused |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Poland | Wooden Furniture |
| 2 | China | Lighting, Storage |
| 3 | India | Affordable Collections |
Pro Tip:
IKEA offers strong roles in product design, supply chain analytics, and interior design. Great for design graduates!
Career Opportunities Across These Global Companies:
Here are some of the best career opportunities across these companies that offers offshore jobs:
Benefits of Working for Companies With Global Production:
- International exposure
- High-paying roles
- Learning global business operations
- Greater career mobility
- More specialization options
| Sl No. | Role | Skills Required | Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Supply Chain Analyst | Logistics, ERP tools | All |
| 2 | Quality Assurance | Auditing, ISO Standards | Manufacturing |
| 3 | International HR | Cross-cultural management | MNCs |
| 4 | Product Development | Engineering, prototyping | Tech, Apparel |
| 5 | Compliance Officer | Trade regulations | Pharma, Food |
Career-Driven Search Phrases that you can use on job portals to find your offshore dream job:
- “global production companies”
- “international manufacturers”
- “overseas manufacturing careers”
- “multinational supply chain jobs”
- “working abroad in manufacturing”
- “companies hiring international operations managers”
Key Insights:
- As of 2024, over 80% of Fortune 500 companies outsource some form of manufacturing.
- Vietnam and India are two of the fastest-growing global manufacturing hubs.
- Global supply chain jobs are expected to grow by 30% by 2030 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Final Thoughts:
If you’re looking to build a long-term, future-proof career, target these companies. They hire across borders, invest in training, and provide stability in a volatile economy.
Start with internships in global companies, attend career fairs that feature international employers, and learn tools like SAP, Oracle SCM, AutoCAD, or Lean Six Sigma.
Keep an eye on countries investing in infrastructure — like Vietnam, Mexico, and India — as these will continue to rise as manufacturing powerhouses.
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.