Before we get into today’s email .. I wanted to let you know that we put together a list of 10 cities to watch for real estate investing in 2026 and why. This list will be updated and curated all the way through 2027 as we see shifts in our main signals.
Go see what cities, states made the list and follow the change throughout the year. Many positives, many negatives but one thing is for certain .. they aren’t being talked about by anyone right now…and we like that.
Let’s get into today’s email.
Everyone’s tracking tech HQ moves. But the bigger story might be in manufacturing and industrial services — where the capital is heavier and the jobs stick longer. Plus you remember the manufacturing in America push by President Trump not too long ago? Let’s see how that’s going.
Let’s look at Yaskawa America, Inc.
They’re not a startup. They’re a global automation and robotics company with 100+ years in motion control. In September 2025, they announced a $180 million relocation and expansion of their North American headquarters — from Waukegan, Illinois to Franklin, Wisconsin. (one hour and 24 minutes away, Madison, WI made our Top 10 cities list)
That move isn’t just symbolic. It includes:
$180 million capital investment
Over 700 new jobs
Consolidation of manufacturing, R&D, and administrative functions
And it’s not going to Silicon Valley, Austin, or Miami. It’s going to a Milwaukee suburb.
Why Wisconsin? Yaskawa cited three things: proximity to their supply chain, better access to skilled talent, and a business climate aligned with their long-term cost structure. Franklin offered shovel-ready land, rail access, tax alignment, and workforce programs.
This isn’t about cool cities. It’s about operational math.
Wisconsin’s not alone. We’re seeing a quiet shift of HQs and operational centers to “Tier 2” metros with real infrastructure:
Anderson County, TN just landed IWI US, Inc., relocating its HQ and major operations from Pennsylvania (72 new jobs, $15.7M capex)
Baton Rouge, LA scored Orion Engineers + Constructors, moving its HQ from Alabama with 50 high-paying jobs
Franklin, WI becomes a national hub for automation systems thanks to Yaskawa’s move
What this signals:
HQ moves aren’t just about cost — they follow supply chains, labor depth, and buildable land
Talent is rebalancing across states with trade schools, low regulation, and infrastructure headroom
These cities may not win media cycles, but they’re winning capex — and capex is stickier than sentiment
If you’re a founder or investor:
Watch where manufacturing HQs are consolidating — that’s where industrial services, job growth, and housing demand follow
Look for secondary metros offering incentive packages, infrastructure access, and talent density without legacy costs
Don’t just track where people live — track where companies decide to root their long-term operations
Make your next move count.
Stacy
Founder, CEO - Smart Movers Club
P.S. Every member’s at a different stage. Book a quick call and I’ll help you figure out which path makes the most sense for you.
If you were forwarded this email and would like to keep getting Club Daily delivered to your inbox, please subscribe below.
Disclaimer: This publication is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not tailored to your circumstances, is not a complete statement of the matters discussed, and should not be relied upon as investment, legal, tax, accounting, regulatory, or other professional advice. Speak with your own professional advisors about how any information may apply to you.
Smart Movers Club LLC makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or suitability of the information and disclaims liability for any errors or omissions.
Nothing herein is an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, or a recommendation of any security, financial instrument, or product. This publication does not form the basis of any contract and does not create a fiduciary, advisory, or client relationship with Smart Movers Club LLC. References to third-party content are for illustration only and are not endorsements. Smart Movers Club LLC is not responsible for the availability, accuracy, or content of third-party materials.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and may change without notice.