Major factory construction projects to watch in 2026

Despite a slowdown in U.S. manufacturing construction and the cancellation of $32 billion in clean energy projects in 2025, several major companies are moving forward with large investments in 2026. Federal policies like the CHIPS Act and state incentives are encouraging domestic production and job creation. Micron is investing $200 billion across Idaho, New York, and Virginia for new semiconductor fabs and R&D centers, aiming to produce 40% of its DRAM in the U.S. and create around 90,000 jobs. Samsung is building a $17 billion semiconductor plant in Texas, expected to start operations in 2026 and create 1,800 jobs. Stellantis is spending $13 billion to expand vehicle production in four states, with the Indiana plant starting engine production in 2026 and over 5,000 jobs expected overall. Lilly is launching a $27 billion pharmaceutical investment, including a $6 billion facility in Alabama starting in 2026, with other plants in Houston and Virginia expected within five years. Texas Instruments is expanding a semiconductor fab in Utah with $11 billion, and Rivian is starting a $5 billion EV plant in Georgia, aiming for 400,000 vehicles annually by 2028. These projects underscore a major push to expand U.S. manufacturing in semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and electric vehicles, highlighting both investment scale and strategic importance