
As global foreign direct investment (FDI) exceeded $1.3 trillion last year, the United States strengthened its position as one of the world’s premier destinations for international capital. From advanced manufacturing sites to sprawling distribution centers, foreign investors continue to expand their U.S. presence, fueling demand for sophisticated supply chain operations and resilient warehousing strategies.
But with these high-value investments comes a new level of operational complexity. Foreign-backed companies often navigate unfamiliar regulatory landscapes, local labor markets, and evolving consumer expectations, all while under pressure to deliver rapid market access and seamless last-mile fulfillment. That’s where FHI, a leading provider of managed warehouse labor and supply chain solutions, plays a pivotal role.
“When international capital flows into the U.S., it’s about more than just bricks and mortar — it’s about building robust, efficient supply chains that can perform from day one,” said Will Seel, VP of Business Development and Industry Affairs at FHI. “Our teams are experts at absorbing that complexity. We help companies quickly stand up high-performing warehouse operations, integrate with local workforces, and hit aggressive throughput goals.”
Driving efficiency for foreign-backed facilities nationwide
FDI activity is reshaping the American logistics landscape. Whether it’s a European auto manufacturer building a new EV plant, an Asian tech supplier opening a stateside distribution hub, or a global consumer brand launching its first direct-to-consumer operation in the U.S., these ventures often involve aggressive timelines and significant capital at stake.
For these businesses, partnering with an experienced warehouse labor and productivity specialist can be the difference between costly startup hiccups and a smooth operational launch. FHI’s nationwide network and decades of expertise managing warehouse workflows uniquely position the company to support foreign investors across diverse industries.
With a focus on customized workforce solutions, lean process engineering, and transparent performance metrics, FHI allows companies to focus on their core expansion strategies while trusting that their distribution and fulfillment operations are being executed to world-class standards.
Ready when demand spikes: FHI NOW
One hallmark of FDI-driven projects is volatility. Facility construction delays, sudden shifts in demand forecasts, and unforeseen regulatory hurdles can all trigger last-minute operational surges. FHI’s rapid-response program, FHI NOW, is designed precisely for these situations. It mobilizes trained teams within 72 hours, helping clients adapt instantly to changing needs — whether opening a new distribution center ahead of a product launch or catching up on seasonal backlogs.
This ability to scale labor and processes on demand is a critical safeguard for foreign investors seeking to minimize supply chain disruptions and protect their capital-intensive investments.
Building local workforces with global standards
A key component of FDI is community impact. New foreign-funded operations often become major local employers, offering thousands of jobs and bolstering regional economies. FHI not only supplies the labor needed to run these facilities, but also invests heavily in training and safety programs that elevate skills and maintain rigorous operational standards.
By embedding experienced management teams on-site and leveraging performance pay models, FHI ensures that productivity is sustained over the long term — fostering stable, engaged workforces that meet both international and domestic expectations.
Looking ahead: A trusted partner in global expansion
As FDI continues to flow into the U.S., the logistics industry faces both immense opportunities and substantial risks. Warehouses must do more than simply store goods; they must operate as high-speed engines of distribution that can adapt to market swings, regulatory pressures, and evolving customer demands.
FHI’s 30-year track record in warehouse productivity and operational excellence positions the company as a trusted partner for foreign investors seeking reliable, scalable solutions. From the initial planning stages of a U.S. market entry to steady-state operations years down the line, FHI provides the labor, process expertise, and real-time performance visibility that modern global supply chains demand.
“FDI isn’t slowing down, and neither are we,” Seel added. “Every new investment in U.S. facilities is an opportunity to prove that with the right people and processes, complex doesn’t have to mean complicated. That’s what we do best at FHI.”
To learn more about how foreign direct investment is transforming warehouse management and what it means for 3PL operations, check out FHI’s in-depth article on FDI and its impact on supply chains. It’s a valuable resource for anyone navigating today’s evolving logistics landscape.
FHI is a premier supply chain solutions provider, partnering with some of the nation’s largest retailers and manufacturers. With a focus on driving productivity, reducing risk, and delivering operational transparency, FHI empowers businesses to thrive in today’s dynamic logistics environment.