The Medalists

No matter how well you do it, just "making things" is not enough anymore. The definition of modern manufacturing encompasses every aspect of connecting with customers, suppliers, and partners. As old economies are transformed and the new economy emerges, R&D, sales and marketing, logistics, strategic direction, and production define manufacturing -- and the manufacturing locations in which it takes place. Of the thousands of manufacturing communities around the globe that aspire to excellence, 12 metropolitan areas distinguish themselves as truly world class. They are, quite simply, by the global measures that matter, the best of the best. Barcelona Houston Osaka Portland San Jose So Paulo Seoul Shanghai Singapore Stuttgart Tokyo Toronto