• COVER PAGE

  • MOTOWN RULES

  • 1998 PROPORTIONAL
  PERSPECTIVES

  • METHODOLOGY

  • NEW CORPORATE
 FACILITIES AND
 EXPANSIONS

  • THE LONG VIEW:
 MICHIGAN

  • 1999 FORECAST

  • 1998 TOP 20 U.S.
 FACILITIES

Analyses are only as good as the numbers behind them.

That's why Site Selection puts so much year-round expense and effort into the numbers that lie behind our annual tallies of new corporate facilities and expansions. In point of fact, the thoroughness and authenticity of SS's data have made our annual scoreboard the unchallenged barometer for gauging corporate location activity.

Predictably, our approach has been aped by competitors. The competition's methodology, however, leaves gaping holes: 1. It doesn't publish totals, only rankings derived from sporadic, fragmentary data-gathering. 2. Its 1998 "annual" analysis only measures nine months, three of them in 1997.

In short, we've been imitated, but not remotely duplicated. Consequently, we're inordinately pleased to once more restate the methodology behind our numbers, which is why they remain the industry benchmark.

Data Storage System: The accompanying U.S. state location analysis, plus our U.S. metro and industrial group location analyses, are derived from data stored in Site Selection's massive New Plant database. New Plant is widely regarded by industry experts as the world's largest, most exhaustive reservoir of corporate location data. And with good reason. SS has systematically tracked, stored and analyzed corporate expansion activity for more than 25 years. Currently, our New Plant database contains detailed profiles of 80,800 corporate location projects dating from 1989, including manufacturing, distribution, office, research, headquarters and other facility types. SS's editorial staff tap this valuable resource throughout the year.

Data Sources: A deep, broad pool of sources supply New Plant data, which is entered in our database year-round. More than 1,000 worldwide state/provincial, local and regional reporting teams are surveyed quarterly for data on new facilities and expansions. In addition, we gather data through online searches, news clippings, press releases and direct telephone contact with expanding firms.

Time Frame for Annual Analyses: Site Selection's 1998 analyses cover the period from Dec. 15, 1997 to Dec. 15, 1998. That is the general time frame covered in each year's analyses. New projects identified during a year's last two weeks are not included in year-end totals and analyses.

However, projects identified after our deadline are certainly not lost. Each year, those few projects are rolled over into the following year's SS totals. That ensures complete coverage and eliminates any possible disadvantage for sources that can't compile complete data before SS's reporting deadline.

Criteria for Project Inclusion: The New Plant database focuses on new corporate location projects with significant impact. SS does not track retail and government projects, or schools and hospitals.

To be included for analysis, new facilities and expansions must meet at least one of three criteria: (a) involve a capital investment of at least US$1 million, (b) create at least 50 new jobs, or (c) add at least 20,000 sq. ft. (1,858 sq. m.) of new floor area.

For more information on New Plant, contact Tim Venable at 1-770-446-6996 (USA) or by e-mail at tim.venable@conway.com